Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are
Tuck students recognize how their individuality adds to the fabric of Tuck. Tell us who you are.
Growing up in an evangelical, conservative family, while coming to terms with my identity as gay, was formative for my individuality. As a child, immersing myself in football kept me so busy I didn’t have to confront any conflicts in my identity, but after a concussion in high school, varsity football was out. I redirected my energy toward my other great passion – politics – but soon my suppressed identity became a major conflict.
In 2016, I was elected chairman of Southern Nebraska University’s College Republicans club. Personally, I was distressed by our candidate’s homophobic rhetoric, but as the ‘face’ of the Republican Party on campus, I had to suppress my discomfort with the party’s positions. Being in the closet while navigating this role wasn’t easy: I convinced the club to resist overtly endorsing the candidate, but we were obligated to support the party’s platform, including its opposition to gay marriage. After graduation, II decided I was done hiding my identity. I came out as gay: to my family, my friends, and classmates. It was difficult, but I needed to live my life authentically.
Today, I still hold complex political and social views, but I immerse in diverse viewpoints in all facets of my life. Navigating relationships with people who agree or disagree with my views, family and friends, liberal and conservative, has taught me to seek areas of understanding despite our differences.
The catalyst that launched this journey to self-acceptance was that concussion in high school, which forced me to give up my varsity football dreams, although I coached the local high school football team for several years. One of the things I most look forward about the Tuck community is joining Tripod hockey and learning a new sport, one that I can share with all of my diverse Tuck classmates.