Spring Arbor University Top Questions

Knowing what I know now about college life, I would tell my high school self to remember to buckle down and focus on the one thing that should come first in life, God. As long as I focus on God, everything else will all fall into place. I would also tell myself to take my academics more seriously my first year and to keep in mind that just because I am an athlete does not mean it is okay to merely "get by." I would tell myself that I am proud of myself for learning from my mistakes and for doing everything in my power to buckle down and improve my grades, to improve my relationship with God, and for pushing through my knee injury during fall ball.

Phil, you need to listen to me. I know you're excited for school, and you have some reservations, and hesitations. First off, calm down. That's normal. You're wrestling with feelings of trying to be accepted again, and all these 'inadequacies.' You've spent the last several years learning your strengths, skills, gifts, and abilities, and now you're about to learn how to let them shine. So go humbly, and go confidently. But beyond that, you need to take the school experience more serious. For too long, you've known you were smart. You've known you were sharp. But, if you're going to be honest with yourself...myself...ourself... you know you've also been lazy and far more capable than what you've done. It's time for excuses to be done. It's this next season of your life that will shape the rest of your life. You're about to meet your wife. Yup. (yeah she's hot...but she's a phenomenal person...out of your league). But the school work. Focus. Make it count. But remember...do it one step at a time. One semester at a time. Live well.

Work hard and don't give up, it's worth it.

I would tell myself to treasure the time that I have in high school with those people. The people that are met in college are truly life long friends and the friends that are from high school aren't really held onto. The time with them should be something that is special because they won't be the people that are prominent in my life for much longer. I will tell myself that it doesn't matter if I am accepted in high school because people in college are much more accepting of everyone's uniqueness and doesn't mind if someone doesn't fit the stereotypical mold. High school is one chapter in the book of life, college is another. The story hasn't ended; it's just time to turn the page.

Apply for lots of scholarships and try to get an on campus job with 10-20 hours. Make sure to get a mix of classes, some for you major and some for your general education requirements. If you are at a big state college, don't take the really specialized courses, take ones that will transfer easily, in the case you decide to choose a different college. Be involved in social aspects of college, not just in the academics. Join groups where you can meet other people in your major, and make friends with people in your classes- specifically in the classes for your major. Be involved in sports too, because being a healthy student will make you a smarter student as well. Most of all, remember that a lot of college is attitude and effort. Which college you go to is not as important as the choice to be satisfied where you are at. Sometimes it's easy to panic and want to switch majors because of "big" events happening in life, but it's important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Few things are as life changing as we think.

Dear High School Self,

Dear Elizabeth, College life is great, but it isn't what you expected. The transition from living under your parents full time to making your own decisions is a little scary, especially for a shy girl like you. You will not only have to make conversation with complete strangers but you will have to "run" almost every aspect of your day, from the moment you get up to the moment you go to sleep. If you sleep too late in the morning, Mom isn't going to be there to wake you up. Manage your time! Try to be a student from your first class until 5, or whenever your homework is done. The homework may be boring, but once it's done you really do have plenty of time to relax. Put your best effort into your homework, especially your art work. Don't settle for less than your best. Most importantly, don't forget God in all the hub-ub of this new phase in life. God is who will get you through all the rough stuff, and he is the only one worth living for. Good luck! Sincerely, Elizabeth

Krista, You now have your wings, you must learn to fly, but before your try there are some things I want you to know. College is what YOU make it. There are positives and negatives to be face at every turn of your life, especially college. So embrace the good, deal with the rest to the best of your ability, and keep your head up. Don't feel judged by the people around you, they are going through major life changes too. Also dismiss your preconceived notions, and start college with an open mind. If you have a glorified picture of college it will only be shattered. Day dreams and reality rarely overlap. Be realistic with your expectations, but know that you can and should always reach for happiness. Fly now child. This is your time to soar. Lovingly , - Yourself two years smarter

If I could go back I would have sought ought more advice regarding my career path or field of study. I chose WHERE I wanted to attend school BEFORE I really knew what I wanted to do with my life. This decision has led to wasted time and money, poor roommate choices and always feeling like I am starting over again. SAU is an awesome Christian University, but it does not have the exact field of study that I have a passion for. My personality does not allow for researching multiple options. My parents advised me to check out several schools, but I wanted to stay close to home and attend a Christian University. Now that I am older and wiser I realize that my parents were trying to help me step "outside my box" so I could make the BEST decision for ME! In summary, I would advise myself to complete "career pathways" inventories; submit to personality testing; schedule interviews with people already in my field of study; job shadow several times; visit multiple colleges and universities; participate in "overnight" college visits; and finally allow my college roommate to be randomly selected.

First of all, I would tell myself to keep my head up, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Next, I would tell myself to try harder than ever. Not to let my guard down, because it gets harder and slacking will only cause you grief later. Finally, I would make sure to remind myself my focus needs to be about others, not myself.