Sam, considering your lived experiences and language fluency, you should consider starting a Spanish language channel. The Church is everywhere, therefore there could be people everywhere leaving the Church and finding themselves in need of this information. You could help so many more people. Just a thought that occurred to me. Bright blessings. 💖
Young man you have the sweetest Spirit about you and I'm so thankful that you did not come out of your cult with a lot of anger and dismay or indeed if you did, the Lord has helped heal all of that and you worked through it with your lovely wife! Thankful that the healing process continues to happen!
So proud of you! As a teacher, I can really appreciate your dedication and determination to not only "catch up" but to far exceed in furthering your education!
Hello from Canada. Sam, you are amazing..I am fascinated to hear your stories and I love the way you are able to talk about your upbringing with its challenges, but you recount it with so much respect for your parents and the choices they have made. Your parents must be so proud of the young man you have become, regardless of your choice of religion. I am wondering why career you are in right now.
Hi Marian. Thank you so much for your kind comments! They mean a lot. I am currently working as a Sales Representative for the Sherwin-Williams company.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy That's cool that you're with Sherwin-Williams. My husband is an accountant for CertaPro Painters. They deal with Sherwin-Williams a LOT. So how did you find the LDS church after leaving the FLDS church?
I have so much admiration for adult students. The time, dedication, and drive to put in the work to get a GED, let alone a college or advanced degree require real sacrifice, especially for students outside of the traditional track. Non-traditional students are also so valuable to have in the classroom since they bring different perspectives, experiences, ways of thinking, and work cultures into the classroom. So glad you got the opportunity to pursue the education you deserve, and I'm sure your classmates were lucky to have you!
How wonderful that the mission gave you the confidence to move forward with your education. Giving to others allows us more blessings than we often realize. If you feel comfortable, I would like to hear about both of your jobs. Even if you are a stay at home parent, Melissa, the difference between what you do, and what the women of flds do would be interesting. I have said it before, but, it bears repeating, the grace with which you each speak of Sam's family of origin is amazing. Your example of kindness teaches the rest of us to view " these" people which we (I) have only seen on tv as human beings not demons. I am sure among the flds there are some lovely people not just molesters, criminals, and frauds. Thank you for sharing God's mercy
Dude! You learned Spanish in Chile! Those of us who are not from Chile sometimes (A lot of times) have a hard time understanding Chilean Spanish. My hat to you
Hi! I ran into one of your videos randomly and now I am watching them all! 🤣 It is so fascinating to hear your stories. Here in Spain (and in Europe in general I think) we don't have such comunities, so for me it sounds like from a different planet. In my family education has always been super important so I felt so bad when you said you thought you couldn't do it... I am so glad you didn't give up! Un abrazo desde el otro lado del charco :)
These videos are just fascinating. I appreciate your willingness to share your life with us. And the way you reflect on your youth and your family is so respectful, not many people have that sort of grace. I'd love to hear more about your mission and what that was like, if you care to share.
Viewers should realize that THIS homeschool education is not typical homeschool education. I would hate for anyone to hear this story and put all homeschoolers into the same category. Sam can correct me if I'm wrong, but my impression is that LDS homeschoolers value education through high school and beyond. Sam's education reminds me more of an Amish experience where students end their book learning at 8th grade and then focus on learning job skills. But, as a homeschooling mom, I'd hate for any viewers leave with an impression that homeschoolers don't value education all the way through 12th (and beyond).
I try to always make it clear that this is just my personal experience in the way I was raised. Just as a polygamous lifestyle is not common, I hope everyone realizes that the way I was home schooled is not common either. Melissa is actually homeschooling our Kindergartner this year and has an amazing curriculum and gives our children a wonderful learning experience. Homeschooling is so personal and different for every family.
Well done, that's amazing. I don't think I could do that & I've been through main stream school. I think alot of people wud lack the confidence to do what you did. & yes, you can do anything!
I’m from the FLDS too and feel exactly like you did about college but I’m 22 and feel like I’d be the oldest dumbest one there😟 also I have no idea how people pay for it or even survive during college
You got this! Lots of people (especially in community college) are from all different ages and backgrounds. If you want to go to college, I say go for it!! As far as paying for it, I suggest either going to community college to start (it’s more affordable), applying for scholarships (I’m sure a lot of people would be receptive to your story), and taking out loans if you absolutely have to.
I have been listening to all of your videos while traveling to see my family across the state. It really puts things in perspective to hear your stories of your family. This is really interesting information. Please keep making more videos! I'm so sad I finished the mall but I'm so happy to have found a new channel to follow
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy you responded?!!!! Thank you!! You both are so well spoken and discuss really serious topics in oh really respectful and unbiased way
Late to your channel, but interested ….. so sad you did not get to enjoy your youth …..not to be disrespectful towards your parents…..but you and your siblings deserved to have a youth and teen years….not to take on the hardships of adulthood so young…..bless you and the success you have made……..
I’m glad you got the confidence to pursue education. Unrelated question though, when Melissa does these questions are there any answers that are new information to her? Or are these things that you discussed a lot during your relationship?
(Melissa Answering) Most of the questions I already know the answers to. We have talked so openly about all of Sam's upbringing since we first started dating that I do know a lot of it. However, every once in a while in the middle of a video a question will come to me that I had never thought of before, and then I get to hear the answer for the first time with all of you haha. It is so much fun to find out more about the little detail stuff that doesn't come up in daily conversations.
This is so interesting! I was wondering what happened to children born with disabilities, intellectual or physical, would they have access to specialist care? And what is the perception of those born with disabilities?
Children with disabilities were cared for according to their needs. One of my mothers even had a school out there and taught children with special needs.
Have you ever mentioned that to your parents after you left? I agree with you education is very important even if the FLDS starts working earlier I hope that changes especially for your siblings
What jobs would kids get when they left school ? What education did the leaders have ? I know your mom was a Special Ed teacher but what about others - was anyone a professional such as Doctor, Pharmacist, Lawyer ?
There were some people who had degrees and we did have doctors, lawyers and dentists in the community. Some families encouraged education more than others. Most people in the community worked in construction and that was often what the boys would go into when they were done with their home schooling.
They are, but it is much harder for them to do so than for a man. They really have to have family already out to help support them in order to make it happen. I am going to be doing a video with one of my sisters that has left in a few weeks, and you will have the chance to hear her story of leaving as a woman.
It took me a couple months of studying before I took the test. Fortunately, I past the test on my first attempted. Math was the most difficult subject to pick up. I remember staying up for hours working on and trying to understand one math problem.
Not that I am aware of. I was able to get pel grants for most of my education, because I was able to prove that I had no family to help in any way, so that was super helpful!
That’s so crazy that the FLDS and other polygamist groups care so little about education. It’s quite sad actually and makes me sad for the kids. They basically want their people to be stupid so they don’t know what the world is actually about. Wow just 😳 wow
Hi Jennifer! Education is an interesting topic because, you are right, they don't want their members to know too much or they might realize there are better ways to live life. At the same time, they talked about education as though it was important. I believe they wanted us to have an understanding of math, English, and history (history as they believe it). Being homeschooled, however, limited our studies.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy education is so important. I wonder how law enforcement doesn’t end up stepping in because a lot of polygamists that I’ve seen on tv barley have an education. Some only have been educated up to 6th grade or lower. I think law enforcement should look into the groups who don’t make their children participate in school. Have them work and get married at young ages but don’t have hardly any schooling. And also teaching the history they wish to tech isn’t teaching them the right way. Everyone deserves to have a great education.
@@Jenniferalvarez19818 Welp, his old town practically has been ambushed, already, by ex members- kicking them out of their homes, so law enforcement has already cracked down and has never stopped. Warren’s old homes are literally run by women who are modernized and left him, using them, I think, for an abused women shelter... seriously...
In Canada we know French words not Spanish I don’t speak French but I know words. I live in British Columbia Canada and I’m near an FLDS (I think FLDS) community the leader recently got charged with trafficking young girls because he would marry them to other communities in the states. For schooling I know how you feel, I’m chronically ill (since birth) and always missed school I eventually did homeschooling and then moved to my GED. But I never felt smart enough to go to college I eventually went to a college that was self paced and got straight As
How can a decent government allow people to homeschool their kids without having to stick to the sort of curriculum where they get a decent general knowledge?? Outrageous.
Hola! From the U.K. ( actually I am from Spain) A few questions 😊. Do you have an Instagram account? What make you became a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Was it occurred, with some of the beliefs etc? Thank you to talk with such respect about your upbringing, religion/culture. Looking forward for more videos! Cuídense!
Hola Marisol! Gracias por las preguntas y comentarios. Tengo algunos amigos de España. Saludos! Recientemente creímos un Instagram de la familia pero todavía no hemos puesto nada. Pronto! Estamos en medio de crear algunas vídeos explicando cómo conocí a la Iglesia LDS. Pero sí hay muchas cosas similares entre las dos iglesias porque se comenzaron igual. Las diferencias más grandes son poligamia y la manera de vestir. Espero que me entiende. Hablo más que escribo el Español y aprendí hablar Español en Chile.
These are such interesting stories. Melissa is a good interviewer too. She asks good questions despite already knowing almost all the answers.
Sam, considering your lived experiences and language fluency, you should consider starting a Spanish language channel. The Church is everywhere, therefore there could be people everywhere leaving the Church and finding themselves in need of this information. You could help so many more people. Just a thought that occurred to me. Bright blessings. 💖
Young man you have the sweetest Spirit about you and I'm so thankful that you did not come out of your cult with a lot of anger and dismay or indeed if you did, the Lord has helped heal all of that and you worked through it with your lovely wife! Thankful that the healing process continues to happen!
I have met missionaries who left and learned Chinese fluently and Chinese Missionaries who learn fluent English...it always amazed me...
So proud of you! As a teacher, I can really appreciate your dedication and determination to not only "catch up" but to far exceed in furthering your education!
Wow! This is an amazing story!! Sam, you must be wicked smart.
Congratulations! On your achievements.
Hello from Canada. Sam, you are amazing..I am fascinated to hear your stories and I love the way you are able to talk about your upbringing with its challenges, but you recount it with so much respect for your parents and the choices they have made. Your parents must be so proud of the young man you have become, regardless of your choice of religion. I am wondering why career you are in right now.
Hi Marian. Thank you so much for your kind comments! They mean a lot. I am currently working as a Sales Representative for the Sherwin-Williams company.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy That's cool that you're with Sherwin-Williams. My husband is an accountant for CertaPro Painters. They deal with Sherwin-Williams a LOT.
So how did you find the LDS church after leaving the FLDS church?
That’s amazing. Congratulations!
I have so much admiration for adult students. The time, dedication, and drive to put in the work to get a GED, let alone a college or advanced degree require real sacrifice, especially for students outside of the traditional track. Non-traditional students are also so valuable to have in the classroom since they bring different perspectives, experiences, ways of thinking, and work cultures into the classroom. So glad you got the opportunity to pursue the education you deserve, and I'm sure your classmates were lucky to have you!
How wonderful that the mission gave you the confidence to move forward with your education. Giving to others allows us more blessings than we often realize.
If you feel comfortable, I would like to hear about both of your jobs. Even if you are a stay at home parent, Melissa, the difference between what you do, and what the women of flds do would be interesting.
I have said it before, but, it bears repeating, the grace with which you each speak of Sam's family of origin is amazing. Your example of kindness teaches the rest of us to view " these" people which we (I) have only seen on tv as human beings not demons. I am sure among the flds there are some lovely people not just molesters, criminals, and frauds. Thank you for sharing God's mercy
Thank you so much for such kind words, it means so much to us! That sounds like a great topic for a video, thank you for the suggestion! =)
So awesome that you pursued an education that you get to utilize in your work!
So proud of you, Sam!
Dude! You learned Spanish in Chile! Those of us who are not from Chile sometimes (A lot of times) have a hard time understanding Chilean Spanish. My hat to you
Hi! I ran into one of your videos randomly and now I am watching them all! 🤣 It is so fascinating to hear your stories. Here in Spain (and in Europe in general I think) we don't have such comunities, so for me it sounds like from a different planet.
In my family education has always been super important so I felt so bad when you said you thought you couldn't do it... I am so glad you didn't give up! Un abrazo desde el otro lado del charco :)
Thank you so much for your kind words and support! Abrazos
These videos are just fascinating. I appreciate your willingness to share your life with us. And the way you reflect on your youth and your family is so respectful, not many people have that sort of grace.
I'd love to hear more about your mission and what that was like, if you care to share.
Thank you so much. My mission is on the list for future videos so stay tuned! =)
That's an awesome story. It's really inspiring! Thank you for sharing!
You are an inspiring person. I'm glad you pursued your education!
Thank you so much!
Viewers should realize that THIS homeschool education is not typical homeschool education. I would hate for anyone to hear this story and put all homeschoolers into the same category. Sam can correct me if I'm wrong, but my impression is that LDS homeschoolers value education through high school and beyond. Sam's education reminds me more of an Amish experience where students end their book learning at 8th grade and then focus on learning job skills. But, as a homeschooling mom, I'd hate for any viewers leave with an impression that homeschoolers don't value education all the way through 12th (and beyond).
I try to always make it clear that this is just my personal experience in the way I was raised. Just as a polygamous lifestyle is not common, I hope everyone realizes that the way I was home schooled is not common either. Melissa is actually homeschooling our Kindergartner this year and has an amazing curriculum and gives our children a wonderful learning experience. Homeschooling is so personal and different for every family.
Well done, that's amazing. I don't think I could do that & I've been through main stream school. I think alot of people wud lack the confidence to do what you did. & yes, you can do anything!
I’m from the FLDS too and feel exactly like you did about college but I’m 22 and feel like I’d be the oldest dumbest one there😟 also I have no idea how people pay for it or even survive during college
You got this! Lots of people (especially in community college) are from all different ages and backgrounds. If you want to go to college, I say go for it!!
As far as paying for it, I suggest either going to community college to start (it’s more affordable), applying for scholarships (I’m sure a lot of people would be receptive to your story), and taking out loans if you absolutely have to.
I have been listening to all of your videos while traveling to see my family across the state. It really puts things in perspective to hear your stories of your family. This is really interesting information. Please keep making more videos! I'm so sad I finished the mall but I'm so happy to have found a new channel to follow
Wow, thank you! We are so glad you found us too! =)
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy you responded?!!!! Thank you!! You both are so well spoken and discuss really serious topics in oh really respectful and unbiased way
Late to your channel, but interested ….. so sad you did not get to enjoy your youth …..not to be disrespectful towards your parents…..but you and your siblings deserved to have a youth and teen years….not to take on the hardships of adulthood so young…..bless you and the success you have made……..
That’s so inspiring!!
i’ve always wondered about this. that’s so interesting!
I’m glad you got the confidence to pursue education. Unrelated question though, when Melissa does these questions are there any answers that are new information to her? Or are these things that you discussed a lot during your relationship?
(Melissa Answering) Most of the questions I already know the answers to. We have talked so openly about all of Sam's upbringing since we first started dating that I do know a lot of it. However, every once in a while in the middle of a video a question will come to me that I had never thought of before, and then I get to hear the answer for the first time with all of you haha. It is so much fun to find out more about the little detail stuff that doesn't come up in daily conversations.
You are very smart & intelligent man
This is so interesting! I was wondering what happened to children born with disabilities, intellectual or physical, would they have access to specialist care?
And what is the perception of those born with disabilities?
Good question or where they sent off or something
Children with disabilities were cared for according to their needs. One of my mothers even had a school out there and taught children with special needs.
Such a cool story! Love hearing about your past life.
Thanks so much!
What a gratifying story to listen to how Sam eventually got his education,he is also very verbally articulate.
Thank you so much. You are very kind. =)
So very impressive. Congratulations!
Thank you so much 😀
Have you ever mentioned that to your parents after you left? I agree with you education is very important even if the FLDS starts working earlier I hope that changes especially for your siblings
I told my Father about my going to College and he seemed pleasantly surprised by it and was happy and supportive.
What church do you attend now?
Hi from Oklahoma 💜💜(new subscriber!)
Thanks for subbing!
How do you guys feel about going into the military?
What jobs would kids get when they left school ? What education did the leaders have ? I know your mom was a Special Ed teacher but what about others - was anyone a professional such as Doctor, Pharmacist, Lawyer ?
There were some people who had degrees and we did have doctors, lawyers and dentists in the community. Some families encouraged education more than others. Most people in the community worked in construction and that was often what the boys would go into when they were done with their home schooling.
I’m learning Spanish as well
Are females also aloud to leave if they want? How could they have that opportunity if so?
They are, but it is much harder for them to do so than for a man. They really have to have family already out to help support them in order to make it happen. I am going to be doing a video with one of my sisters that has left in a few weeks, and you will have the chance to hear her story of leaving as a woman.
What is you Instagram?
Do you guys have a fb account?
We don't have any public ones at this time.
How long did it take to earn your ged?
It took me a couple months of studying before I took the test. Fortunately, I past the test on my first attempted. Math was the most difficult subject to pick up. I remember staying up for hours working on and trying to understand one math problem.
Are there scholarships or anything that children of polygamists can get if they decide they want to go to college?
Not that I am aware of. I was able to get pel grants for most of my education, because I was able to prove that I had no family to help in any way, so that was super helpful!
That’s so crazy that the FLDS and other polygamist groups care so little about education. It’s quite sad actually and makes me sad for the kids. They basically want their people to be stupid so they don’t know what the world is actually about. Wow just 😳 wow
Hi Jennifer! Education is an interesting topic because, you are right, they don't want their members to know too much or they might realize there are better ways to live life. At the same time, they talked about education as though it was important. I believe they wanted us to have an understanding of math, English, and history (history as they believe it). Being homeschooled, however, limited our studies.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy education is so important. I wonder how law enforcement doesn’t end up stepping in because a lot of polygamists that I’ve seen on tv barley have an education. Some only have been educated up to 6th grade or lower. I think law enforcement should look into the groups who don’t make their children participate in school. Have them work and get married at young ages but don’t have hardly any schooling. And also teaching the history they wish to tech isn’t teaching them the right way. Everyone deserves to have a great education.
@@Jenniferalvarez19818 Welp, his old town practically has been ambushed, already, by ex members- kicking them out of their homes, so law enforcement has already cracked down and has never stopped. Warren’s old homes are literally run by women who are modernized and left him, using them, I think, for an abused women shelter... seriously...
@@Jenniferalvarez19818 the Amish have an exemption from the government. I am sure something similar would happen with the FLDS.
She has the prettiest, shiniest hair.
just good
❤
Was Warren Jeffs the school principal when you were in school?
He was a school principal for the church school out there, but I was home schooled so you could say my Father was my principal haha.
In Canada we know French words not Spanish I don’t speak French but I know words.
I live in British Columbia Canada and I’m near an FLDS (I think FLDS) community the leader recently got charged with trafficking young girls because he would marry them to other communities in the states.
For schooling I know how you feel, I’m chronically ill (since birth) and always missed school I eventually did homeschooling and then moved to my GED. But I never felt smart enough to go to college I eventually went to a college that was self paced and got straight As
Sorry to your wife but I have to say his eyes are absolutely gorgeous!
(Melissa Responding) I totally agree! They are dreamy. =)
So how do y’all deal with religion now are you guys lds do you guys have a religion now?
Great question! Our next video is going to be on this, so stay tuned! =)
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy awesome Yey I’m excited! I found your channel last week and have been beng watching sense!
How can a decent government allow people to homeschool their kids without having to stick to the sort of curriculum where they get a decent general knowledge?? Outrageous.
He seems generally knowledgeable. A formal education isn't what works for everyone
Hola! From the U.K. ( actually I am from Spain)
A few questions 😊.
Do you have an Instagram account?
What make you became a member of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints? Was it occurred, with some of the beliefs etc?
Thank you to talk with such respect about your upbringing, religion/culture.
Looking forward for more videos!
Cuídense!
Hola Marisol! Gracias por las preguntas y comentarios. Tengo algunos amigos de España. Saludos! Recientemente creímos un Instagram de la familia pero todavía no hemos puesto nada. Pronto! Estamos en medio de crear algunas vídeos explicando cómo conocí a la Iglesia LDS. Pero sí hay muchas cosas similares entre las dos iglesias porque se comenzaron igual. Las diferencias más grandes son poligamia y la manera de vestir.
Espero que me entiende. Hablo más que escribo el Español y aprendí hablar Español en Chile.
Hiya while I understand some plz give the transaction when u write in Spanish..TY!
Why doesnt Sam talk just by himself on this channel ? It is his story ...,,,