**All events in this essay are fictional. I have learned that sometimes it is better to want something you don’t have as opposed to having something you don’t want. My experience as a member of The Ministry has taught me that lesson. My story is an all-too-common one of vulnerability, hope, confusion and terror. My high school years were marked by active involvement in soccer, student ministry, and various clubs such as Amnesty …showed first 75 words of 1374 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1374 total…my parents moved in order to provide me with better psychological treatment. My anxiety has improved and I am able to make the majority of my own decisions. I am finally regaining my independence. If all goes well, this summer I plan on applying to the local university, where I wish to pursue social work and one day create programs for cult member’s families and ex-cult members. **All events in this essay are fictional