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Hi I'm Phil
I'm a Poli Sci major and a news junkie. I'm a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. And I'm a Mormon.
About Me
Currently, I'm a Political Science major at Northwestern University who hopes to go into government, business, health, or somehow all three. College has been an eye-opening, challenging experience in many ways, not only academically, but also spiritually. Thankfully I have wonderful support groups, including my fraternity brothers, the small, tight-knit LDS community where I attend college, and other friends near and far. I enjoy skiing, reading, biking, running, making music, and being with friends and family.
Why I am a Mormon
While I grew up around many Mormon friends and defended them on many counts, I never really took faith all that seriously. During my freshman year at college, I started taking the gospel seriously and learned about it through the missionary discussions. While I have many personal struggles, investment in the gospel has helped me improve and feel spiritually alive once again. It will be a lifelong battle but I know He has helped me so much already. I was baptized on March 19th, 2011 by one of my best friends, and confirmed the following day by another. I have continued to be blessed with many great Mormon friendships, and after expanding my network of friendships and progressing more in the Gospel, I was ordained to the office of Elder on December 9th, 2012 by another one of my wonderful friends while surrounded by many others. Via North Star International and the Voice(s) of Hope project, this has only improved. It is not enough to merely understand the gospel: you have pray on it, believe in it, and then live it. I have already felt how staying true to it has made me a better person. I'm more honest and open with my family and friends, and is has been easier to remain true to my core principles and everybody I know or meet.
How I live my faith
It is more difficult to participate in all of the wonderful church activities here in the bustling, vibrant Chicago metro area. However, by living my faith I merely do my best to be of service whenever possible, attend church as many Sundays as I possibly can in spite of the distance, and attempt to set a good example.