Bob Jones University

Date: Jul 25 2006
Major: Education (This Major's Salary over time)
Although my church channelled it's youth to Bob Jones University and I thought I knew what I was getting into, I was not prepared for this experience. Classes focused on rote memorization rather than on teaching how to think, encouraging creativity, or engaging students in ideas that would differ from conservative views. I found the rules demoralizing, feeling like some students, faculty, and staff were more concerned with "catching" you talking to a member of the opposite sex before breakfast, wearing a skirt that didn't completely cover the knee, or chewing gum in the dining hall rather than with forming a human connection or respecting a person for who they are.

The amount of rage and despisement—for Catholics, for blacks, for liberals, and basically for most people who didn't agree with the Jones—came in regular doses at chapel (attendence required, differing ideas definitely discouraged—one could be kicked out for having a wrong/bad attitude). I did eventually leave to attend a kinder, more tolerant religious school, this decision being one of the best I ever made. I still have occasional nightmares that I'm at BJU, and can't tell you how relieved I am when I wake up and realize I am far far away.