Next May, I will withdraw from Yale College for three semesters to serve on a proselytizing mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Although there are many misconceptions about Mormonism, most people have heard that Mormon youth serve missions in which each is called to a specific area of the world to share the doctrines of Mormonism. Mormon men generally leave for their missions at the age of 19 and serve for a period of two years; women leave at age 21 and serve for 18 months.

I know withdrawing for three semesters and going on a mission is an extreme and unusual action for a female junior at Yale. Clearly, my decision suggests that I am committed to my religion. Being a Mormon, though, is a lifestyle. It is difficult to be a "Sunday Mormon," attending church on the Sabbath and then abandoning the religion's teachings for the rest of the week.

Each day, I concentrate on internalizing the moral and spiritual codes I am taught both by my teachers and by the scriptures. I obey the Word of Wisdom, a revelation given by God to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833, which advises every member of the Church to avoid tobacco, alcohol, coffee and tea, and in general to maintain a healthy body. I obey the Law of Chastity which prohibits premarital sex. I try to surround myself with moral and inspriring people and to maintain a positive, Christian attitude.

Is it difficult to be a Mormon student on the Yale campus? Certainly there are people on this campus who neither adhere to the principles of the Word of Wisdom nor follow the Law of Chastity, but does that mean it is impossible for me to be a devoted member of my church? I answer with a resounding "No." In my two and a half years at Yale, my devotion to my religion and my ability to follow its precepts have only increased. The Mormon community at Yale is small (there is a congregation of about 120 undergraduate and graduate students), but our members and our leaders are committed and supportive. We are close friends brought together by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The unpaid lay clergy is composed of professors and students who are familiar with the lifestyle at Yale and the challenges of being religious on a university campus.

It has not only been roommates, friends, advisors, and professors who have enabled me to be an active Mormon while at Yale. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has its own meetinghouse on the Yale campus, the Wilford Woodruff Center on Trumbull Street. In addition to Sunday meetings, I attend a scripture study class Monday and Wednesday mornings at the Center during which a Mormon Divinity School student leads about 25 Mormon students through the Book of Mormon and the Bible, joint scriptures of Mormonism.

There is no doubt that my decision to come to Yale was in part influenced by whether or not I would be able to practice my religion effectively while at college. I chose Yale because I felt that it is a place that welcomes and accomodates religious diversity. I felt, after researching the social and academic climate at Yale, that as a Mormon I would be respected and my habits would be unhindered. I proved to be correct. My first year roommates were not only respectful; they were fascinated. Today, those same roommates brag to others about being "Mormon Experts" because of all they have learned about my beliefs. My daily prayers and scripture study never seem to bother anyone, and often others ask to be included in these practices.

In accordance with Mormon tradition, I fast the first Sunday of every month as an expression of devotion to God. When I choose to do so, others may notice me skipping a few meals, but no one ever drags me to the dining hall or scorns my decision not to eat for religious reasons as pointless or unhealthy. My lifestyle, no matter how unusual, has only been a source of inspiring conversation. No limitations have been placed on either my desire or my ability to practice the religion that brings me so much joy.

As a Mormon at Yale, I have been both challenged and enhanced. My integrity has been put to the test, as has my conviction of what I believe and my discipline to act upon those beliefs. On the whole, however, my experience here as a religious student has been positive. I am more deeply involved in my church than when I came to Yale and I am grateful for the opportunities for religious growth that Yale provides. I am also grateful that Yale has accommodated my need to withdraw for my mission. I will miss Yale when I am away, but it is partly my confirming experiences here that have given me the desire to go.

Neylan McBaine, JE'99, is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.