Why Leah Remini's Recent Accomplishment Has Everything To Do With Scientology
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Leah Remini unlocked an achievement this week that might not have been possible had she stayed with the Church of Scientology. The 53-year-old star revealed that she had earned her associate’s degree from New York University (NYU).
She shared that her “terrifying journey” began “three years ago” as she furthered her education “at the age of 50.” Remini only had an “8th-grade education” after “spending 35 years in a totalitarian cult.” “After three years of hard work, long nights, tears, and wanting to give up so many times, I have earned an associate’s degree from NYU. I’m now working on my bachelor’s degree,” she proudly posted on Instagram while pointing out that she’s “now working on [her] bachelor’s degree.”
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Remini claimed that her years with Scientology left her frozen with fear and kept her from furthering her education. “I desperately wanted a higher education for many years but didn’t move forward because I feared I was not smart enough,” she wrote. “Even though I had managed to leave Scientology, three decades of brainwashing still gripped my mind.” It took a village of support, including her husband Angelo, and her daughter, Sofia, 19, to take that brave step and accomplish her goal.
She hoped that her journey inspired other people to go after their goals, no matter what season of life they were in. “Over the past three years, I’ve heard from thousands of people, especially women, who have decided to take the leap at an older age and get their GED or pursue a college education,” she said. “Whether a cult used to control your life, you have a full-time job as a stay-at-home parent, or full-time job(s) outside of the home, it’s never too late to continue your education and pursue what you have always wanted to achieve for yourself!”
Remini’s achievement comes as she’s suing the Church of Scientology for harassment after leaving the religion over a decade ago. She recently faced a setback when the judge in her case ruled that many of her claims against her former religion fell under the guidelines of free speech even though there were targeted attacks on social media and other websites. “This is a resounding victory for the Church and free speech,” the church gloated, via Courthouse News. “Remini’s complaint was gutted.”
Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have left the Church of Scientology.
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