Michelle
If I could tell myself what I know now. I would tell myself "Yes I can." I would remind myself that even though I have a child, it is better for me to go to college now than it will be 15 years from now. I would tell myself to take a couple of day trips to the local community and four year colleges, to discover the hidden gem just waiting to polish me up. I would tell myself I need the education now to pay for my childrens education later. I would tell myself how hard it will be to go back to school 15 years and endless new technology later. I would also tell me self to relax and fun, make friends and maintain those friendships.
Jaryl
Never stop working hard. Always keep your eyes on the goal, and do your best to make it out as the best. Take the iniative and go the extra mile. Don't let standards set you back, but strive towards success. You may trip and fall - everyone does - but be sure you get back up and keep fighting to win. Lastly, never forget the debt and the gratitude you owe to the community and everyone around you. Do your best to return all the good done to you, and work for the community.
Andrea
I would tell myself to start working on making sure i do my best. Nothing is worse than settling and regretting it later on. College is what matters in the long run and just doing enough to get by is not enough at all. why get a B when you are capable of an A. i would also tell myself to not just do the homework actually try to commit the information to memory because it really does put you ahead of the game if you really tried in high school. Break bad habits in high school. Procrastination is not a college student’s best friend! Nothing is worse than rushing to get things done when it could have been done weeks ago. In high school it was easy to wait until the last minute but in college everything seems to be due around the same time. Midterms, finals are when the homework really gets heavy so be on top of your game and crush those bad habits now.
Marisol
At my university, Spring Arbor University, I am recieving a liberal arts education from a Christian perspective. Those who run this school have done an outstanding job at making it an inviting place that teaches students not only academic subjects in an incredibly effective way, but also teaches students about life in a way which cannot be ignored. Through seminars, specialty classes, and twice-weekly chapel built around the mission to enrich students, I have gotten a better understanding of myself in relation to others and to God. I have learned how to live in a healthy, happy, and effective way. Being a part of the community of learners at Spring Arbor University has given me instruction on life that I will regard highly and put to use for as long as I live. Not many people get THAT out of college!
Jennifer
I have gotten quite a bit out of my college experience. I didn't come to university straight out of high school so I have a different experience than most of the students on this campus. It is nice to be away from home, although I miss it so much sometimes; I have learned so much about myself while being away. I have to fend for myself and it's nice to know that I can survive without my parents right there. I think it's so valuable to attend becuase the community is absolutely amazing. Most people here truly care and will go out of their way to make sure you're okay. I have made some wonderful friendships that I know I will have for life!
Ivy
My college experience has been a whirlwind so far. In a place where I am expected to grow up and go out into the world in only 4 years, it seems like there would be a lot of pressure. Here though, the pressure is inviting and acceptable. I am confident that attending Spring Arbor University will prepare me to be a stronger, wiser and healthier person so that when I obtain my undergraduate’s degree, I will walk on with a clearer purpose and the ability to emanate integrity in my future job. I will walk into the future with that kind of confidence and determination because Spring Arbor University will have taken me on a journey of growing accustomed to successful relational, spiritual, and vocational life. I am on that transformative journey now and I am absolutely certain that I will continue to branch out and grow even after this one comes to a close. These vital years at Spring Arbor University are the roots that will cultivate the strength to branch out in the future and the purpose-driven journeys to come.
Chistina
College has been an incredible experience for me. I have lived in the same community my whole life and when I moved to college I only knew four people. It was such an opportunity for me to grow. I had picked a Christian University which was one of the best decisions of my life, it challenged me to grow in my faith. I was so nervous leaving my community at home, but I am so glad I did. The people at Spring Arbor are so loving and so welcoming. I, like many other college freshman, had my lonely moments, but everyone was there for each other and really showered me with love. This taught me how to go out of my comfort zone and love others. I have learned how to appreciate the people around me. A lot of my college experience has showed me that God's people are everywhere and we are all united in Him. It is a unique experience to have growth in God and in community through college, but I would not have gotten it anywhere else. I would not trade my experiences for anything else.
Nick
I have learned a great deal since entering college just under two years ago, and have learned first hand the value of a solid education. I entered Paradise Valley Community College, a confused, uncertain 18 year old. I will leave that school with a firm grasp of my future and the necessary knowledge needed to continue to achieve my goals. An education is one of the most valuable commodities this country has to offer, and I have learned not to take lightly just how extraordinary obtaining a college degree can be. By going to a two year school, I also learned the value in saving money, and being patient in accomplishing my goals. Instead of entering University of Arizona a deer in the headlights freshmen, I will instead enter a fully confident young man, with my two year Associate of Arts degree. I will also graduate from the Honors Program with PTK recommendations on my record as well. In just a short amount of time, college has taught me the value of my education, and giving me hope towards creating a better future for myself and others.
Jessica
This school has made me a better person. It brought me out of my deep depression, showed me that I can me a smart, integgligent women, and put some of the best people in my life. I have had more than my fair share of hard times, and as long as I can remember, I always let them get the better of me. Spring Arbor showed me a life where I could learn to let God help me through that, put good and caring friends in my life, and that I can go after my dream. I am currently working towards being the best teacher that I can be. Honestly, I look back and try to think about where I would be if I went to any other school. I probably would have failed out due to getting wasted and partying all the time, and would be at home living with my parents and (if I was lucky) working at a fast food place to get by. Spring Arbor has given me a chance, hope, and a drive that I didn't have before and wouldn't have without it. Spring Arbor has completely canged my life for good!!!!
Kristina
Being in college has been a wonderful learning experience. As a student, a person learns in the classroom about the world and the career he or she plans to pursue. However, some of the most important parts of a person's education happen outside the classroom. A student can learn so much more from the people they rub shoulders with everyday than he or she can in a classroom setting. My own experience at college has taught me to look at the world through different eyes. As a white, middle class female, I see situations in my life and the world as something which can be overcome with hard work. Through my college experience, I have learned that this is not the case for all people. College has exposed me to people of different ethnic groups and I have seen from their experiences there are problems in the world which cannot be fixed but still need to be fought. This is one major lesson I have gotten through my college experience. If I learn nothing else from my years of higher education, this lesson has made my college experience valuable because I see the world through a clearer lens.