<p>Hello everyone, I just wanted to ask for some advice. First of all, I'm gay. Phew, glad to get that off my chest, haha.
I'm a senior who attends a small private Catholic high school in Louisiana. Also, I live in an extremely conservative Christian household in which homosexuality is absolutely a no-no. Because of this-- by the way, my parents do know about my attractions to other guys-- I have had to attend counseling in addition to the multiple times I attend nondenominational church service and/or Mass every week. My church is known to be very conservative and somewhat judgmental, and my school isn't the most accepting either.
I just want to know if you guys have any advice on how to deal with this personally. Not only am I gay, but also I'm one of the very few minorities in my almost completely caucasian high school, so I'm somewhat accustomed to being... different. I just don't want to feel like I can't even be me. I feel like I'm going crazy with all of this, and the fact that I'm taking all ap's and have other school things doesn't help at all. If you could give me some encouragement, that would be great. Thanks :)</p>
<p>But why do you go to an all white Catholic high school?</p>
<p>Accept that there are people who really believe that being gay is a sin and then ignore them. Are you bullied in school? </p>
<p>IDK. It’s out there, but even though you may not want to, you should probably just keep it to yourself (for now). Don’t invite criticism by admitting you like someone in your school. Then when college comes around get the hell out of there and become a Lady Gaga fan.</p>
<p>I go to the school because my parents wanted me to go there. It’s an exceptional school though IMO. It’s just that I may not have the opportunity to go far away from home when I go to college. That’s why I’m pretty worried and concerned about my own sanity.</p>
<p>Why would you not be able to go away?</p>
<p>I’m hoping to attend some pretty prestigious universities; however, they cost quite a bit of money. My parents do make a sizable amount of money, but they don’t make enough money to blow 60K of it every year in tuition and other expenses. So they sort of want me to go to a school close to home that is well-known for its engineering program.</p>
<p>Because of this I don’t know what to do…</p>
<p>How about Tulane? Are your grades and scores good enough for a scholarship (merit)? Better than L S U.</p>
<p>Tulare doesn’t have the best engineering program, but yes, I could definitely get in. I’ll be either valedictorian or salutatorian of my class. I have a 31 on the ACT-- 34 superscore, so I know I can bring it up. And I’m assuming that other factors will help me (i.e. being half African American and half Hispanic, various extracurriculars, etc.). As far as scholarships go, well, that’s what I’m worried about. I don’t think that my credentials are fantastic enough to get a great scholarship.</p>
<p>First, you don’t have to go close to home. You’re grades are good (?) and you can get merit based scholarships. Look up some colleges not just top ten universities but ones with features that genuinely interest you. Find a college you love and apply to several all around the country.
Second, I get that sort of isolation. I’m not gay so not the exact same sort but it’s there. You just kind of continue existing. I plan my future and study. I do a ton of ECs and keep busy. That way I don’t have to worry to much about people. You’ll be ok it’s just high school it’s just a few years. Pretty soon you’ll be elsewhere</p>
<p>Thank you very much. I really do appreciate it. My grades are good (4.0 uw, 4.40 weighted at the end of junior year), so that should help. I’ll just keep on keeping on and take your advice to heart. :)</p>
<p>With your grades I think you have a realistic shot at many schools (and maybe you can get merit aid which would allow you to go farther away/maybe to a more liberal area). I must admit that seems like a not idea situation to be in. The best advice I can give is to focus on the fact that you only have one year left at home. Also I have found that people are much more accepting of things then you would think. I have a friend who is gay and an orthodox Jew, although his parents are not thrilled, other people in his family were accepting and his friends were as well.</p>
<p>I went thru the same thing. It definitely sucks, but you’ve made it this far. I wouldn’t commute next year though if that’s what you mean, whether it’s your parents forcing you to counseling, or you chose that to cope. As long as you move and take control of your life, it shouldn’t matter so much how far. You can find your own niche by this time next year, just about anywhere. </p>
<p>For now, you deal with it by not internalizing all the crap you hear, accepting that the people around you are wrong. Focus on your work and apply to several schools in and out of state. Try to imagine a place where you soon can be yourself, not dwell on the ******s you’re temporarily surrounded by.</p>
<p>Hey MuffinMan!</p>
<p>I sent you a message about what you posted here. I figured I’d touch base with you privately.</p>
<p>If anyone else is reading this and is experiencing similar struggles, my inbox is open.</p>
<p>I think you should definitely try to get further away for school. it sounds like your current situation is miserable, and college is a great opportunity to live in a new place during 4 years of your life.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt, UTD Full ride for you, UT, Harvey Mudd engineering program and very liberal, Cooper Union full ride, etc.</p>
<p>Thank everybody. It’s feels good to know that there are actually people out there who are accepting and care. I’ll just stick out this year (bleh) and hope for the best.</p>