I hold no ill will toward Teen Mania and have come to terms with my experience, forgiven people, and moved on. However, I feel like I need to share my experience with the board of directors in order potentially improve the Honor Academy as a whole and spare others from a similar experience.
My experience with TM began when I went to my first ATF in 1998 and had an amazing experience – it was the first time that I really surrendered my life to Christ and started really living for Him. After this experience I went on several TM mission trips and was very excited about going to the HA once I graduated from High School. As a side-note, I will always be grateful for these experiences and have no regrets for my participation in them.
My year at the Honor Academy began and I was placed in a job as a recruiter/mobilizer. It was my job to basically talk people into coming to the HA (which now I find both ironic and regretful now). We were taught by our supervisors all the right things to say to overcome the objections many students and parents had by using, what I now realize, was guilt and spiritual manipulation. If a student admitted that he/she wasn’t really sure what they wanted to do with the rest of their lives, we were encouraged to tell them that they were not following God’s will if they didn’t decide to come to the HA. If a student couldn’t raise enough money, or their parents objected to them coming, we told them this was a spiritual attack that was keeping them from doing God’s will without even considering all sides of the issue. Instead of really considering whether this decision was right or wrong for the people we were talking to, we went at it with the gusto of a military recruiter, using the number of recruits to prove our worthiness as an intern to our supervisors.
It wasn’t long before I began to really feel the burden of the pressure to perform. I am generally a pretty driven person anyways, but TM took that desire to please to a whole different unhealthy level for me. One of the main things I disagree with that TM does is putting everyone on the same level physically/mentally/emotionally etc… especially when there are no trained doctors or psychologists that I know of on staff to make these assessments. I began the internship as a pleaser and perfectionist, however, instead of helping me to overcome these issues, the HA proved to be an environment where these traits were fed and helped to grow. Unfortunately, my desire to please the leadership and to be the perfect intern, combined with a culture of shame, and the physical expectations to fast, run, be sleep deprived, and “discipline my body” in order to please God, created a “perfect storm” for a four year battle with anorexia and bulimia.
As others have probably stated, I was originally surprised by the incredible emphasis on physical discipline and the explicit association between pushing ourselves physically and our spiritual state. Though I was surprised at first, I soon learned to embrace it. As I deprived myself by not eating (even while not fasting) and by exercising more than what was required, I was convinced that God was happy with me and the way I was “beating my body and making it my slave.” I now realize how ridiculous this is, but to me as an insecure 18 year old was trying to get the leadership of an organization she admired to approve of her, (and by extension God to approve of her) it made perfect sense.
I just think it is SO important for TM attention to recognize studies that show that, according to the National Eating Disorders Association, “Over one half of teenage girls and nearly one third of teenage boys use unhealthy weight control behaviors such as skipping meals, fasting, smoking cigarettes, vomiting, and taking laxatives.” (NeumarkSztainer,2005). Though not all of these cases end up in full blown eating disorders, TM’s forcing people to fast regularly and demand high levels physical activity, combined with an atmosphere of shame is a “Perfect Storm” for someone like me who already struggled with body dismorphia issues. These issues were never discussed or as far as I can tell taken into consideration by the leadership. I’m sure that some people would say, well, why didn’t you just tell someone about your concerns? Well, like anyone who has ever dealt with an eating disorder (or addiction for that matter) will tell you, secrecy and shame are what these disorders thrive on. Like many interns, I felt like if I didn’t do the things the leadership asked of me (fasting, running, etc…) I was somehow letting God down and therefore forced myself to do them.
I have since, through counseling, come to resolve many of these issues and have grown a lot from the experience. I know this is probably not the intent of TM in requiring these disciplines and that for many physical exercise and fasting is highly beneficial. However, because of the alarming mortality rate, physical, and psychological issues related to eating disorders, I believe TM MUST address these issues for the safety and well-being of its participants. That being said, I have not been a part of the HA for 9 years, so hopefully something has changed since then. However, if not, someone NEEDS to call attention to this very dangerous situation.
One of the things that disturbs me most about this is that somewhere in this experience, I began to associate what the leadership told me to do as what God would want me to do, never questioning the safety or the truth behind anything that was said. Thus, when the leadership told me it was godly to “beat my body and make it my slave” I never questioned it and took it as if it came from God himself. Some might say, I could have had this response regardless of the ministry I was a part of, however, what I find problematic about the HA is the lack of room to question authority and form our own opinions through genuinely seeking God. By questioning authority, I don’t mean in a disrespectful manner, what I do mean is allowing the interns the freedom to ask questions if they don’t fully understand and for the leadership to admit that they might not always have it right. I did not find either of these things at the HA, instead, I felt as if I was in a military boot camp most of the time, expected to take orders without question. In my opinion this sets up interns, such as myself, to become victims of spiritual manipulation and abuse by blindly following a person rather than seeking God for themselves.
45 comments:
Anonymous said…This post has been removed by a blog administrator.June 2, 2010 9:06 AM
Anonymous said…
I wish I could hug you right now for being brave and sharing your experiences. I too struggled with an eating disorder for 14 years and understand the drive/need to be perfect. My husband’s unconditional love broke through the facade and despite my best attempts to push him away, he showed me what it means to love the broken.
God doesn’t want perfection. Otherwise we would not have need of a Savior. He wants our broken, bleeding hearts to love. I pray that as you lay your struggles before God, that you truly discover what it means to be a living sacrifice. It is in that place of brokeness where God heals, restores and His glory radiates out of the holes/voids created in our lives.
I pray in Jesus’s name that you discover how deep and wide his love is for you, that you find forgiveness despite your pain and that others may come to know God because of your life. I pray healing in your life and your relationships to be restored. The sad part in everybody’s stories is how the enemy was able to twist something good into something which caused oppression and strongholds in people’s lives.
Praying for you all…
A concerned Tulsa intern.
June 2, 2010 9:26 AM
Anonymous said…
I just posted behind the first anon writer. Yes, bringing issues up from ten years ago does help, especially if somebody is still struggling. Talking about things IS a means of coping and healing. So the pain gets published in a blog. Big deal. Perhaps a new wine skin needs to replace the old one which has been grossly overused with warped perspectives. I pray from now on you respond out of love rather than absolutes. God heals the brokenhearted in HIS timing not our own.
A Tulsa Intern.
June 2, 2010 9:42 AM
Josh ex-intern 00-01 said…
Anon @9:06 – I’m an intern from 10 years ago with tons of hurt from my experience at HA. What you are failing to see is that most of the time, the hurt at HA carries beyond that timeframe to a more recent time as Krista, as well as myself, have shared (Read Derek’s Story).
Telling someone to “get over it and move on” is easier said then done.
Let me ask you a question, have you ever lost someone you love? Do you still miss them? Well, if it didn’t happen yesterday, then according to you, you need to get over it and move on.
Krista, thank you for sharing your story, and I hope that you will be able to find, or have found, the healing you need.
June 2, 2010 9:59 AM
Anonymous said…
The Bible was written by human beings. Human beings who are flawed. Sure it might be inspired by God. Imagine if Ron Luce or Dave Hasz had some of their ideas about God in the Bible. Holy crap would that suck for the world. So Anonymous that wants to take everything the Bible says exactly as it’s written – go get some slaves and have sex with both of your daughters (Lot and his daughters) – that’s in the Bible too.
June 2, 2010 10:06 AM
layne said…
“By the way ‘beat your body and make it your slave’ is not just from leadership it is from the Bible.”
And it is missused by leadership for manipulation and abuse. Anon@9:06, you are not welcome here if you plan to continue that abuse toward people who are trying to heal.
June 2, 2010 10:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Krista, I’m so sorry you went through such a struggle with an eating disorder, but thank you for sharing because I’m sure your story will help bring freedom to someone else. The unhealthy carb filled diet during summer camps and summer missions resulted in me gaining 20 pounds in the last months of my internship (even though I was still exercising like crazy). Fortunately, when I got home and returned to a healthier diet, the weight came off easily or I hate to think what might have happened. You are right that a culture obsessed with diet and exercise is dangerous for anyone with body dismorphia or who is already borderline for an eating disorder because you are encouraged to obsess about the very things that feed the disorder.
June 2, 2010 10:31 AM
CarrieSaum said…
love you, krista. i am so lucky to have known you during that time. i loved our missions experience, and being able to work together for a little while at the HA. you were always very special to me.
i remember feeling the same way on the phones. really, i hated the lying most of all. but still, there was a compulsion to do it. i also struggled with an eating disorder for many years, and it flared up at the internship pretty badly. (the ironic thing was, i actually did an ATF segment on the show about eating disorders.) you are not alone, girl. and i’m so proud of who you are, and who you were then. your heart is so stunning.
June 2, 2010 10:43 AM
Nunquam Honorablus said…
Krista, THANK YOU for sharing.
I have a friend from the internship who would fast. ALL THE TIME. She’d avoid making a big deal out of it, but there were a lot of times that she couldn’t avoid telling people (when we were hanging out during lunch, or when we had to do physically strenuous things during Core meetings, etc).
I was pretty concerned for her. I don’t think she was struggling with weight-related anorexia at all, but it was almost like some sort of spiritual anorexia, if such a thing exists. She would fast ALL THE TIME (often for several days to a week at a time), because she just wanted to be closer to God.
Welcome aboard, sweetheart. Thanks again for sharing 🙂
June 2, 2010 10:47 AM
Shiloh said…
Wow. I am really surprised by two of the comments just posted. I don’t even want to talk about them they’re so not thought through.
@Krista, I’m SO GLAD you posted your story!
#1- because I was a mob caller too and I tried saying something was wrong with it and got no response (I’m big on affirmation when it comes to T.M. 🙂 That was like cool water on a summer day in East Texas. (Symbolically)
I THRIVED in the mob. Until I realized it was all B.S. then I was demoted and lost a lot of friends cause I was a ‘rebel.’ (Concentrating WAY more on their spiritual lives than on whether or not they wanted to come to the H.A. haha! A BIG no-no in the Mob.)
#2- I’m reminded again of ‘beat your body and make it your slave.’
I came from a little military training before I went to the H.A. so waking up at 5am to do a little exercise and run was actually REALLY lame to me. I was so bored. But that’s where I should have picked up on- ‘The H.A. has no idea what they’re doing.’
You just knew Mr. Hasz woke up in the morning and was like,’ok, lets run THREE laps today.’ called it our precious Holy Spirit talking to him and went with it.
Sick.
#3- eating disorders. I don’t think I ever struggled with one. But one of my friends just told me she got hers back at the H.A.
And I’m thinking about the H.A. and I have very little doubt that it is not caused as an effect of the person, but as the result of the teaching and environment of the H.A.
I’m so sorry.
“Jesus, I ask for Your mercy on all alumni and interns right now who are struggling with an eating disorder or anything of the like. Reveal to them Your love. Show them that You are RAVISHED by them and do not care how ‘good’ they are. Break the works mentalities and I pray for freedom by the power of Your name. Jesus Christ.’
Amen.
June 2, 2010 10:49 AM
N said…
Well, I can relate to many of these stories, but especially this one. I became anorexic in my pre-teens. I was anorexic all through highschool and very obsessed with my body. TM did nothing to help that. They encouraged fasting a lots and lots of exercise… both of which appealed to my obsession with my body. I would “fast for God” extra days, and on the Fasting retreat, I started 2 days early. So I only drank water for about 5 days… Very unhealthy! I was all about “beating my body and making it my slave.” I think they need to be careful and a bit understanding. Many women struggle with their image to begin with, so I would wish they would make it more about being healthy, and a lot less about “beating” and “slaving.” Exercise and fasting are great! But not if you are abusing them.
Thank you for sharing your story. I know how hard it can be to finally open up.
N.
June 2, 2010 11:30 AM
Heather said…
I had an eating disorder while at the HA as well. I lost so much weight my roommates could see my ribs. The forced fasting, if it can even be called fasting and trying to avoid the unhealthy food they served just added to it. Not to mention all of the exercise. You are definitely not alone on this one!
June 2, 2010 4:26 PM
Anonymous said…
WOW!!!
I JUST finished my application to Honor Academy. And honestly, now I’m scared. 🙁
I found it a little wierd that the application asked for you’re weight and height. At first i didn’t put it because I’m over weight and have struggled with eating disorders for years now. but apparently you can’t complete the application without your weight. So i went back and put down a weight a little less than mine (but it’s still considered a bit over weight)
I planned on working out ALOT from now to january so i can be super fit and skinny when i go to Texas. Basically i plan on going back to anorexia so i could lose all my fat. but after reading this, I’m terrified that i won’t be fit enough or thin enough to enjoy the experience.
After i finished my application, i saw a video on the website with the director saying “make sure to get your body ready for this experience” and him talking about climbing a mountain and all the camping and stuff.
I don’t know what to do 🙁
June 3, 2010 12:41 AM
a different anonymous said…
last Anon–perhaps you should read a lot more of the blog….then pray for the Holy Spirit’s discernment…
June 3, 2010 1:03 AM
Shiloh said…
Don’t Go.
June 3, 2010 1:05 AM
Shiloh said…
I would even say when it comes to this tricky of a subject, I would also advise (along with praying and seeking discernment) seek out wisdom. T.M. is tricky cause they are so convincing, they make you think you’re getting one thing (a year devoted to God.) when actually it’s a year where you pay to work for them and they entertain you while you’re not working.
But if you decide to go I’ll tell you this one piece of advice – ‘if you break your commitment to T.M. God will not be mad at you.’
🙂
June 3, 2010 1:13 AM
Recovering Alumni said…
Anon – Please, please do not go back to your anorexia in order to lose fat for the internship. The anorexia is hurting you. Are there any trustworthy adults in your life that you can talk to about this? Parents, a pastor a guidance counselor? Anorexia damages your body and your soul and I don’t want you to be damaged!
June 3, 2010 10:05 AM
Eric P. said…
Anon- Ditto what RA said! You need to be around loving and compassionate people right now, not around people who are making you feel inferior before you’ve even signed up.
Also, if just thinking about going to Honor Academy is triggering your anorexia symptoms so much, imagine what a solid year there would do to you! Don’t do this to yourself, please!
Start with reading this post and the stories it links. Honor Academy is not a healthy environment for anyone with– you know, I’m just going to make that sentence accurate and end it after “anyone.”
You have people in your life who genuinely love you, care about you, and want to help you. Reach out to them and spend the year with them instead. You’ll be much better off.
June 3, 2010 10:27 AM
Anorexic anon said…
So I went on their facebook page and I made a post that basically said that I would like an alumni to please message me because I had alot of questions after reading some “not very nice” stories about the Honor Academy. I look at the facebook page now and it was deleted. And instead, it had a post with the Honor Academy’s blog on it with people that shared their positive experience.
This worries me a little. Was it really necessary to delete my post?! i was merely asking if anyone could answer my questions!!
June 3, 2010 11:40 AM
Shiloh said…
Anon 11:40 -Are you the same person that posted at: 12:41am?
My heart is going out to you right now.
I’m very surprised T.M. is reacting the way that they are. Part of me can’t even believe it.
Much like this statement: “Was it really necessary to delete my post?!”
The other part of me just knows… To them- It was.
Sad.
June 3, 2010 12:15 PM
Nunquam Honorablus said…
Wow. Really, I think it finally needs to be said….
DICK MOVE, Teen Mania. If you’ve really got nothing to hide, why delete any sort of comment that MIGHT suggest spiritual malpractice? AND THEN, just in case anybody saw the comment, post a giant rug to cover it up (the rug, of course, being the link to hastories dot com).
Good heavens, Anon, they’re already brushing you aside, and you haven’t even started the program yet! If you decide to go through with it, I really hope things change before you get there. Honestly.
Whatever you choose, you’re welcome here. 🙂
June 3, 2010 12:23 PM
Shiloh said…
I’m sticking with: Don’t go.
June 3, 2010 12:48 PM
Eric P. said…
Anon– Yep; red flaggeroo. Any book or article on Cults and Spiritually Abusive groups will tell you that “Information Control,” including prohibiting members from hearing from disillusioned former members, is one of the principal defining characteristics. Why do you suppose they don’t want you to see any true stories they don’t approve of?
I’d suggest you do some study on the subject of Spiritual Abuse, if you haven’t heard of it: this website is very helpful. You’ll see a lot of things that you should keep your eyes wide open for. Be glad you’re seeing this now, rather than six months into a pay-to-work “internship”!
June 3, 2010 1:15 PM
Chris Desrochers said…
Eric P: So does this blog’s comment policy mean that this blog is supporting “spiritual abuse”, since the community wants to silence comments supporting TM? Just wondering?
June 3, 2010 1:33 PM
Shannon Kish said…
Who runs the FB group? is it a staffer, an intern, or even someone on the HA campus currently?
June 3, 2010 1:33 PM
Nunquam Honorablus said…
No no, Chris, this blog deletes comments that are mean-spirited and unproductive.
There have been PLENTY of TM supporters who comment here, and we’ve had a very pleasant dialogue with them! 😉
Biiiiig difference, bro.
Shannon- I *think* it’s a guy by the name of George Estrada. I might be totally wrong though.
June 3, 2010 1:38 PM
Anorexic anon said…
I’m pretty sure it is that George estrada dude because he is the one that sent me a message that stated something along these lines “when u are doing something for God the devil is always trying to ruin it”!!
I’m starting to think going is a bad idea 🙁
June 3, 2010 1:49 PM
Anonymous said…
@ Anorexic Anon – Please remember that God cares more about you as an individual than He does about furthering TM’s goals. You don’t have to go away to TM to grow in your relationship with the Lord.
I can totally relate to your problems with food… I have experienced first hand the eating disorders that are encouraged at TM (even if they are not promoting them, they are fostering an environment that promotes them). Might I suggest a good book called “Love to Eat, Hate to Eat” by Elyse Fitzpatrick. She addresses all sorts of eating disorders and how we can learn to glorify God through the process of finding healing in these areas. Find a Godly woman in your church family and dig in to the book. Remember that God will grow you in your relationship with Him EVEN outside of the HA (although TM would disagree).
June 3, 2010 2:06 PM
Nunquam Honorablus said…
WHAAAAAAT?!
I like how “finding true stories about abuse at our hands” is synonymous with “the devil”.
Jeez louise.
June 3, 2010 2:09 PM
Eric P. said…
Chris: RA says, “Sincere questions/comments that address the substance of the post will be approved.” (Many examples will show they are.) The apparent HA policy is “Any questions that so much as acknowledge the existence of any contrary position will be deleted and replaced with one we prefer.” Rather significant difference, I’d say.
Anon: And when something is from the devil, God is always trying to ruin it! 🙂
June 3, 2010 2:12 PM
CarrieSaum said…
Chris,
I think if you look at some other postings, you will see that there has actually been very civil and appropriate dialogue with TM supporters on this site. That being said, I would love to start a positive dialogue with you. 🙂
Anorexic friend,
Go to TM if you must, but I would really encourage you to talk to a mentor/pastor and counselor about your experience so far and bounce it off of them if you are unsure. You are loved and welcome here no matter what.
June 3, 2010 3:20 PM
Shiloh said…
Mr. D. I give you props for commenting. 🙂
You’re a man of God for sure let no one doubt it.
June 3, 2010 3:35 PM
dan said…
I have spoken out on Teen Mania’s behalf many times, all the while abiding by RA’s comment policy, and not one of my comments have ever been deleted.
RA moderates comments that hurt people further who have already been hurt by Teen Mania. Teen Mania’s deletion of Anon’s comment is clearly a PR move, and stifles open dialogue.
The two are not anywhere near the same.
June 3, 2010 4:56 PM
Anonymous said…
I went to TM for 2 years and I had problems as well, whoever posted this most likely was dishonest on there application, I worked in the MOB too, and I struggled with an eating disorder, there are most certainly people there who can help, but they cant help anyone who is not willing to help themselves.
and how can you all say the MOB was wrong for telling people it was Gods will for them to come to the HA (not knowing if that was true or not) Yet Shiloh is telling the person above NOT TO GO.. thats the same thing?!?!?!
all i am saying is i was there for 2 years and i saw God do huge things in the lives of teens there, and if you ask me your hearts are not in the right place to be responding. If you are upset with TM then you need to go directly to them and deal with it. Gossiping on a blog and telling prospective inters not to go, and dwelling in anger and hurt is a very immature way to handle something. Im not trying to be rude but i am seriously shocked in the way that you all are responding.
And TM is not GOD there will be mistakes and people will get offended.. but welcome to life!
The bible says we have no right to be offended.
In my opinion if you are hurt and need healing this blog is no where to be finding it, you need to spend time with the Lord and let him restore you, but this was a very immature way to go about it, getting a bunch of people to gossip and complain is not going to make you feel any better. I wish you all the best of luck and i hope God heals you.
June 4, 2010 2:02 PM
Carrie Saum said…
@Anon ~
I think you should really look at other posts in this blog, particularly ones under “board of directors” and “spiritual abuse” before you jump to any conclusions about this blog. I understand your heart, and your intention, but you are really going about communicating in the wrong way. Read first. Gather the information carefully before leveling your criticisms.
As for Krista…I know her. I knew her before TM. I helped sell her on TM while I was in MOB. I appreciate that your experience was good, and that you never felt like you had to lie. But Krista did. And I did, too. I felt I had to lie because the truth was just too hard to tell. The ramifications of telling the truth (for me) felt catastrophic.
I hope that God continues to protect your heart from the hurt that those of us experienced at TM, and that He can help you see this blog from a different perspective…one that seeks understanding, healing, support, and truth. Peace to you.
June 4, 2010 2:53 PM
Recovering Alumni said…
Anon @ 2:02 – Please read the comment policy before posting again, or you will be deleted.
Accusing Krista of lying is also not an acceptable practice here.
June 4, 2010 3:11 PM
Eric P. said…
There you go, Chris; the Anonymous 2:02 comment is exactly the kind of thing the comment policy is about. See the difference between “But what about X?” and “Oh your so immature cuz of X and your probably lying anyway!!!”? (Especially when X is already answered clearly on the blog!)
One point is almost worth answering though: The commenter says “how can you all say the MOB was wrong for telling people it was Gods will for them to come to the HA…” then on another topic, “TM is not GOD there will be mistakes.”
Well, that’s how! The MOB is “not God,” but is putting themselves in the position of dictating God’s will to people. You shouldn’t go be a part of any group that says they can dictate God’s will for your life. One name for that kind of group is a cult.
“I did not send these prophets, yet they have run with their message; I did not speak to them, yet they have prophesied.” (Jeremiah 23:21)
June 4, 2010 3:22 PM
Lisa said…
@ Anon 2:02
The difference is when Shiloh is saying “Don’t Go” she is saying that as Shiloh. TM claims to speak on behalf of God himself when they tell someone it is “His will” for them to go.
June 4, 2010 5:59 PM
dan said…
I love when Eric pulls out the scripture. It’s awesome.
June 4, 2010 9:39 PM
w said…
Yeah, I love it when TM say it’s “God’s will” for you to go to HA, but then if you make a mistake and are dismissed, then you suddenly were not in “God’s will” after all…
June 4, 2010 10:27 PM
Krista said…
Thanks everyone – I’ve been gone for awhile b/c we just had our first little girl, Karsyn Jewell! Needless to say this blog hasn’t exactly been at the top of my priority list 🙂 Anyway, I appreciate everyone’s kind comments. I think it’s interesting how many people felt like they struggled with an eating disorder while at TM. Coincidence? Doubtful. I hope that my story can be encouraging to others so they know that they are not alone in their struggles whether they are past or current interns.
I don’t really feel like anon’s comment justifies a response, but the one thing I think does need to be said is that people with issues like eating disorders don’t enjoy suffering with them. One of the hardest places to get to is asking for help and judgmental comments like “…they cant help anyone who is not willing to help themselves” makes it much, much harder. Maybe something to think about, anon, before being so condemning.
June 8, 2010 7:14 PM
Eric P. said…
Congratulations, Krista! What a joy!
June 8, 2010 9:21 PM
z said…
Congratulations on your baby, Krista! Hope you are feeling well and baby is doing well. Enjoy her!
June 8, 2010 9:22 PM
Joe said…
I just wanted to say that I don’t feel anyone should tell the potential intern not to attend the HA. i think you should tell the potential intern to PRAY about her decision. How do you know God’s will for her life? It could be that she finds the healing she needs at TM through the teachings there. Katie Luce is now in charge of the women’s program. Have you read her book?? It is all about how she suffered from an eating disorder! How do you know that Katie does not specifically address eating disorders in the program now?
I just don’t think anyone should tell this girl NOT to go. I am not being rude so please do not delete my comment. Thank you!
June 29, 2010 4:36 AM
Shannon Kish said…
Joe,
I liken this blog and to telling others not to attend as telling someone not to attend a certain college.
First, if a person makes a decision based solely on what I tell them, they are an idiot. If they are not smart enough to think for themselves, research and collect other opinions, then they are in for a world of disappointment in life.
Secondly, when I was choosing a college, I refused to talk to the student ambassadors or the recruiters. I wanted to talk to REAL students, not ones who are required to say good things. I talked with alumni of the college, general students. This allowed me to get a better view from the school rather than a biased viewpoint.
Third, TM routinely tells potential interns that God is calling them to the HA (whether or not God actually is) and will use that as a marketing ploy to get interns there. We have several stories from Alumni who were part of the MOB in which their job was to recruit new interns and most of them say they were instructed to say similar things. So, how can you get upset with us for telling a potential intern NOT to attend the HA but not get upset with the HA for doing the same thing with the opposite viewpoint?
June 29, 2010 9:14 AM