Spring Arbor University Top Questions

What should every freshman at Spring Arbor University know before they start?

Jaycie

The advice I would give myself as a new high school senior is one, don't stress!! Things will eventually work themselvtes out, so just do all that you can, but don't try and rush things. Prayer is a big help when you are making such big decisions. Two, I would say do more college visits. Going and seeing the campus is really the only way to make a decision about which college is best. A website is nice, but it doesn't really help you narrow down your choices. Thirdly, I would say to get things done early! Make a list of deadlines, and get started way in advance. If you do this you won't miss any important due dates, and you will be sure to make yourself eligible for more scholarships and financial aid. The last thing is apply for as many scholarships as you can. Even if you are busy, make it a priority to get these applications in. Paying for college is expensive, and every extra money you can get is helpful. College seems like it is far away, but it is really closer than you think! Work hard, and everything will be alright!

Suzanne

When I was in high school, I looked forward to going to college and being away from home. I was nervous that I would miss my family and friends who went to community college, but I am overall very satisfied with my choice of going to a 4 year university away from home. If I could go back in time to my high school self I would say, "don't worry about leaving because college will be good for you and you will make new friends and learn a lot more about who you are by going to a university where you can live on campus." I hope I would be able to tell myself that the experiences that I have gained from living on my own have allowed me to grow as a person and become more tolerant of people who I had not had contact with in high school and would not have encountered had I not decided to go away to school.

Tori

I would tell myself to be more active on my studies and to be more involved with the student organizations. I would tell myself to take harder classes and push myself to the highest level and get myself ready for whats to come.

Camille

I would tell myself to be more focused and more dedicated to becoming the best individual I could be. Rather than worrying about the latest fashion or the latest trends I should realize that those things wont matter 30 years from now, but my education will.

Andrea

If I had the opportunity to travel back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, knowing what I know about college now I would choose to tell myself nothing other than to take chances and make the most out of every moment, treasuring both the good times and bad. As a college Senior, I have realized in four short years that I have grown not only in my accademic field, but more so in my personal life. I have discovered the person I am: a community member, an educator, a leader, funny, friendly, and I could list many more attributes. The reason why I would not give myself any other advice is because with every good time and with every bad experience, I have grown and have learned valuable lessons. Without the bad, there would be no good in my opinion. Taking chances is a scary thing, especially when your a college freshman trying out for the cheerleading squad for example, but without taking chances I would have never experienced the moments I will remember forever. In conclusion, I have no regrets of my college experience because I took chances and treasured every moment.

Rachel

As fun as school is, and as exciting as it is to be able to take classes that you finally care about, don't get distracted. Remember to take time to stop. If you try to do too much- academically or otherwise- you will get exhausted. Stay focused, and remember that you're here for the education in its entirety, not for the grade.

Zach

I would tell mysellf to take more college courses for free instead of taking those classes in college and paying money. Also, I would have applied for more scholarships and looked at more collges or universities outside of Michigan.

Hillary

At college, remember to work hard but don't forget to play hard. It is important to have a good balance between work and social life because you can't keep working if you don't stop to play and take time for yourself and your friends.

Megan

My advice to you is to take yourself seriously and realize that THIS is reality. As a first generation student, know that this will be a tricky ride, but it is NOT impossible. Get together with other students to do homework and study. Form good, healthy relationships will all sorts of people. Push yourself to get out of your comfort zone (academically, physically, socially, culturally, spiritually, etc.). Do not let the time go out the window. You only have four years at college so make the most of it. Do all that you can so that when you look back on these years, you'll be completely satisfied and have absolutely no regrets about missed opportunity. Go to class and be an active participant in your world.

Sharon

Prepare ahead of time. Consider what program you desire and compare college programs. Don't wait until its time to attend college. Preparation starts before you graduate from high school. Adult learning programs are also available at many colleges. Now may be the time you consider furthering your own education.

Michelle

If I could tell myself what I know now. I would tell myself "Yes I can." I would remind myself that even though I have a child, it is better for me to go to college now than it will be 15 years from now. I would tell myself to take a couple of day trips to the local community and four year colleges, to discover the hidden gem just waiting to polish me up. I would tell myself I need the education now to pay for my childrens education later. I would tell myself how hard it will be to go back to school 15 years and endless new technology later. I would also tell me self to relax and fun, make friends and maintain those friendships.

Jaryl

Never stop working hard. Always keep your eyes on the goal, and do your best to make it out as the best. Take the iniative and go the extra mile. Don't let standards set you back, but strive towards success. You may trip and fall - everyone does - but be sure you get back up and keep fighting to win. Lastly, never forget the debt and the gratitude you owe to the community and everyone around you. Do your best to return all the good done to you, and work for the community.

Andrea

I would tell myself to start working on making sure i do my best. Nothing is worse than settling and regretting it later on. College is what matters in the long run and just doing enough to get by is not enough at all. why get a B when you are capable of an A. i would also tell myself to not just do the homework actually try to commit the information to memory because it really does put you ahead of the game if you really tried in high school. Break bad habits in high school. Procrastination is not a college student’s best friend! Nothing is worse than rushing to get things done when it could have been done weeks ago. In high school it was easy to wait until the last minute but in college everything seems to be due around the same time. Midterms, finals are when the homework really gets heavy so be on top of your game and crush those bad habits now.

Marisol

At my university, Spring Arbor University, I am recieving a liberal arts education from a Christian perspective. Those who run this school have done an outstanding job at making it an inviting place that teaches students not only academic subjects in an incredibly effective way, but also teaches students about life in a way which cannot be ignored. Through seminars, specialty classes, and twice-weekly chapel built around the mission to enrich students, I have gotten a better understanding of myself in relation to others and to God. I have learned how to live in a healthy, happy, and effective way. Being a part of the community of learners at Spring Arbor University has given me instruction on life that I will regard highly and put to use for as long as I live. Not many people get THAT out of college!

Jennifer

I have gotten quite a bit out of my college experience. I didn't come to university straight out of high school so I have a different experience than most of the students on this campus. It is nice to be away from home, although I miss it so much sometimes; I have learned so much about myself while being away. I have to fend for myself and it's nice to know that I can survive without my parents right there. I think it's so valuable to attend becuase the community is absolutely amazing. Most people here truly care and will go out of their way to make sure you're okay. I have made some wonderful friendships that I know I will have for life!

Ivy

My college experience has been a whirlwind so far. In a place where I am expected to grow up and go out into the world in only 4 years, it seems like there would be a lot of pressure. Here though, the pressure is inviting and acceptable. I am confident that attending Spring Arbor University will prepare me to be a stronger, wiser and healthier person so that when I obtain my undergraduate’s degree, I will walk on with a clearer purpose and the ability to emanate integrity in my future job. I will walk into the future with that kind of confidence and determination because Spring Arbor University will have taken me on a journey of growing accustomed to successful relational, spiritual, and vocational life. I am on that transformative journey now and I am absolutely certain that I will continue to branch out and grow even after this one comes to a close. These vital years at Spring Arbor University are the roots that will cultivate the strength to branch out in the future and the purpose-driven journeys to come.

Chistina

College has been an incredible experience for me. I have lived in the same community my whole life and when I moved to college I only knew four people. It was such an opportunity for me to grow. I had picked a Christian University which was one of the best decisions of my life, it challenged me to grow in my faith. I was so nervous leaving my community at home, but I am so glad I did. The people at Spring Arbor are so loving and so welcoming. I, like many other college freshman, had my lonely moments, but everyone was there for each other and really showered me with love. This taught me how to go out of my comfort zone and love others. I have learned how to appreciate the people around me. A lot of my college experience has showed me that God's people are everywhere and we are all united in Him. It is a unique experience to have growth in God and in community through college, but I would not have gotten it anywhere else. I would not trade my experiences for anything else.

Nick

I have learned a great deal since entering college just under two years ago, and have learned first hand the value of a solid education. I entered Paradise Valley Community College, a confused, uncertain 18 year old. I will leave that school with a firm grasp of my future and the necessary knowledge needed to continue to achieve my goals. An education is one of the most valuable commodities this country has to offer, and I have learned not to take lightly just how extraordinary obtaining a college degree can be. By going to a two year school, I also learned the value in saving money, and being patient in accomplishing my goals. Instead of entering University of Arizona a deer in the headlights freshmen, I will instead enter a fully confident young man, with my two year Associate of Arts degree. I will also graduate from the Honors Program with PTK recommendations on my record as well. In just a short amount of time, college has taught me the value of my education, and giving me hope towards creating a better future for myself and others.

Jessica

This school has made me a better person. It brought me out of my deep depression, showed me that I can me a smart, integgligent women, and put some of the best people in my life. I have had more than my fair share of hard times, and as long as I can remember, I always let them get the better of me. Spring Arbor showed me a life where I could learn to let God help me through that, put good and caring friends in my life, and that I can go after my dream. I am currently working towards being the best teacher that I can be. Honestly, I look back and try to think about where I would be if I went to any other school. I probably would have failed out due to getting wasted and partying all the time, and would be at home living with my parents and (if I was lucky) working at a fast food place to get by. Spring Arbor has given me a chance, hope, and a drive that I didn't have before and wouldn't have without it. Spring Arbor has completely canged my life for good!!!!

Kristina

Being in college has been a wonderful learning experience. As a student, a person learns in the classroom about the world and the career he or she plans to pursue. However, some of the most important parts of a person's education happen outside the classroom. A student can learn so much more from the people they rub shoulders with everyday than he or she can in a classroom setting. My own experience at college has taught me to look at the world through different eyes. As a white, middle class female, I see situations in my life and the world as something which can be overcome with hard work. Through my college experience, I have learned that this is not the case for all people. College has exposed me to people of different ethnic groups and I have seen from their experiences there are problems in the world which cannot be fixed but still need to be fought. This is one major lesson I have gotten through my college experience. If I learn nothing else from my years of higher education, this lesson has made my college experience valuable because I see the world through a clearer lens.