Colorado Christian University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Colorado Christian University know before they start?

Jamie

If I could talk to myself at a younger age I would tell myself to focus more and work harder. I think that when I was in High School I was more concerned with making friends or keeping friends that I had, rather than actually doing well acidemically. I realized very shortly after High School how important it was to focus on my studies and take time to do well, because it matters when you are applygin to colleges and programs for the future. I would tell myself to focus on studying first, and worry about friends later because setting yourself up for the future is really important to start in High School. I would have also gone out less, and spent time with family that have since passed away. I would have partied less, and spend quality time with those that matter. I would also tell myself to think better for myself, and make better decisions about the company that you keep, and how important it is for the friends in your life to treat you as kind as you treat them.

corey

Dear 18 year old self, After having made it through my first year of collge, here is some advise to help you get through the rest of high school and prepare you for college. First, I would not apply to all the schools you have friends at, granted you will have a support system, but go off and make new friends...they could lead to potential job leads in the future. Second, get involved with organizations or groups on campus. I found the campus ministry group to be exhilerating, and would never give it up. Third, find a nice quiet place either in your dorm lounge or get a permanent study room in the library. You can have study groups and make sure you know wha is on the BIO 100 final without cramming the night before. If I was you, I would make sure you made friends with someone who has a car, they will be your way off campus (we all need fun sometimes). I would also tell you to take advantage of your professors office hours, they are there to help become a better writer, student, etc. Have a fun senior year, College Corey

Jennifer

Jen, You know, it would definitely be more cost efficient for you to attend a community college for the first year or two of college to keep your tuition costs down. Please don't feel the pressure of your peers, your parents, your coaches or your teachers to go to an expensive college because it's more prestigious. You can transfer there later, if you like, after you have your basic classes completed and have explored some of your options. You'd be really smart to even take a year off to work so that you can pay your tuition while in school, instead of during the thirty years after you graduate! There are smart ways to get through school financially; going to a private college for four years is not one of them. It's not necessary. Explore all of your options carefully. Taking a year off to work and raise tuition money may be the smartest thing you'll ever do. That's the most important thing I've learned in college, but I didnt learn it in any of my classes. Sincerly, Jen

Andrew

I would say to myself not to be afraid. You get to chose the college and you have chosen well. The professors are very friendly and know so much about their fields of study. The students welcome you and want to learn from you as well. You can make friendships that last longer than just college. This college will encourage you to follow your dreams and give you a great career that you will truly enjoy, not just another job to pay bills. You will have the oppurtunity to grow in the person that you are will the support of many and can have help and encouragement with the burdens that come in life. You don't have to do it all by yourself. Pursue friendships and never think that you don't have time for them because of the academics of college. College doesn't have to be yet another stressful, joyless step in getting to your goal. Enjoy the moments in college, for they are joyful and precious. Now go with all your heart and mind and don't let up!

Shadyne

If I could go back in time and talk to my high school self I would look her in the eyes and say, "Stand up for yourself and what you need. Do not allow yourself to give up on your dream for a guy who will not support your needs and wants. You will waste seven years of your life and will have nothing to show for it. Go to college and get the nursing degree that you turly want and deserve. You make a great nurse so do not waste your life with someone who does not love you. Instead of just getting your degree at 31 you could be working in a NICU taking care of beautiful little babies!"

Ashley

Advice I would give myself as a senior is this: be satisfied with every decision that you make, ask and accept help when you need it, work hard, be intentional, and be involved. Every decision you make as a college student affects more than the present. When there is uncertainty about what steps to take next, seeking counsel from a mentor will ultimately provide a fresh perspective and unbelieveable opportunities. College is a time for growth in character, in values, in beliefs, in paving the way to the beginning of a career. When you work hard, are invloved, and accept help, there is more purpose to school than a diploma, awards, and a GPA. The purpose becomes serving others the best that you can within the capacity that you can while achieving your goals to become the best you can be as a whole person. Intentionality will not only provide more opportunities and develop a higher confidence, but it will also strengthen relationships. Investing time to work hard and be involved with the campus will develop life-long relationships. It all starts with decisions.

Sara

Be yourself, do not cave into what other's believe you should be. There is so much more to life than you think, stand tall and never give up.

Brianna

My advice would be, don't drop out of school just because you are bored with it. Just change majors til you find something that you feel that you would enjoy doing.

Jonathan

I am 30 years old now and it has been 12 years since I graduated from high school, so I think I have earned some perspective. I would say to myself don't waste time pursuing anything other than what truly matters to you. Life is much shorter than it seems and it goes by fast, so appreciate the time you have been given. When I began school I took a lot of classes and worked full time. I would tell myself to focus on school and to look at it as a marathon rather than a sprint. I had grand visions of finishing my undergraduate work in two and a half years, but because of the load I took on I burned out. Had I taken my time I feel I would be much further along now. I would tell my 18 year old self to focus on your relationship with God and family because everything else in life is unimportant by comparison to those two things. I would tell myself to be greatful for the truly great life you were given and to tell people thank you.

Kellee

I would tell myself "don't wait. Go straight to a Christian University. Getting started in college three years late has prooven to be a difficult experience."

Nathan

Do not use credit cards. Learn from those who have achieved what you want to accomplish in life. Never stop learning. Be a force for good. Take everything in life seriously, except yourself. Do not whine, complain, or make excuses. Be sure to take breaks; the work will still be there when you get back. Help others reach their goals. Find a mentor. Do not drink and drive. Learn from the past, plan for the future, and live in the present.

Rebekah

"You have been accepted to a four year university- take this opportunity" I chose to attend a community college because of a lesser cost/ burden to my single father. I told myself that once I earned my degree in nursing, I would fund my own education to receive my Bachelors Degree. Now that I have my own income, I also have my own financial responsibilities (house, car payment, ect) Since I have this income listed, I am not eligible for financial aid without loans. It 's so hard to go back to school once you've been out. Having a job and income does not mean you are guaranteed the funds to acheive what you are dreaming of.

Samara

My advice to a college senior after having already been in college for a couple of years, would be if you don’t already know what you want to study or become after college, then start out taking general core classes to begin with. We no longer have the luxury of getting an education for little or nothing like out parents did. With the high cost of education, apply for as many scholarships as you can possibly find out there. If you don’t have a scholarship, these classes can be taken at a community college for a lesser amount of money and possibly a smaller class size. If I had done this, rather than declaring a major, I would have saved myself and my parents a lot of money. . After this first year or two, then you might get more of a general idea of what you want to study. Then transfer to a four year college and pursue your new found passion or path in life. Looking at my education now, With limited financial support, I prefer to graduate from college with as little debt as possible.

Myrisa

I have only been in college for a few weeks, but if I could go back to the beggining of senior year I would tell myself to take more AP classes. It would have allowed me to take less gen ed classes and focus on the classes I wanted to take and classes towards my major.

Heather

Truthfully, I wish I could speak to myself sooner than senior year. In my freshman year I wish I had been more commited to keeping my grades up so I could get Bright Futures Scholarship dollars. College is a mindset. You just have to decide you're going to do it. Don't give up in the middle. Don't even entertain the thought. Get that into your mind early on, and don't change that thought.

Amanda

Study harder! Don't wait until the last minute to get things done. I wanted to focus on school but having known what I know now, I would tell myself to get a job and start saving. I would have told myself what major I would end up choosing so I could have prepared properly. I would let myself know that you are going to be okay and while I may not understand why some things happen, nothing happens without reason - everything happens for a higher purpose. I should warn myself of an unwanted situation that I could have avoided. Don't be bitter or fear the unknown because that’s what is holding you back. Open up your heart and mind and stop being so judgmental. Speak Up! Don't just sit back and let others speak for you. You are only hurting yourself. You have your whole life ahead of you and although it probably won't be easy, it will be an adventure that you don't want to miss out on!

Paola

Every adult I knew shared the same universal advice on growing up. "Do your best and only focus on school work." It's funny how much a person can mature in only a year. There came that time in my life where I actually realized how important that phrase was. It was my only chance to create the perfect vision that could save me time and money in college. I did not hesitate and went back in time to the year 2011. It doesn't seem far back but the experiences and changes that happen in a year last a lifetime in ones memory. I sat down explaining to myself (the old me) that I was there to tell myself to really focus in school. I told myself to remember that everything can get taken away from but knowledge is something that nobody could steal from me. I told the old me to believe in herself because the only one that can create a bright future is me. I looked into my own eyes and said " This is the only chance to make things right and to go places"; and then I knew that the perfect vision would be real.

Sam

Dear Sam, As you launch into the unknown world of college, heed this advice: live life to the fullest without letting it be over-filled. My freshman year, I completely underestimated the importance of balancing time. Living on campus allows for attending numerous events, joining various clubs, and spending countless hours hanging out with friends. I'd like to tell you to take advantage of every opportunity. As our Latin friends say, "Carpe Diem" (If you haven't learned that phrase yet—you will in Philosophy or Literature class). The apostle Paul also gives us this advice in Ephesians 5:15-16: "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. . ." Every club you join, every event you attend, and every friend you spend time with, do so with all your heart. Having said that, do not stretch yourself too thin. It is easy to say "yes" to every occasion. However, you will soon feel the effects of over commitment. Learn to prioritize and say "no." Always remember to have time for yourself. If you are not intentional about resting in solitude, you and your friends will notice the difference!

alicia

What you learned in high school is not the same way you will learn in college. College math is completely different than high school math. Be ready to open your mind up to things you would of asked yourself or asked others. Be ready to challenge yourself metally, physically and spiritually. It will bring the best out of you.

Gina

At first I would say to myself to stay in college, and not stray from the path of improving my employment opportunities. Study hard, get good grades to enable yourself to apply for and receive scholarships. College life is fun, educational and exciting. There are many opportunities to become part of the campus life, if you let down your guard, and put yourself out there. It may be difficult at first to be away from home, and not dependent upon your parents instant approval of your accomplishments, but stick with it kid, because a college education will take you places you never imagined existed. There are so many fields of study, I suggest you research which professions are in great need, choose the one that most fits your personality and go for it. the college also has assessment exams to determine a degree that will best fit your interests, take it, do not waste time taking classes and changing majors, to find that the field of study you have chosen bores you. Most of all have confidence and self discipline to attain the goal of graduation with a bachelor's degree in your field of choice.