Bethel University-Saint Paul Top Questions

I started community college during my senior year of high school and I immediately started to appreciate my education as more than an obligation. I developed new interests and cultivated and enhanced older ones in my classes. I especially figured out where my strengths were and the politics of high school weren't there, which made it easier for me to focus on doing well. My classes gave me a completely different perspective on a variety of aspects of my own life and it definitely made it seem easier when I left after I graduated and went to a four-year university. I didn't do as well because the school was not a good fit, and now I'm back at community college this semester. I do think it is easier to get a high quality education in a setting like community college, because for the most part students are there because they want to be pursuing their education. In addition, many of the professors are not primarily teachers and have a more interesting and valuable set of knowledge since their career or work experience allows them to teach from more than a textbook.

I have learned so much from my college experience. Being here at Bethel has completely expanded my horizons and brought me into a world of faith and academics that I had never known before. I have learned things about myself, including my academic capabilities, many talents I did not know I had and how I relate to others, and and also many things about the world we live in. I have learned that there is so much more to this world than a small house in a small town and I am so excited to participate and engage more in this world outside my comfort zone. College has also changed my personality in many different ways. I have come out of my shell and met many new people and had many new and positive experiences. I have gained confidence both in my social abilities and in my academic abilities and I am looking forward to more positive changes and experiences in the years to come.

I begin my second semester of college on monday. So far the experience has been phenomenal! It has been such a valuable experience for me, in that I have learned how to live in harmony with others. It has taught me to be more responsible for my own education. It has shown me more about myself than any experience I have had prior. If I were not at college this year I would be at home working. I would be living in my parents sheltered home, missing out on all of the experiences that come along with College.

Going into my third semester at Lehigh Carbon Community College, I have learned a lot about how to succeed in college. Transitioning from high school to college is not easy. I had a lot more studying and work. I had to learn to organize my day and learn new study skills. Living at home allows me to focus more on my academics than my social life. Going to LCCC has allowed me to take different courses to figure out what I want to major in without worrying about wasting credits and money. When I transfer, I will feel confident that I can balance my social life with academics. My goal is to make lots of friends and go to parties each weekend, while maintaining a minimum 3.5 GPA. My parents and my friends are skeptical, but I will prove them wrong.

One year ago, I decided that I was going to attend Bethel University for the 2010-2011 school year. Now, Looking back on my first semester of college, I see growth in my study skills, people skills, and development of my own identity. College classes rightly have a higher expectation for performance and class participation. I've learned that we all have different learning styles and must find which works best for us. Socializing has taken a new turn in college as well. There are people around everywhere, and many new friends to meet. I'm learning how to live with people with different values and perspectives than myself. I have learned the value of balancing my studies and my socializing. I have also had to determine when the two can and cannot mix. Lastly, I've been able to better develop and understand my own personal identity. I've had to make decisions on what my values are, what my priorities are, what I believe and why I believe it, and what I am going to stand for. I am discovering the strenths and joys of being myself while learning from my peers and their life experiences.

I've gotten an incredible amount of knowledge in how to relate to others who are different than me. Skin color and class-wise, I'm the same as most people here, but my life experiences have given my ideals and ideas that go against the norm of my college's culture. From this, I have learned to articulate and argue for what I believe when conversing with others, and to listen to people who don't agree with me. I've learned to recognize bias in both what is presented to me in class, and in my own work and viewpoints. Also, I'm learning to find points of common ground between people who see things differnently than I do. This experience has sharpened my communication skills and given me valuble experience that will serve me well in the workforce. Everyday, I'm forced to re-evaluate what I believe and why I believe it as well as articulate my thoughts to others in a clam manner. These skills that I'm gaining are priceless, and worth the price of tuition.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience, but here are a few main ones. A sense of how to be an individual that fits into a community. Cliche as it sounds, I am quite special, even if in a small way. Everyone is. What I've learned is that we can all be our own special person while still fitting into our community. One does not have to change who they are to do well with others, or to succeed within a group. Just as puzzle pieces are not meant to be cut or deformed to fit in, neither are people. A deep sense of self commitment and responsibility is another lesson learned. What I do is for myself, and for God. I cannot mainly relay on outside factors to motivate me, for they can disappear as quickly as they came. I will always be here for myself, as will God. This is important to "succeed." Another important lesson is dedication to what I start and what I do. Hard work, persistance and loyalty all combine well with life's journey. Learning to do well at what one does is key in happiness. These are my lessons.

My education here has really opened my eyes to the person that I am right now and the type of person that I want to become. It has given me a broad knowledge of all subjects and given me respect for the fields of study that I wasn't familiar with and the fields that I thought were boring and lame. Recently, I have been learning how to become a whole person in Christ in order to benefit my family, friends, colleagues, and people I don't particularly know. It has been a valuable and enriching experience during my freshman year.

What I have gotten out of my college experience? Well so far it has been amazing, I have met new people, of various races. I have developed friendships with many. My school work is going well, the teachers do their best to keep you focus on task, and motivated. The community at Bethel surrounds me when I need it to, it brings students through difficult times and it allows students to grow academically, and spiritually. Bethel University is a college of intergity, honor, and faith, and it teaches its students to be like wise.

Bethel University has allowed me the opportunity to grow emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually. "Attitude is everything." The Nursing program at Bethel is unique; faculty are positive and encouraging to each other and the students. The professors are friendly and helpful to their students and are knowledgeable in the nursing profession. Thier passion for life is infectious. They inspire us to do small acts with great love; we students are held to a higher standard of care for our patients. Faculty emphasize the importance of equity towards all patients, regardless of their background or reason for seeking healthcare. I would heartily recommend this program to any prospective student who wishes to obtain a more holistic education in nursing.

More than just academics and campus life, I have learned a lot about my values, interests, and strengths. Learning these lessons alongside supportive friends and professors has been an invaluable experience. I know that these lessons will prepare me for the working world more than any textbooks, lectures, or exams ever could. That being said, the education I have received has prepared me well for my career field. I have learned a balance of theories and skills that will equip me to be a good nurse. I have learned the beauty of caring deeply and personally for patients, while maintaining a sense of professionalism in the therapeutic relationship. I have also learned the benefit of viewing the patient as a whole - an interconnection of mind, body, and spirit. Each dimension - mind, body, and spirit - play an important part in the healing process. To ignore one of these dimensions is to do a disservice to the patient. My college experience has provided me with self-knowledge, academics, and an educated worldview. All of these have prepared me well to enter the nursing field.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. Most valuable to me is my academic knowledge of the Bible. I grew up in a Christian home, but academic knowledge was not a focus of my Christian Education. I loved deepening my practical knowledge in a relatively unbiased setting. College also made me a more independent person. I learned how to make friends and be happy on a campus where I didn't really fit in. And finally, I gained lots of practical knowledge and a degree with a university name that will carry me far in my field, especially in this state.

The young woman that came into Bethel University Fall of 2008 is not the same woman that is writing this application. In the last 2 and a half years I have began to scratch the surface of understanding who I am. Through classes and interaction with professors I have realized my desire for wisdom and understanding the world not only through my eyes but through the worldviews of others. Through my volunteer opportunities a passion for serving and helping others has erupted; especially in the regards of at-risk youth. Within the community and relationships with people at Bethel University I have discovered my personality and character as an out-going confident woman who loves to make others laugh. Most importantly through my college experience I have solidified my faith in Jesus Christ and have begun to understand the sacrifice He made for me and as a result the response of loving others I know have. Through my time at Bethel and the opportunities it has allowed me, such as studying abroad, I now know my passion and desire is to show compassion to others and take care of their needs and through that love and empower them.

My college experience as helped me grow in both my work ethic and in my chracter. Bethel has done a great job in challenging me through my classes and teaching me that in order to achieve what I want in life I need to work hard and not just expect it to come to me. Bethel has also helped me grow as a person as each professor cares deeply about his/her students and even about the students' personal lives. This school also has helped my personal growth because of the opotunity for spiritual chapels three times a week and RAs which are always willing to sit and discuss life issues with any person. Overall Bethel has opened my eyes to life and helped me to learn to get the most out of it. This school has helped mold my college experience and make it be all I could even have wanted or dreamed of having.

My college experience has been somewhat unique, and is certainly not for everyone. I love the small student population at my school. The professors are generally quite accessible, and the students are typically friendly (even if it may be slightly superficial at times). The "degrees of seperation" between students at Bethel is almost always two: if you don't know someone at the school, it's safe to assume that one of your friends does. The small community has, to me, always made it feel like a big family. If I were to pick one beneficial thing that I got from this school, it wouldn't be cutting-edge learning or a strong preparation for post-grad employment; I flourished at Bethel because everyone, from faculty to security to upper-classmen, is there for you if you need them. No school employee has ever complained of me wasting their time, even if I went to them for something that is outside of their job description. I guess my lesson learned is: I am part of a larger community than just my immediate circle of friends and aquaintences, and being there for others can make all the difference in their world.

I have gotten many things out of my college experience. If I had never come to Bethel I would have never made such wonderful friends or learned so much about myself. It has been valuable for me to attend Bethel because I grew as a person. I have learned so much about myself that I would have never known had I not attended Bethel. Before I attended Bethel I was religious, but I didn’t have a fire for God. Now I do. Bethel has allowed me to grow spiritually, and given me a great education all at the same time. I am so glad I picked Bethel, because if I hadn’t then I would have never known myself as well as I do now. I am very happy I made the choice to attend here, and I think other’s who want to grow more spiritually would be smart to attend Bethel.

Attending college has meant everything to me. First off, it gave me freedom to make my own choices and to find out who I am without old friends and family. I got to be in a place where my past didn't affect me positively or negatively. It was a clean slate and I could be who I wanted to be without preconceived notions about me. I learned how to choose the friends that will stick with me forever and how to get along with those different from me. Most importantly I learned to rely on God for his plan in my life. I may not have everything figured out at this point but I know that God has a plan for me and the journey to learning that plan has been incredible. Being unsure about my future has opened the doors to experiencing new opportunities and trying new things. I know that there is a wide world of opportunity out there that I can explore in whatever way I chose. So college has opened my eyes to who my true self is and how I value in my relationship with God.

In my two years at Bethel, I have gained a better understanding of who I am as a person. I have learned how to incorporate my faith into different areas of my life such as educating, math, and Spanish. I have learned that academics are important, and it is important to do well; however, it is more important to do my best. Whether I get A's, B's or C's, my hard work will be rewarded in my future career as an educator. Attending Bethel has given me opportunities that I would have not recieved at another university. I will be spending the next semester in Guatemala through a program at Bethel, and I am excited for all I will learn about another culture, myself, and God during this semester. It has also been extremely valuable for me to get an education at a Christian university and to learn from Christian profesors and surround myself with Christian friends. I have not only gotten an excellent education these past two years, but I have been able to build relationships with my profesors, friends, classmates, and roomates which have all helped me to grow personally.

My college experience has been an experience of significant growth and maturation. Bethel provides a safe place to grow and mature spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually. I have not only gained knowledge that will be valuable to a future career, but have also gained skills, relationships, and knowledge that will be invaluable to me in my future.

I have learned how to understand differences in people racially, economically, and socially. I have learned how to relate and communicate with people without trying to change them and also how to grow closer to God through growing closer to other people. Bethel has been extremely valuable to attend because they teach us stuff that is practically for real life- the life after college when things are getting extremely hard with bills and moving onto different chapters of your life whether that be getting married or having a career or exploring the world. I have learned that it is important to learn more about different cultures and what types of problems there are among our campus community and other communities around the world so that we are able to try to help each other out.

To say I have gotten an education from Bethel University is an absurd understatement. Even though I have only been attending Bethel for one semester now, my perspectives been broadened immensely for I have learned to look at the world as though I am from a different culture. Aside from the intellectual aspect of education, I have grown spiritually, emotionally, and socially. Attending chapel and our "Vespers" service while surrounded by encouraging students and faculty who attempt to understand what I am going through has led me to a deeper relationship with Christ. These people have become my very best friends and ultimately, my Bethel family. Being away from home is hard to adjust to, especially for the first year away. I belive my transition would not have been half as smooth if it were not for my new friends and mentors. To say the least, Bethel has helped me come out of my shell and find my place as a Christ-follower. I do not believe this kind of experience could be found at many other schools, though I would hope it could.

I have been in college for less than a year so far but I have already learned so much in both an educational sense and also in a sense that I can use in the real world. Bethel University has taught me to discipline myself in everything I do. If I work hard at something, then I will succeed at it. It has been very valuable to experience this college because the professors get personal with the students being that Bethel is a smaller university. Since the professors can be more personal, I feel that they really get to know me and want to help me succeed in my education so that I can go far in my life. Faith is also a part of the education that the professors put an emphasis which will continue to help me throughout my entire life. I really value my college experience and I hope that it continues through the rest of my years at Bethel University.

I have gained an education that makes me feel confident and prepared to become gainfully employed in the real world. I have also grown to challenge and own my faith through the classes and chapel meetings on campus. Bethel University is a terrific school that helps to prepare individuals for the competitive society that we live in.

My decision to go to college has been one of the most beneficial decisions I have made in all my life. I have learned not only to push myself beyond my limits in academics, athletics, and spiritual matters, but I have also learned to live away from my hometown and main support group: my family. The hardest part of moving away for college was leaving behind friends and family. Consequently, I have grown closer to my family via phone calls, e-mail, and even letters as I realize how much I truly need them. College has also opened up possibilities for me I never dreamed possible. I have taken science, spanish, and art classes that have challenged my ways of thinking and viewing the world. I have also been able to play on a college hockey team and travel to different parts of the Midwest for games, all pretty much free of cost. Most importantly, college has enabled me to build life-lasting relationships with people of all cultures. I have met a variety of amazing students and professors from Mexico to Papua New Guinea to Bismark, North Dakota. The lessons I have learned from these people have proved invaluble.

My first two years at Bethel were very difficult academically and because so many liberal ideas were thrown my way. I was very discouraged but pressed on hoping to be accepted into the nursing program. I was accepted and am so glad that I did not transfer but stayed here. The joy I have at being in the nursing program is incredible. The professors are caring and want me to do the best job possible which inspires me to learn. Looking back on my first two years, I realize that they have formed me to be the person I am today, despite the difficulties. The issues I was presented with taught me how to stand my ground and figure out what I believe. This has helped me come up with a nursing philosophy for my work career. These years here have shaped me and will continue to do so, which I look forward to with relish!

My college experience has been an eye opener to the reality of life. I started my college education in Kenya the transferred to the United States in the second semester of my sophomore year. Having come to a place with diverse people who have different, beliefs, opinions and backgrounds has brought me out of my little bubble. At the end of my college education I plan on going back to Africa and help out my people. It is sad to see people die of poverty, see corrupt leaders and see people kill each other over trivial issues. I plan on being an agent for peace and change among my people and around the world. I believe that me completing my college education will not only be good for me but also for others. I will also be the first girl in my extended family to have completed college.

My friend laughed at me when I told him that Bethel opened my eyes to a bigger world, considering one stereotype for Bethel students is that they are disconnected to the world outside of campus. However, after my first semester at Bethel, I feel that my experiences at Bethel are shaping me into a person who cares about the world and wants to make a difference in it. Through my classes, chapel, student activities, and interaction with professors and classamtes, I am beginning to undertand myself and my values better. In fact, many classes here are challenging because they question our cultural values and conceptions that we grew up with. One friend expressed that she felt overwhelmed after watching movies about wars and feminism; another Caucasian friend said she felt uneasy after watching a movie about white privileges. However, the professors at Bethel are here to walk with us as we explore the world and ourselves. They encourage us not to take things for granted, but instead learn and experience for ourselves so that we truly understand what we belive in. They also warmly welcome us and encourage us to join them in making a difference in this wrold.

I have been greatly impacted by my first semester of college. I have seen the ways in which i am influence by those around me, and similairly seen my influence on others. Moving away from the people I have been with since elementry school has been a big change and I have grown in regards to my self-identity. I am now more able to tell you who I am and what I stand for. I have grown into an easily influenced highschooler to what I like to consider myself now, an individual with drive and purpose.

I have gotten a great education thus far at Bethel University. I have learned a lot about myself, the Twin Cities and most importantly about my major; nursing. I value my education there and I love where I'm at. I have amazing friends and professors to help me with my academics and to support all of my decisions. I would not wish to be at any other university.

My college experience has been a very valuable one. It has allowed me to grow academically as well as personally. My professors and peers have challenged me to push myself in all areas of my life to become a better person. Each day I learn more in my classes. Not only have I gained knowledge, but I have learned more about myself and how to use my strengths to achieve my goals. I have also been growing personally as I continue to learn more about my faith. I have gained many good friends who have been a great encouragement to me. Overall, my college experience has allowed me to learn more about who I am and my purpose in life.

Attending Huntington University has been a blessing in my life. I am so glad that the Lord guided me here and that Financial Aid allowed me to attend. I have grown into the Rebekah that I am today because of Huntington University. Huntington has provided endless opportunities for me to grow in my faith. I have had countless serving opportunities, faculty and staff that have invested in me and my well-being, wonderful Resident Assistant's, and great floormates. I have then had opportunities to give back and learn to invest myself. I have been involved with a campus serving organization (Joe Mertz Center) and am now a Resident Assistant myself. I have become more independent through attending this University and have been blessed by the opportunities and people that I have encountered. College also provides day to day learning. Through dating and a breakup, I have learned more about myself, healing, and relationships. Through the Psychology department (my major), I have learned about children, adults, relationships, and human sexuality. Through the day to day encounters with others, I have learned to love more like Christ. What a blessing!

The main thing that I've gotten out of my college experience at Bethel University, is to be a student of Integrity. I've learned to have integrity and to be someone that is able to integrate my faith in everything I do and to do what is pleasing to God. I've also learned that I'm held accountable to other students at my University so I should only help them succeed and to be there for one another. At Bethel University we sign the Covenant of Lifestyles, which is basically an agreement that students attending Bethel University will not drink alcohol, smoke tobacco, or gamble. By going to Bethel i've been able to live a pure life straying away from the activities that are against Bethel policies and living a life of integrity and making a better environment for students at Bethel. It has been so valuable to attend Bethel because I can't imagine being anywhere else. At Bethel there is something that everyone has in common, and that is a relationship with God. It's ultimately a great place to watch your faith grow and watch other students bloom into better people of the world.

At first, it was really hard to attend Bethel University because of the expensive cost. However, after coming here, I realized that it is worth every penny. I already have many relationships with others, both students and professors. I have learned more in this one semester than I did in my whole life, and I was so spiritually challenged, forcing me to grow deeper in my faith. Besides all the amazing opportunities available at Bethel, it is beneficial for me to attend this school because I have developed into a whole new person. I know have a goal for the future and a purpose for the present.

I have learned many things so far. I come from a very small community, so coming here to St. Paul has taught me alot. I have learned how to interact with others better, how to work together, and how to express how I feel openly in a respectful manner.

My experience at Bethel University is more than I could have ever expected. When I first decided to come here, I knew that I would grow as a Christian. What I didn't realize is that it would be a challenge and a wake-up call. You would think that it would be easy to be a Christian when you're surrounded by other Christians. The reality is that it is much easier to just become comfortable with your faith and forget what what Christianity is really about. It's not supposed to be easy! I have learned to remind myself of the basics of Jesus' sacrifice and to remember that every day. I try to live my life like a newborn Christian. I want to serve others in order to serve my Savior, my God. I know now that it will not usually be easy, but that's the point! Jesus suffered for us, so it's time now that we suffer a little bit. Only then can we enter into his Kingdom of eternal life.

Since I am a senior in high school doing a state program, I am a relatively young college freshman. My college life this year has really prepared me for when I finally move to college next year, as right now I still live at home. It has also been very interesting to view the differences between high school social tendencies and college social tendencies.Because I still have interaction with high school age actvities, college life has been very useful in dealing with situations that may come up. Although I am talkig about high school tendencies, the experiences that you learn while in college can be used at any time in your life.

Throughout my college experience I have learned what it looks like to be a well rounded person. At Bethel they have challenged me academically and spiritually. They have expanded my ideas and actions through the programs offered here, some of which include studying abroad, service opportunities, class work, and school sponsored activites. I have grown so much as a person and I am continually learning and growing to become a better person. Bethel has been so valuable for me to attend because of the community it has built. The students, faculty, and staff members are all approachable and there is a sense of mutal respect for all within the community. I would never trade the experiences I have had here at Bethel and I am so blessed to be part of this community.

Bethel University has challenged me academically, physically and emotionally. Since I have been here, my mind has been challenged in ways like never before. The individuals surrounding me, as well as the classes I am attending, have stimulated intellectual development and creativity. As I have been learning how to stand on my own, this school has taught me to be open to new possibilities. My professors have opened my mind to new thought processes, and helped me to develop beliefs of which I can be fully convinced. My classmates have challenged me to open new crevaces of my mind and push my creative boundaries. Finally, my friends have shown me what it truly means to stand beside someone through thick and thin. As I have been challenged academically, physically and emotionally, I have learned to become passionate about my studies and convictions, and also to accept and learn from those of others. This experience has been one of struggle and victory, but through it all I have seen what it means to pour myself into something, holding nothing back. I have learned what it means to be passionate.

I have gained both intellectual and spiritual knowledge that has enabled me to grow. I have discovered who I am and who i want to become in the future. I made life long friends and developed relationships with professors that have encouraged me both personally and academically.

This school has been valuable because it has helped me realize who I am and what my purpose is in my life. I have learned what I am giften and talented at so that I can give back to world and use my talents and gifts to glorify God in all that I do. It has prepared me to go into the business world and do excellent in a job. It has surrounded me with amazing friends that I can rely on and that build me up to be a better person than when I first arrived. The friends, the one on one help from professors, the academic excellence, and the community and fellowship here at Bethel University is absolutely priceless and I am so blessed that I have been able to attend here the past 3, almost 4, years.

My college experience has helped me mature both as an individual and as a professional. Nursing school has taught me how to stay organized, take responsibility for my actions, and provide holistic care not only to my patients but to the people around me as well. Without these valuable lessons, I would still be lost in the thrill of high school graduation with no real direction in my life. When I look back at how much confidence and self-assurance I have gained in three years of college, I know that I made the right decision to attend and continue for another year. With this experience, I plan to reach my full potential as an American citizen, health care provider, loving wife, mother and daughter; but most of all, the person God wants me to be.

My college experience has been quite valuable through the daily life, the classes, and because of my professors. I really enjoy living in a dorm because I get to interact with many different people and learn how to compromise and live with other people. I have built some great friendships thus far. The classes have been both challeging and enjoyable. Although some classes required more than I expected, I enjoyed that I was pushed to perform and make improvements. Finally, I love the professors. They genuinely care about the students and want to help when they can. I find in very encouraging when my professor tells me that my input in the discussion was valuable. The overall experience has been a stretching and growing experience, but also vital to my growth as a person.

Embrace. Humanity, diversity, challenge, education, community. What I have gotten out of Bethel is an identity as an indicvidual that is part of a whole. I have learned what it is to be human. I have learned that my life has been unique to me but shares characteristics of a human existance with all other people in the areas that matter most. I have a sense of justice, caring, realtionality, and responsibility. Bethel has opened my eyes to the meaning and importance of living life together; my existance is tied up with yours. I have learned that I must embrace life. I have learned how to embrace diversity. I have learned how to embrace challenges and the lessons that come with the victory. The value of this is indescribable. Life skills are strengthened. I have a knowledge and perspective that helps me to realte to others in an impactful way. I can stand in solidarity with sufferers as thier fellow man. We can embrace each other in this existance we share. The power that brings comes in beautiful love.

I have made so many friends and created valuable realtionships that I will take with me for the rest of my life. These are the people that I spend all of my time with and someday I hope to marry someone from Bethel University. It is such a tight knit community and it is nice to see so many familiar faces around campus every day. It's not like a regular university where you could go all semester and not see the same face twice. This is a very valuble aspect of Bethel that I believe everyone loves and cherishes.

My college experience has been invaluable to me. It has been a constant growing experience. This year I have broadened outside of my egotistical self and am becoming aware of the many issue and needs in our world. Thanks to chapel messages, speakers, and classes, I have learned about human trafficking, the issues of immigration, genocide, and child soldiers. These topics have never been presented to me so passionately before. While there are many situations in our world that are dire, there is hope; we cannot lose sight of our brothers and sisters who have been placed in a situation that we cannot even comprehend. I have also learned balance between academics and social. It is important to me that I pursue the person I desire to become now instead of after leaving college. I believe that it is important to pursue habits and issues that I am passionate about to one day use in the labor force. I want to live a life that positively impacts other people and Bethel University is helping me to understand and achieve this goal.

Through my college experience so far, I have learned a lot about myself as a person. Going to college, a person is put to somewhat of a test. Students are put into a new environment to which they are not necessarily accustomed to. Going into college, I did not know anyone in my class, so had to make all new friends. This offered me the opportunity to really figure out and lay out the values that I wanted to find in others, as well as portray through my own actions. Finding a balance between social and academic experiences has was also difficult at first. College is somewhat about re-shaping your life, finding out who exactly you are, and realizing what your life is all about.

I have received fulfillment out of the college experience; through hard work, knowledge, and education. As a working mother I have always explained the value of an education to my children, experiencing it first hand has been so invaluable. I have enjoyed the influence my professors have had on my life. I love the lecture and discussions among my classmates of various age and opinion. As a person already in the work force I can appreciate the advantage I will receive with my college degree. I feel accomplished as I advance in my studies and gain the skills and instruction that will benefit in my future career. As a mother in a working class family I have a deep appreciation of how a college education will enable us to provide a better quality of life for our family.

I feel like I have grown a lot personally since high school, and the main reason for that is because of Bethel University. I have been able to meet so many great people here who really want to get to know me and who want me to grow spiritually and mentally. I have made life long friends here, and I will be forever greatful that I have attended Bethel. I have discovered who I truly am here, and I don't think that I could have done the same at a different university. Bethel has such a community atmosphere, and everyone really seems to care for one another, even people you don't really know. And because the campus is so small, you do get to know a lot of different people, and you always run into people you know and you come to recognize most people on campus. I love this university, and I know that it's where I'm meant to be.

I have gained a lot of friendships and knowledge since I have been Bethel University. I think Bethel allows the students to become well-rounded and knowledable in multiple areas and topics. It has been valuable to me because it has helped me as a person become more outgoing and excited to learn about new things. Bethel has also helped me step out of my comfort zone to learn about things I haven't been exposed to in my younger years growing up. Bethel also has helped me grow in my faith and become closer to God.

My college experience, to this date, has been a mismatch of life lessons and learning experiences. I would not like to consider quite who I would be without the experience and education that I am recieving. My experiences at Bethel University have been invaluable as I have begun to discover more of who and what I am going to be in my future. Through challenging academics and numerous discussions on various topics I feel more aware of the world and the career path I am pursuing. I've learned countless lessons on interpersonal relationships and such simple things as how to live with people in a way that is constructive and healthy. As a result of attending Bethel I feel much more prepared for encountering the world. A suprising but freeing development has been that I have become less stalwart on the path of my future. I have become more open to different career and life options which has made me excited for my life after school and the path I will ultimately take.