One of my main interests is studying the incongruities of human nature. In itself it is not a formal activity but it is one I participate in at every moment of the day - while contemplating my religion, with my family, and during the school day.

I was brought up a Christian, and I try to understand and love God and our religion. But dissonant chords are everywhere if you listen hard enough. Within the Bible itself passages describe contradicting images of Christ and the Lord - the same Christ who tells us to "love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you" (Matthew 5:44) also tells us He will "kill [Jezebel's] children with death, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts" (Revelations 2:23) - which sounds like the kind of threat a tyrant would make, a tyrant who would never turn the other cheek but lash out in vengeance. Within my church, in which I am very active, my volunteer activities range from teaching children about Christ's love to organizing campaigns against local candidates who don't meet the church's approval - more contrasting messages.

Similarly, family life is full of contradictions. My father loves me and supports my academic career, so when he punishes me the hurt is not only from the punishment itself but seems magnified in contrast with his more loving character. It's confusing to me when the same father who has encouraged me to make friends with students from the choir would then admonish me for wanting to go out with them. Generally, my parents enjoyed a number of experiences in their youths which they would like me to avoid. I know they are concerned for my safety, and after all I am a "reckless teenager", but it is sometimes hard to reconcile their worldly knowledge with the way they forbid me to acquire it.

At school, too, incongruities are everywhere. Boys say that looks don't matter, but then they make fun of the heavy-set girl in our class. Girls -- friends of the victim -- who catch the boys doing it protest and giggle at the same time, and seem relieved that they're not the ones being ridiculed. A student who gives a book report on civil rights will be out in the hallway disparaging colored people as soon as the bell rings. Hypocrisy is everywhere, and it seems impossible to find the truth behind what people say.