Jessica
My campus really emphasizes that its' students know about the world around us. They require us to take 5 CORE classes that explore religion, poverty, and other cultures. One of the classes is a three week trip called a Cross Cultural, this is one of the things that really drew me to SAU in the first place. That trip alone (I went to Guatemala) gave me an opportunity to see another culture I would have never otherwise had a chance to. I have had just as much real-world application as "book smarts" I think that it is more important to be world smart than book smart. SAU challenges its students to get out into our communities and make a difference, I have had numerous classes that require community service (CORE classes), and I think that this has given me a window of opportunity to look beyond my own stresses and workload, and see how I can help others and make a difference where ever I go.
Aaron
I came to Spring Arbor University not exactly knowing what to expect. I come from a Christian family, so that played a role in my choice to attend a Christian university. I also came from a suburban town in southern Michigan, so I have not have much experience with diversity at all. Despite my close-minded background that I came from, SAU has opened my eyes to more than I could imagine. If I could sum up my experience at this school so far, I could use a single word: Awareness.
Although I’m not attending a public college, I have been immersed into a sea of different beliefs, races, and personal backgrounds. Because there are fewer people who attend Spring Arbor, I have had the opportunity to meet people and carry on relationships for longer than a single encounter with them. I have heard countless life stories and have seen the differences between my background and others' backgrounds. Studying cultural awareness and learning about the problems of other counties around the world has taught me to appreciate this country and also desire to reach out to other nations in need. Spring Arbor University has made me aware.
Sabrina
My college experience so far has been very beneficial. I believe it is one of the best choices I have made to go back to school and complete my bachelor's degree. I have already learned so much and am eager to set forth in life long process of continuos learning. A college education to me is a privelge and I by no means take it forgranted. The cost of tuition is quite high, but I know that God will provide and help me to find a way to pay for college. He has enabled me to do so much with my life this far, I know he has a greater plan for the rest of my life. By completing my degree I will be better equipped to help those in my profession and also in my community. I love to help others and know with the right skills and education I can help make a difference.
John
I've discovered that college is a great oppurtunity for adults of all ages to truly discover what it is they want to do with their lives. Being surrounded by your peers all the time gives you a chance to focus on your passion, and opens up as many doors as the student is willing to go through.
Stephanie
What I have gotten out of my college experience is simple whatever I set my mind to I can achive . When I started college I did not know what to do what to expect, I was lost; what most students would learn from their brothers, sisters, cousins, family in general about college I did not. Since I am a first generation student it was hard for me to prepare for somethng no one around me had experienced before and at first it was hard trying to get into classes, doing the work moving around campus, talking to the professors:at some point I amost gave up but I knew I did not go this far to turn back so I pushed myself telling my mind I could get over this mountain of academics and so I did. I pushed hard to get good grades even to try to get into the honers program everthing I set my mind to I achived. In the end college is something I enjoy all the education I recive while attending will help meet new people and see knew things. College will also help me achive my greatest goal to become a neurosurgeon.
DaMon
I've gotten to learn about different people, understand some foreign people ; this has been valuable because it prepares me for life after school, the world
Stephanie
Choosing the college for most people is really critical. This is where you get your foundation in life. Before I decided to attend SAU, I was planning on taking classes at a local community college and living at home. I soon began to realize I needed to experience the world with more independence. I have always felt deeply about making a difference in the world and that I have so much to give. I received an e-mail from SAU and I had one of those light bulb moments and decided this was the school for me. Almost exactly a year later and I still hold true to that statement. In only four months of school, I have learned so much about myself and the world. My confidence has sky rocketed and I absolutely love what I am learning. I experienced so many struggles, but they were worth it because I know I am a better person. Looking back on my previous decision to attend LCC, I wonder what I would be like and how my life would be different. It is in that moment I realize I am so thankful for SAU and what God has taught me.
Karly
The greatest thing that I have gotten out of my college experiences is my friends so far and all the memories I have with them. Living on camput there is so many activites and events you can do. The other day my friends and I went to a basketball game then an outdoor activites event. At all the events here at college you have the opportunity to meet so many great people that can make your college experience great. Having a great time in college is so valuable because it makes all the nights staying up late to study for an exam or do homework worth it. Without all the memories and experiences I may not have got through my first semester as well as I did.
Kristie
Prior to going to Spring Arbor Univeristy, I went to Lansing Community College. I have always been a 3.0-4.0 student because education is one of the most important things to me. At LCC I worked hard to get as many pre reqs. out of the way so I could find the right school. LCC couldn't provide me with 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} of the things i needed to get a real job and most of all get into an University. Although this was frustrating, I learned so much at LCC. Not only does college educate people with tools that they will use in the work place, but it also teaches you life skills. Learning how to budget time and money was one of the biggest ones. Being able to go to school is one of the most amazing things by itself. When I went through the process to get accepted at SAU I learned that without this education some of my dreams were not achievable. Their is no real value that one can place on education because the benefits are numerous. Without education I would not be able to live my dream.
Kristen
My plan is to become an Elementary teacher. I am currently attending Spring Arbor University and my plan is to double minor in early childhood education and language arts. I have always wanted to be a teacher; it is my greatest passion. I love helping others and it would make me so happy to be a part of helping students succeed. I love kids and just being in the school atmosphere. Younger kids tend to like me very well, which is why I choose elementary. However, when I graduate from here I plan on having a degree that will allow me to teach kindergarten through eighth graders. By attending college iit has helped me to further my knowledge in becoming a great teacher in the future. I strive to do well and achieve my long range goal of becoming a teacher. Spring Arbor University has many classes, great professors, and lots of one on one help, to assist me in achieveing this goal. I absolutely love the university as well as the many amazing people I have met by attending Spring Arbor.