Time for an another update!

I'm still a neuro-chemo-bio-electro-colloidal whirl of electrons.

My name is Michael. Pheoran refers to Pheoran Armiez, the name of my budding (read: non-existent) education resource nonprofit. Watch out, Iowa core; I'm coming (eventually). Actually, I recently purchased the domain for my website that I will soon have up. One step at a time I suppose.

I should really upload some pictures that don't make me look like a complete idiot... alas, there are none.

I see myself as emotional, occasionally childish, dedicated, and contemplative of life's many wonders. I would love to get to know more people, and I see friendship and common values as the foundation for a trusting long-term relationship.

It has taken me a long time to become the person I needed to be to see the person I wanted to be. I'm currently studying psychology, sociology, and nonprofit administration at Western Illinois University. Having just obtained my associate's, I am working towards my bachelor's and, hopefully, will obtain my master's degree soon after that. It is my long-term goal to revolutionize the US educational system in order to help children unlock the tools they need to create a positive sense of self.

I hope this will lead to fewer instances of bullying and a lower suicide rate amongst LGBT teens.

I am also a d20 mechanical engineer (if you know what that means, then you are a nerd too). I'm working on a zombie survival simulator as a d20 system project.

In addition, I am currently in the storyboarding process for my LGBT friendly children's book "Everyone in the World is Special but You" and will hopefully have a booth this year at Quad-City Pride Fest.

I have a knack for empathizing with people. I’ve used it to great effect working in the service industry, but I have made leaps and bounds as an English tutor at my college, as well as a private general studies tutor for junior high school and high school students. I am hoping to use this trait in my future work, helping students find their way through the educational system. I have also been blessed/cursed with a powerful imagination. Unfortunately, this sometimes gets in the way of actually getting things done.

*shrugs shoulders* I’m a dreamer.

I'm not sure what the first thing people usually notice about me is; I've never asked. Maybe the first thing they notice is how I don't let things bother me too much or how I can (when I want to) engage anyone in a conversation about anything. Maybe they notice that, despite the fact I'm somewhat socially awkward and occasionally prone to "lively" tangents of conversation, that I do a lot of listening, too. Maybe they don’t notice me at all, which is why they feel like they can let their guard down and just be themselves around me.

I'll have to ask.

Edit: I asked. I'm huggable, if that is such a thing. Also, people tend to notice I am rather free with my emotions and don't really care if I laugh or cry at a movie.

The last few books/documents I've read are: Citizenville, the Art of Racing in the Rain, Waiting for Superman, Man's Search for Meaning, Totally Joe, The Misfits, World War Z, and the United States Constitution. I am also a fan of manga.

As far as movies go, I'm a sucker for romantic comedies, coming of age stories, and BA foreign flicks.

I am addicted to Leverage, Parenthood, and Modern Family. In addition, I love anime (although, my experience with anime is mostly limited to the mainstream stuff).

I listen to techno, so... yeah... *looks off into space* yeah, I can't defend that, but I promise I'm still a good person. Honest! I listen to a lot of other stuff, too. All I ask is that a song have a good beat, have nice harmony, and if it does have lyrics, that those lyrics have meaning.

Currently my infinite playlist for zoning out and letting my imagination take flight includes: Always by Para One & Tacteel, Honey I'll Try by Emile Millar, Line of Fire by Junip, Try by P!nk, and We Can Make the World Stop by The Glitch Mob.

Food = chicken

In order of importance, from greatest to least: air, water, food (chicken specifically), sleep, my sense of humor, and the promise of one more day.

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about the nonprofit I want to start up, as well as my upcomming children's book "Everyone in the World is Special but You."

I also spend an unhealthy amount of time thinking about a zombie apocalypse (mostly on how to create a d20 system based on surviving such a scenario). The rest of my time is spent studying for classes, dreaming up new ways to help students discover their innate talents, and planning for the future.

I guess you could say I'm a romantic at heart, because I am always thinking about finding someone to share my life with. Maybe that just makes me normal.

On a typical Friday night, I am downtown volunteering at a local youth center for LGBT teens. It is the same youth center that acted as a second home for me when I first came out to my family. It is the same youth center that helped me transition into the role of adult, mentor, and big brother. It is the same youth center that helped show me that I had something to offer the world, something of value.

Also, free pizza, so... duh, right?

Side Note: On a typical Wednesday night, I am downtown at the same local LGBT center for the 20's and 30's group, mostly just to hang out with friends. If you are in the Quad-Cities area, check out QCAD.

Edit: I feel compelled to let people know we are transgender friendly and currently building up a support network outside of the once a month Spectrum group that also meets down there.

I'm afraid. I'm afraid of a relationship, of what it represents, of what it entails. However, I am here to face my fears with other likeminded (and probably equally fearful) individuals.

Also, I'm afraid of sharks, bees (any stinging insect, really), open water, spiders, heights, mutated spider-bee hybrids, and emotionally charged crowds.

You should message me if you want someone to talk to about life, d20 mechanics, the fields of psychology or sociology, or anything else that comes to mind (regardless of your age). I haven't yet become jaded by this site, so go nuts*.

* Not literally "go nuts," though. My abnormal psychology class has given me a pretty good understanding of certain behavior patterns I would like to avoid.