RaissaLima
Jan 9, 2015
Undergraduate / My best friend, whom I love dearly, felt ashamed of being himself. He admitted to me that he is gay. [2]
American University is known for its politically active student body, where students engage in a variety of local, national, and global issues. Discuss an issue of importance to you and how you hope to become further involved with it as a member of the American University community. (250 word limit - no minimum)
There were laughs one moment and crying the next. We had bonded during our biology class the year before and our friendship had blossomed. But then, all of sudden, something snapped in my best friend. He was not himself, he was distant easily agitated and I had no idea what to do. Months later over a 2 a.m skype conversation he admitted to me that he is gay and that he hoped my perception of our friendship would not change. Days later he aired a blog on his youtube channel speaking of his struggle with self acceptance, depression, and self harm. As I noticed tears streaming down my cheeks, I truly discovered the impact that social standards can have on a person. My best friend, whom I love dearly, felt ashamed of being himself. As a result of our friendship, I feel like I have acquired greater social awareness. The word "gay" has a negative connotation to some, even in a nation that prides itself on diversity. "Gay" is still used as an insult. As a member of American University, I hope to work to solve this problem. By participating in Active Minds, an organization that encourages others to speak out about mental health and educate others about the realities of mental health, I hope to provide awareness for LGBT issues.
American University is known for its politically active student body, where students engage in a variety of local, national, and global issues. Discuss an issue of importance to you and how you hope to become further involved with it as a member of the American University community. (250 word limit - no minimum)
There were laughs one moment and crying the next. We had bonded during our biology class the year before and our friendship had blossomed. But then, all of sudden, something snapped in my best friend. He was not himself, he was distant easily agitated and I had no idea what to do. Months later over a 2 a.m skype conversation he admitted to me that he is gay and that he hoped my perception of our friendship would not change. Days later he aired a blog on his youtube channel speaking of his struggle with self acceptance, depression, and self harm. As I noticed tears streaming down my cheeks, I truly discovered the impact that social standards can have on a person. My best friend, whom I love dearly, felt ashamed of being himself. As a result of our friendship, I feel like I have acquired greater social awareness. The word "gay" has a negative connotation to some, even in a nation that prides itself on diversity. "Gay" is still used as an insult. As a member of American University, I hope to work to solve this problem. By participating in Active Minds, an organization that encourages others to speak out about mental health and educate others about the realities of mental health, I hope to provide awareness for LGBT issues.
