Bethel College-North Newton Top Questions

The early bird gets the worm. You snooze, you lose. In a society where first is achievment and everyone else, better luck next time - this is true. But life is like a folk tale of cunning and wits. Just around the corner in Hawaii, the early bird doesn't know the worm prefers the cool evening, and the grizzly bear lived longer because he knew the importance of self care and rest. The push to "choose a school, choose a major and get financial aide" can feel like a roller coster leading you to Lost-ville. The choices are endless and pressure can ultimately change your direction. Here's the truth. The tortise didn't think he could beat the hare, but his attitude of perserverance and marching to the finish line was what ultimately helped him prevail. Believe that you are an individual. When it comes to decisions and choices, BE persistant enough make a decision, but say I will not go with the flow if that's what you need.. sometimes you need 4 years, and school is much more appropriate. When you show your self to be patient, wise and thoughtful, there your truely shine your wisdom.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012 As a senior in high school I had a very positive state of mind and was excited for my future. I was captain of the swim team and had previously set a record and won a state championship in my event. My social world was expanding and I felt proud of what I was becoming. If I could go back to that year I would not change a thing or even hint to myself at what awaits me. I am pleased with what I have achieved. While I made some mistakes along the way, those mistakes made me who I am today. I might, however, tell myself to slow down, take more time, do things right the first time, and would definitely recommend going to class daily. Knowing my former self, I probably would not have listened, but I have learned responsibility and integrity in growing into my adult life, and I strive to practice it daily. With this generous award I will pursue training in renewable wind energy. I hope to assist our country increase its dependence on responsible energy use. Thank you for your time. Michael M. Ratzlaff

1.) Your procrastinating? Not a good idea. Seriously, just do your work as soon as it is assigned. 2.) It's going to be really lonely, not knowing anybody, but this too will end. You will make friends. Try not to get too downhearted. 3.) You can't handle three campus jobs at once. Believe me. Find the one you enjoy the most, then see if you can get as many hours as possible there...within reason. It won't do you any good to earn all that money if you're just going to flunk out in the end. 4.) Buy earplugs right away.

I would give myself two pieces of advice. #1. Don't spend as much time with your boyfriend. You have the rest of your life to hang out with that one special person, you won't always have the oppertunity to meet the unique and wonderful people at college and you won't always have the oppertunities to experience new things, learning how to cook food from Africa with the international student or movies on the lawn. #2. Enjoy being a student. Working full time stinks! Enjoy the freedom to do what you want between classes and stay up late instead of making sure you get enough sleep to make it to work on time. Enjoy the crazy people, their radical ideas, and the pranks. Enjoy the classes, the challenges, enjoy it all! It may seem hard to believe but this wonderful adventure will come to an end...all too quickly...

More than anything I wish that I had visited more schools. Students deserve to go to school at the college or university that best fits them. They will do better and be happier if they do not settle for their hometown college. I have made so many good friends and gained a different perspective on life because I changed my surroundings. I think that by exploring education options after my freshman year, I have changed to course of my life for the better. I wish that I had started at Bethel my first year instead of going where my friends went.