Evangel University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Evangel University know before they start?

joel

i would give myself three pieces of advice. first of all i would say to get more involved, life is what you make it so make it awesome. secondly i would say to foccus on scholarships more, money is an important part of life. and lastly i would say to make it a habbit of being more disciplined, in college you are on your own so you need to be responsible.

Bethany

“What would I tell myself if I could go back in time,” is something I think about often. I am learning so much in my college years. Now that I have finished out my first full year of school, I couldnt be more proud of myself. I graduated in 2009 with the intent to go away to school right after, but changed my mind to take time off and work. I don’t regret that action at all, but I would do things a bit differently if I could. I think I would tell myself to make a list of the passions I have and what I want to do in the future. I put things off when it came to a college decision out of fear that it would be too hard. I would tell myself that that feeling I had then is something that could have made me or break me one day, luckily it’s made me. Not being good enough in school, is something I faced during the time of my senior year and this is what I would say to myself, “ it’s what you put into it that you will get out of it.”

Katherine

Personally, the transtition to college was the hardest part. I knew that growing up in Mali, Africa would be vastly different than growing up in Springfield, MO. If I could go back in time and give myself advice, I would tell myself to be aware of the culture shock. Not defensive and ready to strike back, but to be aware that I will not understand everything going on around me. The second piece of advice I would have given myself would be about time management. If I had learned how to effectively practice time management in high school it would have greatly benefitted me during my first year of college. The hardest part about college is not necessarily the difficulty of the assigments, but the quantity of them. If I could warn myself about that simple aspect I feel as if I could have benefitted even more than I already have. Even though I earned a cumulative GPA of 3.6 for my first year, I feel if I had better prepared myself concerning time management it would be the greatest factor in achieving an even higher GPA. Transitioning would followed suit once time management was taken care of.

Jacqueline

Graduating form high school is a big change for all who have accomplished it. It is scary! You have to decied what it is that you want to do in life. One advice I would give my self as a high school senior would be not to worry. To trust God and know that his plan is perfect. That all things work for those who love him. I was very worried on decieding on the fact of leaving out of state for college. I am clad with the choice I made of staying home for two years. High school is more layed make. Only worries were grades. Now its grades, work, future...ect... Therefor I would advice myself to stay focus and give me more me time. Decied what it is that I love. Most importatntly would be to depended fully upon the Lord. Those are a few things I would remind and advice myself about as a high school senior.

Brittany

I wish I would have known as a Senior in high school that college was honestly expensive and that I would not receive a lot of scholarship money. I have heard great stories about people going to school full ride or winning scholarships. I have entered many scholarships. I have written many essays and sent in my transcripts numerous times expecting a miracle to happen for me. The truth is, I was not that special person in any way. I have received scholarships from the school, but they have been really small and never from outside sources that I applied for online. My hopes were destroyed by the end of my first semester. I still question to this day why I cannot be the one to receive even $1,000 if not full ride or half off tuition. I wish I would have known the impact and burden that college tuition brings upon me.

Elsa

College is not all fun and hanging out with friends, it involves hard work, focus and determination. The opportunities you will have will be phenomenal; if you could see them now you’d be overwhelmed! But don’t let anything hold you back, seize every opportunity and follow your dreams. Don’t be afraid to say no, spreading yourself too thin can diminish the value of all that you’re trying to accomplish. But, don’t be afraid to say yes either. There are so many things you can do, so don’t be afraid to take that step of faith and pursue your goals to fulfill your dreams. The world is big, but you can find your place in it, one step at a time.

Shawn

You should learn to take responsibility for yourself, Shawn. It is a crazy and expensive world out there and Art School is just the beginning. College is not like high school and you will not be babysat through your classes. You need to focus really hard and stay disciplined to become the best artist you can be. It is your dream, right? Then make your dream a reality through the hardwork you know you can display to your peers and elders. Oh yeah, apply for lots and lots of scholarships, I need not remind you of how expensive it is.

Kevin

If I could go back to my senior year, I would make sure I had my priorities in order. Focusing on college deadlines, due dates, application would have been on the top of my agenda. Although I tried to fill out scholarships, but I would have devoted more time them. College is an expensive yet worthwhile post-secondary education and without financial assistance it is near impossible to be able to afford. Knowing now how costly school can become; I would have made sure I saved some of my earnings for necessities such as a: lab top, tape-recorders, and a quality book bag. There are numerous amount of changes I would have made to my last year of high school, but I am glad the decisions I made got me this far.

Jayme

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now through college experience, I would have so much advice. I would tell myself not to worry so much about what others thought about me or the things that I did in high school. Life is too short to be concerned with boyfriends and high school drama. Focus on friendships and find the people who truly care about you. Spend time with your true friends and family because they are the ones who will be there for you through thick and thin; and when it comes down to it, those are the only people you can honestly rely on. Don't settle for anything less than what you deserve. Try your best- know that if you give all you have, you have nothing to be ashamed of. Work hard, trust in the Lord, and pray about everything, regardless of how small the situation may appear

Danielle

I have found that you learn so much in college. Every experience will help you know how to act in the future. You don't need to be nervous; there are many people willing to help you along your way. There are a couple of things that you find out the hard way such as the importance of studying in advance instead of the night before. Since there was not much in the way of studying in high school, this will take some practice. Also, beware of the freshman fifteen. Fifteen may be an exaggeration, but you will gain weight after that cafeteria food if you do not work out. As far as friends go, make lots of them. It never hurts to be friendly and meet as many people as possible. Not all of them will be your friend, but some will, and it is always nice to have connections down the road. Sleep. Even if you must take naps, sleep will help you be healthy and keep your brain focused during the day. Finally, dating is new to you, so take it slow. Guys will fall for you, but that does not mean you must fall for them.

John

I was watching TV when, out of a flash, a man appeared. His ruggedly handsome face looked all too familiar, like looking in a mirror. “How you doin’?” he asked in a dreamy voice. “Is that… are you, me?" “I know what you’re thinking, I didn’t think we’d have time machines by now either.” “No, way! That’s…” “Sorry," he interrupted. "We only have a few words left. Time machines are rented per word spoken, and I could only afford 200. You should really consider another job.” “So you’re wasting our money on lame jokes?” “Whatever!” he said. “Look, I broke the bank to come back because… I know your dreams Levi, they were mine once too. I’m here to tell you, they’re attainable, but not for me anymore. I’m living the consequences of our decisions, our laziness, and it’s not what we wanted. College life is busy, but this is your time. Now, do you really wanna write that book?” I nodded. “Start writing.” With another flash he was gone. He didn’t say much, but it was all I needed. I clicked the TV off and grabbed a pencil.

Ashley

I would go back and tell myself that high school is not as bad as it seemed to be. Your senior year goes by fast, so make the most out of it. Build lasting friendships with the time you have left in high school. Take one obstacle at a time, otherwise you'll get stressed out.

Bethany

My life would have panned out much differently if going back in time to talk to myself when I was a senior in high school was within the realm of possibilities. I am a student athlete and I would have of course given myself conventional advice like eat healthier, make sure you exercise more and drink more water. Though valuable, that advice would have done little to shape my future. In high school I thought I did not care what people thought. Foresight never fails to be hazy, but hindsight is always 20/20, as a result I lived high school in a highly disillusioned state. I let popular culture and pressure from my peers govern my every move. I was afraid to dress in fashions that attracted me, I did not listen to music I felt spoke to me the most, and I stayed in an unhealthy, emotionally abusive relationship. All of the ridiculous behavior that I subjected myself to was to impress people I am no longer in contact with and will not recognize in twenty years. If I could go back, I would tell myself that my efforts were in vain. I would have changed my situation.

Kate

I would encourage myself to try harder in high school. It's important to apply yourself in school, try to achieve good grades, and enjoy high school life while you can. College is much harder and demands more effort and application. I would encourage myself to try different fields of study in high school. Talk to professionals in an array of fields and discuss what they like/dislike about their career. I would also encourage myself to not limit my options......explore all kinds of career paths and have fun while doing it! Like the saying goes, "Find out what you love to do then figure out how to get paid for it!!"

Vicki

If I were to go back in time to when I was in high school, I would tell myself to not even think about going anywhere else than Evangel University. I would probably go to the same community college for at least a year since it was free through an A+ tutoring program I volunteered for, but I would definitely tell myself to of course, go to college, but to choose Evangel without even hesitating! College is important for any individual. There are so many ways that you can pay for school and with today's economy, a college degree is almost needed to get anywhere in life. Why not take the financial risk and help your future? You learn so much about yourself, who you are, what you stand for, and what you like at college (Even who you like!) College is a must, and Evangel University was a great choice. You won't regret making this decision Vicki! Yes, it may be more expensive, but it will be worth it when you start your career and have an edge over your peers and competition. Good luck and make the most of your college years! They are amazing!

Jenny

College is a time of change, regarless if you choose a college that is close to home. Your friends are going to leave you and you'll find yourself missing people you never even knew. Don't be afraid to get help; a lot of college students experience depression. You don't have to be afraid of change, though. I know there's a lot of pressure for you to choose the right school and major as if it will define your future forever. There is some truth to that, but a good majority of freshmen end up switching their major and still more transfer, and that's okay. Don't choose a college for the sole purpose of getting away from home and don't worry about the money. The right college is worth the debt, or at least I hope so. Stay undecided for at least freshman year. That will help you get your berings straight. You're going to meet a lot of new people. Some you will be instant friends with, and others will hate you for no reason at all. Stay true to who you are. Your future is bright!

Jessica

Don’t let anyone make decisions for you, but do seek advice from those who are in the position to give it. At the start of my college career, I didn’t know what kind of career I wanted to pursue. I let my friends decide which college I would attend and even what my major would be. At the same time, I was hardheaded and didn’t want to talk to an adviser. I have learned from my mistakes. I know now what great people are ready and willing to help me reach my goals. All I had to do was seek them out. College is no longer intimidating and confusing. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and improve upon myself, and I intend to experience as much as I can. A good friend of mine often says that college is wasted on the youth. I want to prove her wrong.

Celina

If I could go back in time and tell myself as a senior in high school advice about college I would tell myself to learn how to study better and how to manage my time. I would tell myself to not get anxiety over a big exam, to just breathe and take the test. I would tell myself to take easy and fast notes that I understand so I can study for. Also, being a college student you’re on your own and you don't have your parents by you the whole time. I would tell myself how to have good time management with homework, studying, working, hanging out with friends, and keeping in touch with my family. But the best thing that I would tell myself being a high school student is letting myself know that I will learn many new things about myself in college. I will be more independent . I will not be influenced by others but instead stand my ground. I will become a better person while being in college. I will tell myself college isn’t too bad as some people make it seem.

Maronica

If i were to go back in time to my high school years i would have made all my negative impacts a more positive impact i have had many stuggles and dropped out at an early age of 16 years old and decided to get back into school two years later when i was 18 years old and it gave me more modivation because i made alot of mistakes that i cant change when i was young and what influenced me was my parents and children, i accomplished to get my high school dipolma in 2009 at the age of 20 years old and decided to go to college from there on i have been setting goals for my self and this has been my stuggle through life and i have made it through my years as a teenager to make whats best of my self and get an higher education so i can further my career in Biology science. My advice i would give my self is dont give up your doing good you made a impact in your life to get to where your at and always know in your heart you can make a difference.

Jaime

If I could, somehow magically go back in time, and have the opportunity to have a brief conversation with myself, I would emphasize how important timing really is. One of my downfalls as a senior in high school was, the anxiety of the cost of college itself. Much to speculation, I pushed college aside to find an alternative to pay for school. I was too green to realize that there were options for me to participate in financial aid, in which I failed to comprehend the grants open to anyone willing to put forth effort in education of higher learning. At the time, so much too quickly was happening, which caused me to turn a blind eye for my future, college. I did learn the hard way, but with so much help with money for college, enrolling was very simple. I am very grateful for the aid I am receiving now, and if I had the opportunity to go back and aware myself of this, I would have started much sooner, at a much younger age. I do regret slightly for not starting sooner but, I am now in school and going on strong.