However, I was raised by a very closely knit, open-minded family, who all held separate beliefs regarding religion, spirituality, and the belief in a higher power. My family would express these beliefs freely, and would not attempt to shield me from reality, which is perhaps why I began questioning what I was being taught in the Catholic Church. With the push from my family, and constantly hearing several differing philosophies, I began practicing skepticism early on. ... After our eighth grade year, members of my class split off and went to various high schools, and I began attending St. ...

• Word Count: 1453
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School