Kevin
I would say to myself that i need to take more advanced classes that would help me with college. I would also say take high school more serious, because it will have an impact on yjour college. I did not know that high school credits could help so much in college. So overall i would say take high school very serious.
Emily
Prepare to adjust to living on your own. As much as you may think you're prepared and ready to move out the actual experience is different than you think. Also make an extra effort to step outside of your comfort zone to get to know and meet people. If you don't you could be spending a lot of time alone in your room while everyone else seems to be having fun. However there are a lot other students who will probably feeling the same so put forth a little effort and knock on your next-door-neighbors door, who knows they might be looking for something to do as well. In addition to getting to know people in general, don't let yourself only make friends with those who are the same as you. Prejudgement can really be harmful to others but even more so to yourself. You could be blocking a person who could prove to be a really good friend. As much if not more growth occurs outside of the classroom as in. Keep your opinions open, look at critiques of what you believe and strengthen your beliefs through them, but don't just stut down.
Cassie
When I entered Clark Community College in Vancouver, WA I was almost certain that the experience would be dull, academically un-satisfying and in general miserable. I quickly realized that this wasn't the case. Within the first two weeks of my attendance at Clark College I joined the French Club, created countless bonds with classmates, and gained confidence in my skills as a student. Not only does Clark College offer a beautiful campus with plenty of friendly students, it also offers more than equitable amounts of resources, particularly the drop-in trutor centers for English, Math, Science, and Foregin Language. I also enhanced my college experience by joining the debate team, where tournaments required us to traveled to several universities all over the North West, which allowed me to gain a feel for where I might like to transfer. Through the debate team, I was also granted an amazing opportunity to take an all-expenses-paid trip to Berlin, Germany where I spent time viewing some of the country's greatest land marks and submerging myself within a foreign culture. I have so much gratitude in my heart for Clark College and all it's done for me.
Dan
Being at a private Christian college in a suburb of St. Paul, MN I was expecting the atmosphere to be sheltered and isolated like an inbred culture. Whenever possible the “Bethel Bubble” needs to be popped. I have developed an analogy to describe my lifestyle here at Bethel. Bethel University is a forest of Christian trees. The trees in the center of a forest aren’t exceptionally healthy. They are in a place of limited nutrients, water, sunlight, and these trees do not need to developed deep roots since they are never tested by the winds. At Bethel I strive to be a tree at the edge of the forest being strengthened by the weathering and testing winds. I have learned the importance of being in a rich community of likeminded people while at the same time searching out those with opposing ideas to enrich my own expand my understanding of the world. With my attitude toward these experiences I feel I am taking full advantage of the diverse people and ideas in my school and in communities of the surrounding metropolitan area.
Erika
I have learned to examine and cement what I believe and Bethel focuses on teaching students how to think instead of what to think. I have learned to work hard in classes that may seem difficult, because Bethel allows for success.
Bridgit
It has been very valuable to attend Bethel Universtiy because I am always surrounded by christians who hold themeselves to a higher standard of living and honesty. Everyone here is always happy and helpful. I really enjoy being around other sutudents who have committed their life to Christ and that the faculty are held to the same standard as the students (the covenant applies to everyone, not just students). I love that here I am not faced with difficult choices as might be the case at a state universtiy. Being at a college like Bethel really has helped me to keep a good clear mindset and keep in focus what is important to me. It has also helped me to see how wonderful God is and just how much being an active christain can really change your life. Instead of partying or drinking, my friends and I love to volunteer or spend the day helping others in any way we can.
Bethel has changed my life and will continue to do so. Bethel has kept me on track with my goals and is giving me all the tools i need to do well in my carreer and life.
Erin
While the thought of attending college was always one that came with both excitement and aprehensiveness, my college experience, as I anticipated, has met my expectations of being an adventure as well as a great challenge. College has proven beneficial because, although very difficult at times, it has forced me to become independant. Being thrown into an environment that is four hours away from home in which everthing is new--the people, the classes, the living arrangements--has caused me to begin to make my own way in life. No longer do I have my family, friends, or the life I was accustomed to back home to aid in the shaping and continuation of my "comfort zone." My comfort zone has been turned completely upside-down and , although beginning college has been the most difficult phase in my life, I know that , when looking back, I will see this time as a very formative time which shaped me into the adult I am to become.
Hanna
College is so much more than earning an education; it is an experience. At Paradise Valley Community College you can get a taste of the experiences you would get at Universities with out leaving home and for much cheaper.
My experience at Paradise Valley has been an incredible one. I get the opportunity to work with my teachers on a more personal level, due to the smaller class sizes. It really feels like everyone there is there to help you succeed. I also never feel that I am limited when it comes to classes to choose from. There is a wide variety and I have taken classes ranging from art and developmental psychology to math and business. School has given me the opportunity to try a little of everything and
to see what I like as possible career paths.
Through attending school I have a greater understanding of what it is I want to do with my life. I hope to go on and get my masters in psychology. Without Paradise Valley I might still be uncertain about my future. The number one thing I have gotten out of my college experience is certainty and excitement for the future
Laura
I have learned from my college experience is that education is very important, especially the way things are today. If you work hard and study hard, even if you encounter some obstacles along the way, it is possible to finish school. The value in finishing school for me is that it is better preparing me to be able to provide for my children.
Christopher
For me, college has served as an essential introduction to the way the world works. It has been the first place that has allowed me to step outside the rigid social constructs that plaque the high school experience. Attending has lead to me opening up and introducing myself to new people of all ages and backgrounds. I have made friends with police officers, lawyers, business owners, etc. These relationships have opened up new opportunities in terms of short term job prospects and social events to attend. In a sense, college has allowed me to connect with my entire community rather than restricting myself to a clique in high school.
Besides the social benefits, attending college has boosted my confidence in my skill set. By being constantly challenged, I have been able to develop a better understanding of my capabilities and how to enhance them. College forces a person to perform at a career earning level, which means I will truly be ready for the real world(I hope) once I complete my degree.
Cory
Because I was homeschooled throughout middleschool and highschool, I did not experience the same type of community that you would have in a more public setting. In coming to Bethel, I have been able to learn what it means to live in community. This aspect of college has been a huge growing process. Because of Bethel's Christian atmosphere, I have been growing mainly in my spiritual journey. However, just because Bethel is a Christian University does not mean that it is perfect. There are many people at Bethel that struggle with some of lifes hardest questions. It is within such a setting that true growth happens. I have had to make some very hard decisions in striving to live a Christ honoring live. This is why the community at Bethel has been so helpful. They have called me to grow with no exceptions.
Patrick
I have gotten the most out of Bethel University. I have made a ton of friends, everyone is really nice! No one will judge you no matter what or who you are. Having this be a Christian University it really displays how to live as a christian and helps me to understand my flaws, and helps me to grasp what I need to change for myself in my walk with Christ. Vespers and chapel are amazing. The worship team is truly gifted in bringing us to tears whenwhen we are singing. Bethel also is really good at bringing different speakers in to tell us different things. All in all I amm glad I am attending here and I am honored and proud to call myself a Bethel Royal.
Stephanie
During my time at AVC, I have gained friendships and have learned valuable tools to help me succeed for when I transfer to a UC in September 2011. I attended a charter school when I was in high school. We did not have things like clubs, foreign language classes, student government, etc. All we did was finish our homework. I decided that I wanted to graduate quicker, so I enrolled at my current community college (AVC) and soon graduated high school at 17. For the past few years I went from being antisocial with no leadership positions to being Vice President of my campus student government and completing over 700 hours of community service in the campus honors club.
I never knew I would get into a university out of HS. People usually joined the Army or went to AVC. I am glad I was able to experience the first half of my undergrad years at AVC because I gained strong friendships through campus activities, and was able to “test drive” campus life and find bioengineering. With my transfer to a 4-year pending, I am certain I will push myself further.
Jenie
I have to say the question of "What have I gotten out of my college experience?" is nothing short of a head scratcher. The first answer that comes to mind is "$15,000 in debt so far", but when I really sit down and analyze the question, it's more complicated than that. I have gotten a sense of self, purpose and control over my future. My parents immigrated from Haiti, and from an early age, education was presented as a privilage, not an option that can be left on the back burner. I didn't fully understand why I was always pushed to get an education, why it was so important to them. It wasn't until I was introduced to the real world, "College Life", that I began to comprehend. Education is literally a key. It opens doors, windows and anything else you can think of that is a passageway to something better. So I guess what I really have gotten out of my college experience is understanding. I understand what it means to have a dream, I understand what it means to want to achieve something, and I understand what it means to want something better.
Marisol
What I have learned throughout my college experience is to be responsible. For there are dead lines that have to be met in order for me to get my class projects turned in on time, and to get a passing grade. I have also learned to believe in myself since I have proven to myself that I am capable of going to college and getting good grades. The most valuable thing I have gotten from college so far is the fact that I am getting closer to accomplishing my goal of becoming a registered nurse.
Nicole
First of all, I am receiving an amazing education, which is helping me to reach the career goals that I have set for myself. In addition to that, I am part of a great community which helps and inspires me daily to reach those goals. I am learning more than just in the classroom, but also learning a lot from interactions with other professors and students on my way there.
Alicia
I have learned how to better communicate with people through writting and through speaking. I have gained considerable knowledge in many areas including science, history, religion, and politics from some of the courses I have taken thus far. The atmosphere of my college experience has been awesome, fun, and at times very challenging. I have been challenged academically, mentally, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. It has been very valuable in that what I have learned and will learn will stay with me for the rest of my life. The skills I have acquired and the knowledge I am gaining will help not only my future, but also those with whom I will interact, in whichever career path I choose and in everyday life. I have thouroughly enjoyed my college experience and am so excited for all that is to come!
Janna
College, thus far, has been a journey. I have struggled with the tough classes, making new friends, my faith, and above all discovering myself. What I have learned so far is to never give up. Even when it feels as though nothing is going right, I must continue to trust God and lean on him for support. I have faced many challenges since coming to Bethel, but what I have "gotten out of this experience" is perseverance and hope. While I often stress about my grades, I am slowly beginning to realize that my GPA is not the most important thing in life. That is not to say that I am going to stop studying and turning in my work on time; but, there are many other things that are more valuable such as time spent with family and friends and growing in my relationship with Christ.
Lauren
Choosing where to go to college was a hard decision, but I know that I have made the right choice. After attending Bethel Univeristy for a while, I know that I am in the right school. I have received many opportunities to perform leadership functions, enjoy great employment and relationships with my professors and participate in summer research at Bethel that I would not have been able to do at the other colleges that I applied to. Also, I have gained many great friends in my tightly knit community at Bethel that I know will be friends for life. This community has and will continue to push me towards positive personal and intellectual growth as I finish my time at Bethel. It has been fully worth the price that I have paid and I would not give it up for the world.
Elisabeth
Bethel is a rare place, I can not think of any of my other friends attending other colleges that have gotten as much support, love, and encouragement from the communities that they are involved in. All of the relationships that I have encountered here have helped me develop into the person that I am today. This has been the most valuable part of my college experiance at Bethel.