Three years ago, I embarked on a terrifying journey: becoming a college student at the age of 50 after only having an 8th-grade education and spending 35 years in a totalitarian cult. After three years of hard work, long nights, tears, and wanting to give up so many times, I have earned an associate's degree from NYU.
Congratulations Leah. I have a similar story. At age 16 in 1972, I dropped out of high school, left home and dropped out of society to "join" the Children of God, which turned into a notoriously abusive cult. After 20 years I finally escaped. Like you, I thought I was too dumb for university, but it turned out that my extremely low self-esteem was just a product of the cult's indoctrination. I was intellectually starved in the cult, so I was extremely nervous entering university at age 36, but instead of failing I thrived. I had straight As in every course over 4 years and graduated at the top of my class with a B.A. with distinction. I went on to law school and became a lawyer. For the last 20 years I've been an advocate for cult survivors, especially those who were born and raised in cults. My memoir, "Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life In A Doomsday Cult", describes some of that advocacy work, and how the second generation survivors of the COG/TFI were responsible for bringing that cult down. My memoir also describes and criticizes the role of cult apologist academic scholars who defended that cult while ignoring the claims and evidence of child abuse survivors saying they were exaggerating or lying, thus enabling wide spread child abuse to continue for years. It's never too late to learn. I'm sure you'll succeed in achieving your further academic goals. Btw, I greatly admire your advocacy work. There are many similarities between the Scientology and COG/TFI cults. In fact, the leaders of the latter cult sought advice from Scientology leaders and lawyers on how to handle their critics, such as Professor Steve Kent, who you had on your show, and who I consider the top expert on both those cults. He provided a blurb for the inside cover of my memoir.
I earned my bachelor’s degree by the age of 40 and at 55 working on my masters degree. It definitely isn’t too late. Congratulations to you. You’re an inspiration to many people. I wish you continued success as you reach your education goals. 🥳
Kicking ass, Leah! I actually draw inspiration from YOU! You're a warrior on the front battlelines, in the face of adversity and harassment, in exposing that mind-numbing, bankrupting, soul sucking cult. Leah Remini is one of my heroes. Well done on your Assoc. Degree!
Congratulations Leah. I graduated in 2022 at the age of 47 from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice. That piece of paper hangs frame on my wall with my gold tassels draped around it, reminding me that I not only realized my dream but kicked ass while doing it.
My ex who was my cult of one hated that I was going to school when I was younger and forced me to quit. He always tried to convince me that I wasn’t that smart and he was at a college level without having ever stepped foot in a college classroom. For too long I told myself I had missed my chance but then I was determined to show my kids that it’s never too late to follow your dream. I now have my dream job where I make decent money and can give my family every thing they deserve.
I am so proud of you and happy for you. You are an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations!! You have had the courage and stamina to become fully your authentic self when many past decades tried to disconnect you from your authentic self. Thanks to all the angels along the way who have been able to lend some tools, safety, and love on your journey of healing. And you have helped so many others in return!!
You are an inspiration as a 4th generation cult survivor (2x2), I am daily deconstucting… Your persistance and heart are always a light to me and my journey. “Your voice is not small it just needs to be heard…”
YES!! Congrats. Education saved my life. I was a high school drop out, I came from an abusive home where I was religiously indoctrinated, spiritually abused, and encouraged NOT go to college. I found my voice in college at 32 years old, graduated at 40 with my bachelor’s, and most importantly learned how to use my voice! So, I am so happy to read this for you. You deserve this. It’s like watching someone re-parent themself…grow up and have a second life of their choosing. You are an inspiration, and proof that there is no bondage so great, no barrier, that can prevent an indomitable spirit, such as yours, from achieving its destiny. What a joy to watch your journey. HUGS.
I was excited to read this today. I was raised a Jehovah's Witness. They were against higher education and because of this, I did not even graduate high school because of getting married young. I am 55 now. I no longer belong to the Jehovah witness organization because of your scientology show.( pat yourself on the back :) And I am almost done with my bachelors degree and will be starting a Masters program for counseling/ therapy soon. My plan is to specialize in religious trauma. As I know it first hand. I daily do school work that is well above my brain capacity. All I do is writing, writing and more writing of essays and can totally relate to the crying. Every week when I get a new syllabus I go through the meltdown for a whole day and try to wrap my head around how I can tackle this mess. I try not to be bitter over not doing it earlier. I am running out of time to aquire a retirement. The witnesses teach you the world is ending and you wont need an edication let alone a retirement. Well here I am, 55, newly divorced, poor and alone. ( you lose all your friends and family too) I'm here to tell everyone you do need a career and an education. It's scary. Looking back I can see the universe gave me plenty of messages to get out of it, but fear kept me pushing my way back into a place that was doing its best to break me. When a religion tells you not to trust your instinct, your gut feelings, that you are sinful and wrong to listen to that little voice you were given for protection. Its time to run. I don't know how they can live with themselves.
Anyhow- thank you for everything you have done, knowing they'd retaliate. You have helped many more people than scientologist. I wish you the best of luck in school. And congratulations.
I will give a tip if your interested or for whoever reads this- Collegehacked ...saved my life. Lots of information on how to get your education faster and cheaper than typical universities. For people like me that need to do it economically and as quick as possible.
I wrote too long so I put it in a message on your instagram. I can't cut what I wrote too long on here. One word missing would not do you justice. I just hope you see it. I am so beyond thrilled for you! Congratulations Grad! This note is so tacky so sorry. I have been typing for hours. Its not near my original post. All your hard work. Whew! I can imagine your smile. :) I am smiling with you. You are amazing!
Congratulations Leah‼️❤️ I was an adult student too. It was Haaaaarrd! You did it anyway. Go for it. Get your Bachelors. Glad you have an amazing support system. We are rooting for you!!! Lots of Love & Support.
Something in me says we will one day see a degree that says Leah is now a full-fledged member of the bar, and will be known as Ms. Leah Remini-Pagan, JD, Esquire! You have inspired so many people with your grit, determination, and your fight for what is fair and right. You remind us what love for mankind is supposed to look like. You own your past, you work to make things better for others, and you share love and respect. That, truly is what "Clearing The Planet" should be. I'm in awe of you.
Yes, congratulations! 🥰 Its a huge deal. I find it difficult to study after the duress around studying being in scientology for 26 years. I feel someone's watching every move still, like they did.
Congratulations Leah. I have a similar story. At age 16 in 1972, I dropped out of high school, left home and dropped out of society to "join" the Children of God, which turned into a notoriously abusive cult. After 20 years I finally escaped. Like you, I thought I was too dumb for university, but it turned out that my extremely low self-esteem was just a product of the cult's indoctrination. I was intellectually starved in the cult, so I was extremely nervous entering university at age 36, but instead of failing I thrived. I had straight As in every course over 4 years and graduated at the top of my class with a B.A. with distinction. I went on to law school and became a lawyer. For the last 20 years I've been an advocate for cult survivors, especially those who were born and raised in cults. My memoir, "Misguided: My Jesus Freak Life In A Doomsday Cult", describes some of that advocacy work, and how the second generation survivors of the COG/TFI were responsible for bringing that cult down. My memoir also describes and criticizes the role of cult apologist academic scholars who defended that cult while ignoring the claims and evidence of child abuse survivors saying they were exaggerating or lying, thus enabling wide spread child abuse to continue for years. It's never too late to learn. I'm sure you'll succeed in achieving your further academic goals. Btw, I greatly admire your advocacy work. There are many similarities between the Scientology and COG/TFI cults. In fact, the leaders of the latter cult sought advice from Scientology leaders and lawyers on how to handle their critics, such as Professor Steve Kent, who you had on your show, and who I consider the top expert on both those cults. He provided a blurb for the inside cover of my memoir.
I earned my bachelor’s degree by the age of 40 and at 55 working on my masters degree. It definitely isn’t too late. Congratulations to you. You’re an inspiration to many people. I wish you continued success as you reach your education goals. 🥳
Kicking ass, Leah! I actually draw inspiration from YOU! You're a warrior on the front battlelines, in the face of adversity and harassment, in exposing that mind-numbing, bankrupting, soul sucking cult. Leah Remini is one of my heroes. Well done on your Assoc. Degree!
Congratulations Leah. I graduated in 2022 at the age of 47 from Rowan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice. That piece of paper hangs frame on my wall with my gold tassels draped around it, reminding me that I not only realized my dream but kicked ass while doing it.
My ex who was my cult of one hated that I was going to school when I was younger and forced me to quit. He always tried to convince me that I wasn’t that smart and he was at a college level without having ever stepped foot in a college classroom. For too long I told myself I had missed my chance but then I was determined to show my kids that it’s never too late to follow your dream. I now have my dream job where I make decent money and can give my family every thing they deserve.
I am so proud of you and happy for you. You are an inspiration to us all.
Congratulations to you. I got my GED in 2004 at age 51. I really did get a sense of accomplishment.
Keep going!! It is never too late. I was over 50 when I got my bachelor’s and my sister’s was in her sixties when she got her master’s.
Congratulations!! You have had the courage and stamina to become fully your authentic self when many past decades tried to disconnect you from your authentic self. Thanks to all the angels along the way who have been able to lend some tools, safety, and love on your journey of healing. And you have helped so many others in return!!
You are an inspiration as a 4th generation cult survivor (2x2), I am daily deconstucting… Your persistance and heart are always a light to me and my journey. “Your voice is not small it just needs to be heard…”
Congratulations dear girl! I'm so proud of all that you've accomplished and the battles that you are fighting, you're a gem!
YES!! Congrats. Education saved my life. I was a high school drop out, I came from an abusive home where I was religiously indoctrinated, spiritually abused, and encouraged NOT go to college. I found my voice in college at 32 years old, graduated at 40 with my bachelor’s, and most importantly learned how to use my voice! So, I am so happy to read this for you. You deserve this. It’s like watching someone re-parent themself…grow up and have a second life of their choosing. You are an inspiration, and proof that there is no bondage so great, no barrier, that can prevent an indomitable spirit, such as yours, from achieving its destiny. What a joy to watch your journey. HUGS.
I was excited to read this today. I was raised a Jehovah's Witness. They were against higher education and because of this, I did not even graduate high school because of getting married young. I am 55 now. I no longer belong to the Jehovah witness organization because of your scientology show.( pat yourself on the back :) And I am almost done with my bachelors degree and will be starting a Masters program for counseling/ therapy soon. My plan is to specialize in religious trauma. As I know it first hand. I daily do school work that is well above my brain capacity. All I do is writing, writing and more writing of essays and can totally relate to the crying. Every week when I get a new syllabus I go through the meltdown for a whole day and try to wrap my head around how I can tackle this mess. I try not to be bitter over not doing it earlier. I am running out of time to aquire a retirement. The witnesses teach you the world is ending and you wont need an edication let alone a retirement. Well here I am, 55, newly divorced, poor and alone. ( you lose all your friends and family too) I'm here to tell everyone you do need a career and an education. It's scary. Looking back I can see the universe gave me plenty of messages to get out of it, but fear kept me pushing my way back into a place that was doing its best to break me. When a religion tells you not to trust your instinct, your gut feelings, that you are sinful and wrong to listen to that little voice you were given for protection. Its time to run. I don't know how they can live with themselves.
Anyhow- thank you for everything you have done, knowing they'd retaliate. You have helped many more people than scientologist. I wish you the best of luck in school. And congratulations.
I will give a tip if your interested or for whoever reads this- Collegehacked ...saved my life. Lots of information on how to get your education faster and cheaper than typical universities. For people like me that need to do it economically and as quick as possible.
I wrote too long so I put it in a message on your instagram. I can't cut what I wrote too long on here. One word missing would not do you justice. I just hope you see it. I am so beyond thrilled for you! Congratulations Grad! This note is so tacky so sorry. I have been typing for hours. Its not near my original post. All your hard work. Whew! I can imagine your smile. :) I am smiling with you. You are amazing!
Congratulations Leah‼️❤️ I was an adult student too. It was Haaaaarrd! You did it anyway. Go for it. Get your Bachelors. Glad you have an amazing support system. We are rooting for you!!! Lots of Love & Support.
Something in me says we will one day see a degree that says Leah is now a full-fledged member of the bar, and will be known as Ms. Leah Remini-Pagan, JD, Esquire! You have inspired so many people with your grit, determination, and your fight for what is fair and right. You remind us what love for mankind is supposed to look like. You own your past, you work to make things better for others, and you share love and respect. That, truly is what "Clearing The Planet" should be. I'm in awe of you.
Yes, congratulations! 🥰 Its a huge deal. I find it difficult to study after the duress around studying being in scientology for 26 years. I feel someone's watching every move still, like they did.
Good for you, Leah! You can learn at any age. I am still learning at 77! :-)