Hello, everyone. I am "NewStudent" because, well I'll be going to college in the fall this year. Also, I am just recently coming to terms with what I believe is really so.
I started contemplating atheism since I was 16. I am now 21. Since then, I've gone back and forth between paganism--or rather, neo-paganism--and atheism. My older brother introduced paganism to me when I was 12, 13 years old. Thought it was a cool way to look at life. I didn't really think about non belief until my older brother died. That really was a changing point in my life...he was my best friend, and we always had long philosophical conversations about religion, science, funny things, and other random things. He killed himself because he thought that "God" wouldn't love him if he was gay.
Anyways. I grew up in a Christian household, so my family is very Christian (except my other older brother). My mother hates that I used to be pagan,, so imagine how she would react to my atheism--or, as I like to call it, secular humanism.
Honestly, despite the bad and the tragedy, I feel that atheism is very uplifting and enlightening and so beautiful--this life, right now, is so much more precious than if I was living a theistic life. I've been reading a lot of Carl Sagan and Richard Dawkins lately, as well as "Idiot's Guide to Evolution" (you gotta start somewhere, right?).
I look forward to hearing everyone's thoughts :)
Thanks for reading.
Hi NS201
That was an interesting and insightful introduction. Such a shame about your brother, what a waste of a life. Where are you going to college and what are you going to do?
Thanks for making the effort to sign up and join in.
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Regards
Chris
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Welcome to the boards. I'm sorry to hear about your brother, but it appears you have been able to handle his death well, at least based on your initial post.
The fact I'm 27 and can't really relate to death terrifies me. I have had people die, but never anyone I'm really close to. Since I have very little practice, I'm terrified of how I will deal with it when I do lose someone close to me. I seem to be one of the few 27 year olds with 4 living grandparents...
Welcome to the forums. I hope you stick around since you seem like you will be a valuable member.
Well, I am going to be taking my basic classes at Lonestar Community College. I've been out of school for about two years now, so I'll be taking remedial math (never was good at that subject), college level English (huzzah!), psychology, and humanities. I want to be a therapist, or maybe a social worker. I've thought about teaching small children as well.
@ThinkAnarchy: Death can be terrifying. I have lost two of the most closest people in the world. Yes, I was devastated when it happened--but then I accepted it. I've forgiven my brother for not being wiser and more aware of his situation. And when it comes down to it, life goes on. Just breathe. And be thankful for the life you have in your own hands (your own, I mean.) There's no reason to fear death--our consciousness will fade, as will our memory with time, and everyone goes sometime.
Okay I'm done rambling. Hope this helped :)
Quote from: NewStudent201 on April 14, 2012, 11:53:18 PMI've forgiven my brother for not being wiser and more aware of his situation.
I don't really understand the need to forgive your brother but then I've never been in your place. I'd understand children judging a parent who leaves them. I think it's the society in the wrong for these things and I don't forgive it. There's a conservative politician in a conservative area, outspoken anti gay, you probably know the type. So he's a hard man but he gets misty talking about how people have it hard and are suiciding, can't we help them? This bastard will probably never see the irony of this, he pushes them to the cliff and is surprised when they fall.
Hello welcome :)
Quote from: NewStudent201 on April 14, 2012, 11:53:18 PM
Well, I am going to be taking my basic classes at Lonestar Community College. I've been out of school for about two years now, so I'll be taking remedial math (never was good at that subject), college level English (huzzah!), psychology, and humanities. I want to be a therapist, or maybe a social worker. I've thought about teaching small children as well.
Teaching is very much a two edged sword. My wife teaches and her PhD was in how young children learn to socialise and play. But she has no desire to teach young kids, she teaches young adults who go on to be the lead professionals in early learning centres. The knack appears to be finding the age group you work best with. I have a new grandson (my first) and I love taking him out and about to experience new things. It's wonderful to watch him explore as he grows up.
I'm so sorry about your brother, NewStudent. Welcome to the forum--look forward to getting to know you better.
Welcome, NewStudent. I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. I think you'll find this a very friendly and supportive community.
Thanks everyone :) see, I love being around younger kids. I always smile really big when I see a little kid walk by. I once played peek-a-boo for a total of five seconds with a little girl going by in a stroller with her mom. Maybe being a kindergarden teacher would be an option...but I hear the teaching career doesn't pay well.
Welcome from a fellow new sign up. This is an interesting group, very open.
One thought line of career picking I like is "Do what you enjoy, the money will follow". Besides, teaching pay isn't that bad. I'd be happy to see one of my kids end up a public school teacher.
Quote from: NewStudent201 on April 14, 2012, 11:53:18 PM
Well, I am going to be taking my basic classes at Lonestar Community College. I've been out of school for about two years now, so I'll be taking remedial math (never was good at that subject), college level English (huzzah!), psychology, and humanities. I want to be a therapist, or maybe a social worker. I've thought about teaching small children as well.
@ThinkAnarchy: Death can be terrifying. I have lost two of the most closest people in the world. Yes, I was devastated when it happened--but then I accepted it. I've forgiven my brother for not being wiser and more aware of his situation. And when it comes down to it, life goes on. Just breathe. And be thankful for the life you have in your own hands (your own, I mean.) There's no reason to fear death--our consciousness will fade, as will our memory with time, and everyone goes sometime.
Okay I'm done rambling. Hope this helped :)
Welcome. Sorry about your brother, I have a close relative that took his own life as well different circumstances though. I too am looking to start college in the fall. Good job on the English btw. I hit 99 on my last compass reading test ( I think 99 is actually a perfect. Not sure). Don't feel bad about the math though. I was a year ahead of the Average in HS, my last test was horrible. But it has been 10 years. So I went back and studied and relearned basic algebra in about 8 days. So yeah. I'm ready for this compass test. Study hard and you would be amazed at how fast you can learn.