I have always felt that my success in life is due in large part to my experiences as a Scientologist. My ability to communicate with others and to make correct decisions about myself and my life derive directly from the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard.

     Since I was raised a Scientologist from an early age, I don't have another foundation for comparison. My parents never forced their beliefs on me. They did what they thought was right, instructed me when the could, and allowed me to come to my own decisions.

      L. Ron Hubbard said that the true test of any technology is whether it is workable; can it produce good results consistently? I was very independent from an early age, and I have always taken a very practical view of things. This outlook has, of course, enabled me to succeed as an engineer. So, as I matured, I began to examine various aspects of Scientology. And I found it to be very workable, indeed.

      For example, I used Scientology study methods (called Study Technology) from an early age. It is not complicated. Sometimes people think anything labeled "technology" is complicated. But all "technology" means is "a technical method of achieving a practical purpose." (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary). There are only three barriers to study:

      Misunderstood words

     Lack of mass (practical demonstration or application of the concepts)

     Too steep a study gradient

     Misunderstood words inhibit one's understanding. One cannot understand a concept if one does not understand the words correctly. Lack of mass means one is studying a subject without experiencing it. If you are an engineer and want to learn about rockets, you need to see pictures and models of rockets as well as written text. The pictures and models are the mass which complements the significance of the concepts being learned. Finally, one can jump in too quickly without learning the basics. This leads to confusion on the subject.

      Because of my familiarity with Study Technology, I am able to easily and rapidly learn any new subject of my choosing, from new engineering disciplines to aviation skills to woodworking. This is just one example of a Scientology principle which has enhanced my life. Others include the Cycle of Communication, the Code of Honor, Ethics Technology, and Potential Trouble Source Technology.

      L. Ron Hubbard never said that Scientology is the one true way. In fact, he says just the opposite in this excerpt from the Student Hat Course, the course on which one learns Study Technology (a "hat" is a position or role which one takes on):

      "Scientology is a workable system. This does not mean it is the best possible system or a perfect system. Remember and use that definition. Scientology is a workable system."

      - L. Ron Hubbard

      I have found, through experience, that Scientology is a workable system, and that is why I am proud to call myself a Scientologist.