Spring Arbor University Top Questions

In high school I did a lot of worrying about college; what it was going to be like to not know anybody and be away from home. However, there is very little to worry about. All freshmen are in the same boat and you make friends quickly. Going in with no friends can actually be a good thing. There are no ties from the past and you can start fresh. Being away from home makes you aware of what your parents do for you and how to be responsible for yourself. Another thing I would say is to try everything. Just going out and experiencing what is taking place on campus helps you meet people and get involved with activities on campus. Although those things are important, the main advice I would give myself is that high school AP classes do pay off. Doing well in my AP Comp class resulted in getting college credit for the class. Also, work ethic does continue through your life. I had a good work ethic in high school and that helped me achieve a 4.0 GPA my first semester of college.

There are a lot of things I would change. I would have gone out and searched for all of my options. I wasn't satisfied settling here because after I graduated a freedom swept over me and I had a choice to go or do what I pleased and I had options, I just didn't spend the time to see what they were or could have been. I would have kicked myself for all the times Not spent studying. College is awesome and choosing what time of day all your classes can take place is amazing, and the lack of drama as compared to high school is probably the greatest part. I should have learned and studied to remember, not to pass the class then forget. I should have worked harder, given it my all because in the end it mattered so much. In the end though, to change this is all on me and to reach the full potential that college has for me I have to want the change. The goal is attainable, and I cannot change the past, but I do have the power to change there here and now for my future.

I would tell myself that it is a difficult transition and there are a lot of days you want to quit. Do not go home every weekend, and make friends with people instead. Try to seek out people in my classes that seem like me, and go to dinner with them. Make lots of friends and don't assume the first people I meet are supposed to be my best friends. Lastly I would tell myself to be open about new things. Try new things, and be spontaneous. College comes only once in a lifetime, so have fun and don't worry about the future.

If i could go back in time. I would tell my high school self to not slack off and to keep working hard even though you are almost done. You need those scholarships really bad. Also i would tell her to go get a job and save that money to pay off school.

Knowing now that SAU is a comfortable and excepting environment, that is academically dedicated as I am I would tell myself to relax! I was very nervous when I first started attending college because I was sixteen for the first semester. Knowing now that the transition is not stressful or overpowering I would advise myself to be confident in the dedicated student that I have always been. I would tell myself that the students and professors in the science and math departments are helpful and friendly. I would also inform myself of how fun the experience is at SAU. Being sixteen and going to college, even a Christian university, can be scary. College parties are notorious. However, I would tell myself that the fun at SAU is healthy and safe. I would also advice myself to have faith that the professors grade fairly. When you are willing to do as much work as I have always been willing to do for an ‘A’ unfair grading is a fear. In general I would tell myself that “you are going to love SAU and the people you make friends with.” It is true, I do love my University and students and professors.

I would have probably told myself to prepare for the work load that I was given when I started college. Getting everything done correctly and turned in on time takes propertime management and hard work. I would have told myself to expect these things before starting college so that it was not as hard of an adjustment after I started college.

If I could go back to give myself advice as a senior, I would tell myself to not worry because everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I would remind myself to remember to let loose and have fun while at college, it's impossible to keep your head in the books all the time. I would also tell myself to work hard and do the best that you can, but even if you are struggling do not let that bring yourself down, because it is a way in which God wants to teach you something so you must take every opportunity to learn not only academically but learn about who you are as a person.

I would tell myself to not get over whellemed it is not that hard. It is exactly like high school was for me. Study hard but have fun too! BE open to others and you will have the time of your life. Smile often laugh even more and just remember that you have friends and they will always be there for you. Stay strong, and always remember that God can get you through the hardest of times!

Alison, You need to try your hardest in all of you classes this year. In AP Psych, you need to study hard and understand the material so that you can do well on your AP exam. If you get a 3 or above you will get out of PSY 100 which will help you advance in your schedule. Also in AP Stats you need to do the same to do well on the exam. Senior year is fun but you need to make the right moves for college. Also you need to train hard so that you can do well in your upcoming Cross Country and Track seasons. Make sure you prioritize your time between friends and fun time with study time.

Don’t lose sight of your ultimate purpose in life. It is exceedingly difficult to prioritize as you begin to transition into becoming an independent adult. You will be faced with the demands of your academics, social circles and financial circumstances, all of which we are so often told are important to master when wanting to succeed in life. But don’t give in to spiritual complacency. Don’t make excuses for why you don’t devote your time and efforts to giving back to God and his people. The places you go and the things you do reflect where your priorities lie. God is all powerful, all knowing, and all good. Next time you stress out about where your future is taking you, be reminded of the peace that comes in knowing that God’s burden is light, his yoke is easy, and his best interest is in you. Live one hundred percent for God, and he will reveal his glory to you beyond comprehension. God’s plan is greater than anything you may conjure up for yourself. By staying in tune to the spirit and meditating on the word, your plans will begin to align with his.