As you’ve probably already read in my Common App essay, I came out as gay during my Freshman year of high school. While that is a commendable feat for anyone, the circumstances of my coming out were very different. I came out to my entire conservative community, Newark, a town of about 1000. Where hope once resided, fear took over. I had hoped that there would be a smooth transition; however, hate reared its ugly head fairly quickly. One of the most influential experiences occurred during my Sophomore year. Someone in my class began sending me threatening messages, saying they could kill me if they wanted. I didn’t know what to do or where to go. I was afraid that if I told anyone, the repercussions would be worse. Eventually, my best friend
