Azusa Pacific University Top Questions

Don't be scared to ask questions. Be more confident in leadership positions.

The process seemed endless and I had no idea if this would work out well for me. Applying for college back in high school was a tedious commission and I was not excited to move on with the next chapter of my life. College seemed like a very pressuring and intimidating idea because I had no idea what would be in store for me and it would be one of the most biggest decisions that I would make in my life. I was uninterested with anything that had to do with the word "college" in the sentence. If I could go back to high school, I would tell myself that it's okay to be a little intimidated at first because it's like exploring uncharted waters, but I would also tell myself to get excited to move on and do something different with my life. There are so many other people who are experiencing the same thing as me, and so many people to experience it with. Looking back at it all, college was by far the best decision I have ever made in my life.

College is much harder than high school. The courses are more challenging, making new friendships is exhausting, eating alone is depressing, living in a 12x19 foot room with a complete stranger is stressful. Just when you think you've figured college out, you're sent home for Christmas, and when you return YOU START OVER. It's no wonder why nealy half of students drop out of college, or take a gap year, or two or three or five. But since you have to go to school because mom won't let you move back home, you have to endure. After freshman year, I've found that the solution to all of your impending problems can be eliminated with one simple word: Netlfix. Who needs friends when you can watch Friends? Why worry about your financial future when you can watch Breaking Bad?! So Stephanie, when you're stressed about an upcoming test, homesick for your family, worried about how much debt you are already in, or don't want to do any of the things a newly responsible, independent adult should be doing, watching some Netflix will ensure that you won't have to worry about any of it.

First off, bring extra hangers. I don't know how, or why, but you will always fall short. Secondly, talk to everyone. Everyone you meet was not raised in the same place you were, and everyone you will meet knows something you don't know. Do things you aren't comfortable doing. Go rock climbing, go get cupcakes in Hollywood on a school night, and go to mexico on a missions trip, and give up your time to serve others. Know that you will lose touch with old friends, but its ok because you will make amazing new ones. Know that you will get way more sleep than in high school, but for some reason you will be more tired. Don't eat out a lot. Money goes so fast, and use your meal plan wisely. Skipping class every know and then won't kill you. Know that your health is far more important than one class period. Also don't be afraid to ask for help. Everyone is more than willing to help you out. Know I would tell you so much more, but my limit is 200, but overall; relax, you're going to love it.

I wanted to let you in on a few secrets about the transition into the college life at Azusa Pacific University. First off since you will move into your dorm a week before most freshman because of choir, I encourage you to make a few good friends during that week from your hall and from the choir, since these will be the people you will hang out with and go to for advice for the majority of your freshman year. Do not let the hype of wanting to meet every person possible ruin the friendships you have already formed. Also, try to get to know your roommate from the start as building a strong foundation for your friendship as roommates is crucial to having a freshman year with less drama. I also encourage you to plan right away how you can participate in a study abroad program. I did not plan early enough to have general education requirements saved for study abroad, so I could not go. Also, make friends with other math majors that are also freshman because they will be a helpful source as you will have the same classes with them throughout all four years.

"Don't limit yourself. Expand your horizon and search for new opportunities and challenges." As a high school senior, I thought that moving 3 hours from home was enough challenge for me. I only applied to conservative Christian schools that shared the values with which I was raised. I never thought of the possibility of moving further from home, travelling to new countries or even moving across this country. I stepped out of the safety and comfort of home, and moved a short distance to a new "safety". I was in a place where I seemingly belonged, due to my race, religion, and gender. I had to force myself to grow because the challenges did not present themselves naturally. I found opportunities outside of the school, investing my time in the neighboring communities as well as living abroad. Unfortunately, I cannot go back in time, but I can move forward. I decided to take on the exciting challenge of moving across the country to pursue graduate school. And I share my experiences with the high school students that I work with every day, hoping that they will expand their horizons and discover their full potential.

I would tell myself to swallow my pride and apply for every scholarship I see or hear of. There is no way to pay for yourself for college if you have no money, so you need to find it somehow.

Hey love, Calm down! Don't stress out about the future. Don't hold on to the negitives in high school! It will all come to an end shortly. I know you are going through a brain injury, but I promise you that it will get better. Treatment will subside and you will be able to live life as a teenager again. Things will be altered in your life but, its for the better. I can not tell you how many people you have been able to help through your journey. I know it sucks being in pain everyday but, there is a good reason for it. APU is where you need to be, God is doing some incredible things here. I know what you are thinking, you have already moved 15 times, left your friends behind, and you dont want to start all over. Trust me, its worth it! Get involved, be the leader I know that you can be! There might be a few hiccups here and there but, nothing you can't handle. Go get em' girl! With Love, Yourself

I would tell myself to really research the colleges and really think about getting loans and instead apply for scholorships. I would make sure I had a job to be able to start slowly paying my loans and help redude my dept. I would tell myself to prepare myself for the stress and the new coffee addiction you will gain for the sleepless nights. If I could go back in time I would try to get my parents more involved in my decisions and review the financial needs. I would change the way I did everything the first time and attened APU not FIDM where I could have gotten a better eduacation for less.

Hey there! This is future Cassie! When you get to college, everything will change. Please try not to isolate yourself too much. Life will move on and get better. Just keep eating healthy and do lots of fun stuff! Life is so short! Use it wisely! All of your friends love you for your personality and not for your looks so just keep on keeping on and God will get you through. And most importantly, remember that He is always with you no matter what you think or what you go through. He loves you so much and He knows your heart. He has so many great plans for you! Your second year of college is going to be amazing! You're awesome so go change the world!