Aliya Khan

April Tucker, a sophomore pre-law major and explorer of the Buddhist doctrine, grew up as a Jehovah's Witness. Her mother married a Muslim; her best friend is an atheist, and her boyfriend is a Catholic.

"Being able to be exposed to several different religions in such a close proximity gives people such an opportunity to compare views and decide what path is the correct one for them is the most important part of being in a religion or being nonreligious," Tucker said.

Tucker said exploration of religions leads to enlightenment and embrace of various beliefs.

"I don't think it's important in religion to end up in one certain place or with one certain set of beliefs, but rather it's important to make the effort to concentrate on improving your life that you live here on Earth and not focus on the life-after-this-life aspect," Tucker said.

Larry Tinnerman, an assistant professor of curriculum, instruction and media technology, said Buddhism, more of a philosophy and way of life than a set religion, is integrated in the form of spirituality in people's everyday life.

"While I study and practice the spirit of what Buddhism has to say, I am a practicing Christian," Tinnerman said. "I have found that much of what is said and discussed here helps to fulfill my life as a Christian more fully."

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