Ouachita Baptist University Top Questions

What should every freshman at your school know before they start?

Courtney

So far in my nineteen years of living, the trials I had to go through the summer before college proved to be the hardest. I love my parents both dearly but they put me through so many complicated situations that summer. I truly believed that my father left us that summer because of the "mistake" he made. My mother, who tends to be a "little" emotional, would walk around the house yeliing, "He left us with nothing! You wont be going to college this year! !", but she's only a "little" emotional. They've been divorced for sometime now so why is my mom upset? Because he's the money bags and now she and us kids have to figure out how we all are going to pay for college. I would go back and tell my senior self, to get ready for this summer. At the beginning of senior year, I prayed for my father to become sober after years of alchol abuse, and now he's sober and were closer than ever. I would live through all of that stress and turmoil that summer, if it meant the person I love most can be free. -endless love conquers

Demetris

If I could go back and give advice to myself as a senior, I would tell myself to use "free" time wisely. During those times when you don't have a class or something school related to do, study and do homework rather than sleeping, watching tv, or playing video games. I would tell myself to make sure to go to class. Many new college students feel like going to class is optional, but if you go to class, then you will be better off. Because when you skip class, you may miss a quiz or a very important lesson. I would also tell myself to get help in any class that he is not doing good in. Get help from the professer, students, and go to the free tutoring sessions.

Elizabeth

Dear younger Beth, You are beginning your last year of high school. How does it feel? Pretty great, right? And a little surreal. It’s all in the process. Believe me, by the end of the year you will be so sick of school that you will want to go get your GED and be done with it! But don’t. Wait it out. It’s worth the effort to get a high school degree. And graduation night will be fun! Save all the money you make for college because you are going to need it. I know you want to go buy that movie you saw at Wal-Mart, but you can get it later. Also, don’t argue with your parents so much. If you keep that up, it’s going to be a long summer. Treasure the time you have with your family now. Work on scholarships and your job, but don’t forget to let yourself relax. Don’t get so stressed out that you can’t do anything except yell at people and cry. It’s going to be ok. God will work things out according to His plan. Have a great year! Future Beth

Charlie

I would tell myself that I should keep living because it really does get better. I'd remind myself that I will eventually get out of my parent's hold and one day I'll be okay, no matter what I'll turn out just fine because I'm going to get out and be free. No one will be able to stop me from learning and getting a degree. I'll be just fine.

Alana

If I could go back in time and offer advice to my high school senior-self, I would say that I need to start saving more money for the future and I need to learn good time managment skills before I leave for college. Also, I would tell myself that it's okay to not do everything, and just because I cannot do everything does not mean I should do nothing. I would also tell myself not to hold on to too many things that will tie me down back home because staying at school on the weekends is a great way to get to know people and form friendships, but if you have things at home that are pulling you back there, you will feel guilty not going back when you can. Finally, I would tell myself to enjoy life, be myself, and not worry too much about transitioning into college because everything works itself out eventually. The right friends find you, you figure out how everything works, and you eventually wonder why you thought it was something to stress over.

Rachel

I would advise myself to get to know upper classmen because they are very friendly and helpful for understanding how things work at Ouachita. Also, I would tell myself to switch out of the freshman dorm after the first semester because the atmosphere is a little depressing there. Lastly, I would tell myself to become involved quickly with service opportunities through the Elrod Center (the service center on campus for the local community).

Caitlin

Dear Caitlin, you should not worry yourself to death about having to figure out your life's goal before entering college. There will be more stressful decisions in your life than just about whether or not you graduate with your intended major of the month. I promise that you will figure out who you are along the way, but you need to realize that with hardships comes growth. With that growth you will grow into a strong young woman who does not take "no" for an answer. You need involve yourself with the college community right away your freshman year. Hey, having a few friends in college can be a lifesaver, trust me. The importance of the college community is this: being a part of something bigger will give you the drive to stay up late cramming before a big exam and it will help you fall in love with your campus. Always stay true to who you are.

Devon

All the hard work is worth it. Enjoy high school even though it can be tough because once its over you can never go back. Keep working hard academically because it helps more than you realize in college. Slow down and don't rush, make memories, have fun and rely on God to lead you because He will show you which college to go to. Never be ashamed of who you are and where you came from.

Ernie

Do not be decieved by the image your generation portrays to you. Success and recklessness do NOT go hand- in- hand. Leave the people whom you associate with and make new freinds wisely. Your current aquaintences will cloud your judgement and lead you into a bogus reality. Your mind will become lost as you ignorantly indulge in your own destruction. You will discover this through a series of strenuous and painful events if you do not listen to me. You are bright and capable of much more than you could ever fathom. Turn to the Lord and dont look back. Right now you hate the idea of continuing your education.You hate reading, writing, and listening to teachers altogether. Keep your mind open and never limit your options. You will overcome this fear of becoming intelligent and soon you will yearn for knowledge. Your character will be transfromed. It will scare you when you realize its happening and you will attempt to not let it happen. LET IT! You will soon realize how bliss ignorance really is. Believe in God and believe that He is with you. Watch your mind recontruct and dont get cocky when it happens. - Steven Lopez

Jacob

Study Hard. Take naps. Be open to everyone you meet. Know your limits, but don't turn down everything that comes your way.

Anastasia

I know it sounds cheesy, but at Ouachita I found myself. I now know more about who I am and what everything means to me. The instruction I am receiving is something I wouldn't trade for anything else in the world. Due to financial issues I may be unable to attend next semester and that bothers me. Ouachita has had such an impact on my life that I will be back though. I can't see myself attending anywhere else. I have made friends that I will have for life here. The memories that I have made are more cherished to me than anything else I have and I know that even after I leave here I will always be welcomed back for visits and I have hopes that one day my children will decide to try out OBU and that it will be as much like home for them as it has been for me. I live 2 1/2 to 3 hours away from here so the fact that I have never felt homesick here says a lot. If only they allowed pets in dorm rooms it would be beyond perfect.

Elizabeth

From my college experiance I have learned so much. I have learned patience and understanding. I have learned how to make the most of my time as a wife, mother and student. It has helped me to understand people better as I am a Huamn Services major. It has been valuable for me to attend college because it has given me oppurtunities that I have never had to work with the community. It has opened my eyes to the need of people willing to give their time and effort to the community rather it be the homeless, battered women, or abused children. The need is never ending.

William

I have recieved a wonderful liberal arts education along with a great grasp on the world around me. At this university, the professors are very engaged with the students and want to make them the best individuals they possibly can. Even interaction with the President of the school is not something that is uncommon. With all of the faculty and staff being so involved you have to actually try to not be made into a better person. This is the most rewarding thing about attending this university. On top of the academic side of the university, the social life here is one of extreme unity and wholeness. Everyone seems to associate with one another, and there are no major divides between groups of people. Eveyone is accepted here for who they are and what they want to become. I have received the best education in the field of my choice that I could recieve anywhere else in the world.

Emily

I gained confidence as an artist and as a person. I was nurtured in my Christian faith and made some lifelong friends. It made me realize I want to be an art teacher. I was inspired by the love and effort my art professors poured into me. It was a good time of growth, since I had just returned to the US, after living overseas for most of my life. Though it was not an easy transition, nor a fun-filled 4 years, it was a valuable experience to give me some direction for further academic pursuits and life choices.

Kimberly

My college experience has been life-changing. I have been exposed to new ideas that have restructured my worldview. I have learned to be more flexible in my opinions. I have learned to value of intellectual debate and the stimulus that it can provide. College has provided an atmoshpere in which I can listen to and retain the ideas of others, and after pondering these sometimes contradictory theories I have been able to form my own opinions. I can then knowledgably discuss these opinions with other people, always being open to change and yet having the information to defend my opinion. College had been invaluable not only because of the information that I have been priviledged to gain, but also because of the wisdom that I have been able to procure. I have had the honor of being taught by excellent professors who not only teach but encourage application. I have learned that it cannot be enough to simply posses information. One must take this information and use it to transform the world in which they live. This must be handled with wisdom and care. My college experience has been priceless, and my life is better because of it.

Andrew

Thus far in my college experience, I have come to know new faces, an extensive amount of new knowledge, and a handful of new life lessons. Ouachita Baptist University is relatively small, liberal arts college, with a student body of less than two thousand. This allows for much more diverse interaction, as students of all fields of study intermingle on the grounds of the small campus. In addition, being a liberal arts university, the school requires me to take several classes from various fields of study; I?m not limited socially or educationally by being restricted to my own field of study. Because closeness is combined with diversity, I can experience several different aspects of life with relative convenience. The various on-campus influences, from my faith, friends, and activities all contribute to my maturing into a beneficial influence on the people I encounter and the generations to come after me. The professors here are committed to seeing these concepts become strong realities, and are there to help me not only attain them, but learn to continue attaining them. If I can learn to learn, I will never reach a dead end as I seek to benefit the world.

Nicole

I would tell myself to take more college class while I was still in High school, so I could get my CORE classes out of the way. I would also tell myself to not be as afraid about making friends, that it comes naturally and that you will find people like yourself. I would also tell myself that I need to work harder in my classes because college is tough. All in all, college is an experience you do not want to miss, and that it is well worth to go.

Renee

Take it one assignment at a time. Sometimes you'll look at everything that's due in the next couple of weeks and think, "what have I gotten myself into?" When you feel that way, stop panicking, make yourself some tea, and start plodding through the work. Stay up as late as needed to finish books or write papers, but never pull an all-nighter the night before a test. Short term memory requires sleep for consolidation, so staying up all night to study is self-defeating. And go have fun. Sometimes you need to put down the book, find some girls, and go get Taco Bell at midnight or watch a movie or do a puzzle. You are going to make some of the best friends you've ever had- hold on to them and invest in those relationships. You won't regret it.

James

I would tell myself not to worry about finances and much. In the end it seems these things eventually get taken of. Also, to study hard and enjoy my time in college. Four years is not that as long as it seems and make the most of it.

Chelsie

Knowing what I know about college life and making the transition from high school into college, I would advise myself to get out more and to get more involved in campus activities. During my first semester of college, I kept to myself and didn't get out very much. I didn't feel like I really fit in on our campus; however, as I started to attend more events and to put forth the effort to get to know more people, I really began to enjoy school a lot more. My attitude toward my school improved drastically, and my college experience improved in general.

Amanda

With the knowledge I know now after my first semester of college is that I needed to care more about my studying habits. I wish that I knew more about time management in high school. Figuring out how to manage my time was a struggle I had to deal with fast. Between sleeping, classes, studying, working, and eating I did not have time for a social life.I feel that if I had known about how to manage my time efficiently I would have been able to not cram as hard during finals week. I know that if I had been able to have study time planned out every day, I would have been able to have higher grades in each class. But now I have learned what it means to have time management. It is one that everyone going into college should know how to handle and be able to control.

Audreyanna

If I could go back and visit myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to come to college with an open mind. Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and make new friends, guy or girl, because you never know what impact other people can have on you. I would say that focusing on schoolwork is important, but there is no need to get stressed out about it. Academics is only part of school - there are other ways to learn as well. I would say that it's ok to be myself, and that there are people there to help me when I go through hard times. I would say that being open to new experiences and new people will be the best thing I can do.

kayla

if i could go back i would tell my self not to give up or slack just because it is my senior year. i would also tell my self to look and apply for more scholarships because just becasue you apply for one does not mean that you are going to get it awarded to you. to make the most of being in high school because college is way different and even though you think you will not miss it you probably will. there is so much that is easier about high school than in college so dont take it forgranted. love every minute and make good memories.

Lori

Be yourself. Find friends that are like you that you enjoy being with. Don't try to fit in with upperclassmen and taint your reputation. They will graduate and you will still be there stuck with a terrible name.

Rachel

Don't worry too much about getting an A in every class. Instead, have fun with the classes you take, because your favorite class might be the one you get a C in, and that's okay. Once you have your diploma the grades won't matter, but your experience will. Take the time to make deep friendships, because those can get you through the tough times (like when you're getting that C!).

Lori

Don't stress! This is one of the best times of your life, but you have to get out there and enjouy it. Play intramurals, make friends on your hall, join a lot of clubs. Make friends. Of course, keep up with your studies, but you MUST balance the academics with a social life or you will be miserable.

Blake

If I were to go back to my high school self, I would strongly encourage myself to look into all possibilities and compare the pros and cons of each school, especially cost and scholarship money for each option. This way, I would have had a more objective look at my options for higher education, even though my soccer career was the main deciding factor. I still believe that knowing the good and bad about every school would have made my decision much easier. I would pursuade my younger self to take more time soaking up every moment of senior year, because after that you have to grow up way too fast. Life is full of worries about money, tests and more money problems. I would assure myself that college is a blast, but it's not what its cracked up to be if you really want to make the best grades and be responsible.

Emily

First of all, going back and trying to reason with my "senior-in-high-school-self" would be a challenge in itself. In high school all I was concerned about was my drill team, getting through the last few months of classes, and my boyfriend. Looking back, I would have worked longer and harder on scholarship applications, preparing for my future career as a Child Life Specialist by volunteering to play and work with children at hospitals, and I would have worked and saved more money. As for making the transition, I would advise my younger self to set limits to the time that I spent with any one individual. And I would strongly suggest continuting a consistent healthy diet and workout routine. I would tell myself to take ample time in considering the school that I would spend the next four years of my life attending. This is the most important thing; being happy in the college that I choose, and obtaining a focus on school work and learning to love college life for all of its differences and challenges.

Jasmine

As you know, there is a tedious road ahead. Now is the time to buckle down and prepare your mind and discipline yourself for college. These are going to be the most challenging times and the best experiences of your life. Now is the time to correct those bad habits. You will be on your own now, so you have to learn to wake yourself up, be on time, and study! study! study! Time management is key! If hanging out and facebooking begin to affect your grades, give it up and focus on what IS going to better your grades. Everyone and everything that looks good to you may not be good FOR you, so choose your friends carefully. Make sure they are there to help and not hinder you. CONTROL YOUR SPENDING HABITS and do NOT get a credit card! Mom said so! Never forget the morals and values that were instilled in you. These will help you be more aware and make good choices. There will be times where you may fail, get hurt, and be challenged, but these are the times where you learn most about yourself. Learn from your mistakes. Teach others what you have learned.

jessica

Reaching for something in the distance So close you can almost taste it Release your inhibitions Feel the rain on your skin No one else can feel it for you Only you can let it in No one else, no one else Can speak the words on your lips Drench yourself in words unspoken Live your life with arms wide open Today is where your book begins The rest is still unwritten --Natasha Bedingfield

Lauren

If I could talk to myself as a senior in high school, I would tell myself to enjoy it while I can. I would say say enjoy being provided for. Enjoy your friends that you can still see. Chose a better balance between sleep, work, homework, and friends. I would tell myself not to stress so much over homework and tests. I would say enjoy your days off and homework free days. Most importantly, enjoy being with your family. Do not take anything for granted because soon it will change. While college life has changed me for the better, I believe I could have enjoyed more opportunities as a high schooler.

Jessica

Listen here little missy, college at Ouachita will be a lot different than your preconceived notions. Yes, you tried hard in high school. However, you are going to have to try a lot harder in college. Mom and Dad won't be there to tell you to not go to Hot Springs when you have a twelve page analytical paper due the next day, or not to go to the midnight premiere of New Moon in Little Rock the night before a major Physics exam. You've got to buckle down and get your priorities straight. I know that you think you can handle a tough course load - and you can - but not while you are a pledge in a social club, playing on an intramural team, and trying to run your own photography business. You are NOT superwoman, even if you think you are. Jess, slow down and love life. Never forget that life is beautiful, precious, and fleeting. Call Mom and Dad because they will miss you. Above all, don't worry about where your life will take you. In the end, everything will work out - even if your plans get tweaked a bit. Love, your future.

Caroline

Congratulate yourself. You've done it. You graduated high school and now you are off to college. Take a deep breath and dive into college life! Do not try to be anyone but yourself. Befriend the unfriendly. Smile, even when no one else is smiling back. Do more service-related projects. Don't be afraid to do intramurals. Plug in, because you are worth getting to know. Do your laundry a little more often than every three weeks. Clean the dishes more often than you think you need to. Thank your roommate every day for being such a good friend, because you will never have another roommate as good as her. Do not be so scared of the "freshman fifteen" that you can't enjoy ice cream every once and a while, it would be better to gain weight now and lose it than not taste the flavors of life! Talk to Mom on the phone more than once a week, your family misses you more than they lead on... especially Dad. Just take it one day at a time because you are making the memories today that will last you the rest of your life.

Jessica

I would most likely tell myself to not be afraid of anything and I would tell myself to ceize every opportunity that lies in front of me. My college experience has already gone by so fast and I hope that I have invested in as many lives as have invested in me. College is the time in your life where you can truly decide the person you want to become and that is liberating but at the same time very scary. You are the person you become by the actions you take and the decisions you make. One important thing I have learned academically is that grades do not define the person you are. Some courses are extremely difficult and as long as you give it all you have you should be proud of yourself. Success is not always an A+, it is realizing that you did what you came to do, you learned, you were wisdom seeking, and you helped to change people's lives along the way.

John

Visit a lot of places. Don't stress.

Jessica

Finding the right college is a difficult task that takes a little bit of searching but upon finding the school you believe is right it is important to visit that school. Once there you will know whether or not it feels right just by the atmosphere around the campus. I was not planning on attending the school I did until I went and visited it and I knew when I got there is was the place for me. I would encourage those with a faith to pray about the decision also because for me that was a very important step in the process as well and it really sealed the deal for me. Once at the college I would suggest getting involved and making friends with those around you. You can never remake the memories so don't regret making friends right off the bat. Always remember that everyone is in the exact same boat as you and they are in a new place with new faces as well and that makes it a lot easier to make friends.

Lindsey

Honestly, I am slowly going into debt. I take out several loans a semester, but I am having the time of my life! When I go home for the summer, I am already wanting to go back! Ouachita really is the best thing that could happen to me. I have been able to come closer to the Lord, without being having to fight to find him. At Ouachita there are plenty of opportunites to meet the Lord: Refuge (a thrusday night worship service), NoonDay (a super short love God and love in God worship session), and Chapel once a week! No one could find a better place to become a better person.

Kayla

When you first start looking for a college you need to think about a few things; like how far away from home do you want to be and how big of a school would you like to attend. After that I would suggest looking at schools that are in your field of work or if you are unsure schools that have the same type of "personality" as you do. VIsit schools (more than once) and really get a fill for how life is on campus because this is going to be your home for the next couple of years. Once you have selected a college get involved, make friends, and get to know the faculty (believe it or not they actually have a lot of connections). But most importantly HAVE FUN!! You are there to learn and to build a life for yourself but have some fun while you are doing it. After all, some of the people you meet will be your life long friends!

Heather

Definetly make visiting campuses a priority in selecting a school because just reading about schools in brochures or hearing about them from other people isn't enough. You need to see for yourself where you or your son/daughter will spend four (or more) years at. You need to be comfortable with the campus and people at it in order to be comfortable spending your college life there. In order to make the most of your college experience, you should definetly try and learn all that you can from the courses you take because you will apply that knowledge to not only your career, but also the rest of your life. Also, don't be shy when you finally do get to campus. Meet your professors and classmates. The friendships you make with your professors and classmates will last you a lifetime. Lastly, get involved in your school. Whether it be volunteer organizations, clubs, or sports, workforces love to see that you've been involved with your campus. If you plan on going to graduate school, having volunteer hours on your transcript might get you a better chance at getting into graduate school.

Tanner

You should definitely look for a school that suits you as far as size goes. I know lots of people that went off to big schools and they wer not prepared at all for big school life. Also, if you are not a party animal, do not go to a party school. And if you are a party animal go to a party school. Find what school really fits who you are and who you want to be. You should also take into account what you are studying and what schools have better programs in that area. You shouldn't pick a state school for a religious major or a school with a terrible program in your area of study just because your friend is going there.

Alissa

Do a lot of research. Visit the campus. Talk to current students.

Ashley

First, make a list of things that you do and don't want from your college experience--for example, small classes or a large campus. Second, visit the campus before enrolling; take a tour of the facilities and meet faculty, staff, and students whenever possible. Ask them their favorite things about the university or things they might dislike. Next, pick a major that you know you will enjoy learning about, even if the curriculum appears difficult. As you pick your major, keep in mind the various job possibilities that would stem from your choice of major, and consider whether or not you wish to do those for a long time after graduation. If possible, get ahead in coursework by taking required subjects online or during the summer. Once you're there, make friends who will make you a better person. Be involved on your campus--have school spirit! Form good study habits and study often. Parents, always be realistic and honest with your child about your financial situation and your expectations from them as they make this transition. Be as helpful as possible, but also learn to recognize when to let them make their own way. Support their final decision.

Megan

Throughout middle school and the greater part of high school, my primary thought regarding college was, "I will NOT go to Ouachita Baptist University." You see, as a straight A student, enthusastic athlete, etc., I always did everything by the book, just how everyone wanted me to do it. So when it came down to deciding on a college, I was firm in my desire to not do what everyone expected me to do-- attend OBU. That was the college for all the good little girls like me. "No," I thought, "For once, I'm going to do something they won't expect." However, in fall 2006, I found myself loving every second of OBU. The problem was this: those things that I thought others were expecting of me, I was expecting of myself. That's the first step in determining the direction your college path will take. What do you expect of yourself? Are your decisions, both those of the present of the future, going to propel you to those ends? I believe that you can be educated and thrive at any school. It's what you expect of yourself while you're there that will make the difference.

Amelia

Many people are so focused on getting into the most prestigious college possible they don't take the time to think about what type of college will be best for their own learning style. Start by using the process of eliminiation: research any campuses that have somehow caught your attention. Then, use your personal preferences and what you know of your own learning style to filter the massive number of colleges down to a handful... I recommend five, but that is an arbitrary number open to interpretation. Once you've got the list narrowed down the best thing to do is go and visit the campus. All the literature in the world can't tell you what you see with your own eyes and feel in your gut, so to speak. Your campus will be your home; if you can't see yourself living there and that place becoming a part of you, then you'll never be able to relax enough to do your best. College is all about learning to exist in community. Becoming a part of that community as soon as possible (i.e. getting to know professors, peers, etc.) builds you a nearly indestructable safety net!

Renee

For me, what made me certain that I was supposed to go to Ouachita was my tour. I highly recommend touring the universities you're thinking about. Ouachita felt like home, and for me that was important. My parents live overseas, so I can't just go home on the weekend. If you'll be commuting, though, go for the school that spends more of the tour talking about academics than student life. That's a big deal, actually: If you're planning to be on campus most weekends, try to chose a campus where most of the students stay in town. If you're a commuter, you might feel left out on a campus where most people only go home on holidays. I really don't recommend chosing a college purely for what they have for your major, because most people change their majors. I've changed mine, and I was pretty sure that I wasn't going to.

Alex

Start early, do your homework, make phone calls, ask questions, request information like no other. Most universitys in America are looking for students to enhance their campus, so make yourself attractive and pursuit worthy. The financial aid won't drop in your lap and doesn't come easy...but it's definitely there for the taking. Don't be afraid to ask for money, make office visits with the administrators that can make that happen. More importantly, VISIT THE CAMPUS. An overnight stay at my school is what caused me to fall in love. Go to some classes that you are interested in, meet with the faculty, dine in the facilities, go to the dorms!! haha...for sure, go to the dorm you would be staying in. All that said, this is probably most important. Don't compromise or settle for anything other than what you want. However you have to do it...make it happen. You only get one shot at Higher Education, make it count. And have fun, it's not the Army...it's your life for a few years!! Everything you want to be IS achievable if YOU want it hard enough and make it happen!

Maggie

College is the best time of your life. Whether you enjoyed high school or not, your college experience is the one that you will remember years later and tell your children about. Finding the right college can be difficult, but it is definitely worth all the trouble. First, apply everywhere you think you would like to go. Even if you do not think you can afford it, apply anyway! Second, visit as many schools as you can. Touring schools and walking around the campus is one of the most important things you can do. It helps you understand what college is like and it allows you to make your own judgment about the atmosphere. Of course, make sure that the schools you are looking at have a good program for what you want to do. Lastly, contact as many people as you can and ask them about the schools you are considering. Talk to alumni or current students and ask as many questions as you want. It is so important to have a good college experience because it will effect the rest of your life.

stefani

Make sure they get out and socalize some but not too much. School work is important too. About finding the right college just make sure they have all the facilities that your children needs for a reasonable price . also needs a very good library one big enough that it would have multiple copies of the same book just encase they need to do a report on something they will be able to get it. I dont know just talk to the kids and ask them what they want out of college. Make sure they have a friendly environment. you can usually tell when you go and tour the campus, which you should definately do that too, how you feel around the people there. And make sure that the professors are willing to talk to you too. It wouldnt hurt for it to have an orientation program for the new students to get to know each other which most usually do. all i can say about the college experience is go to games, activities, and get outta the room once in a while :D be nice and friendly and have an open mind.!! have fun!

Clay

My advice to parents when helping students find a college is that they allow for the student to make thier own decision about were they want to go. I am not saying don't care about it but don't decide it for them. Rather have an active part in helping them make thier decision and support them no matter were they go. When selecting a school make sure that your professors care about weather or not their students will succeed because this will help with weather or not you will understand their lectures. The professors here at OBU have their door open for any of the students to come and talk, get advice, or even get help with assignments. Also be sure that the school has a good introduction program. This really helped me in meeting new people who are now some of my closes friends. Finally it is good to find a school who is willing to go out of their way to make sure that your college experience is the best that it can be. Finally just have fun, sure your away from your family and friends but college is a one time experience, enjoy it.

Kristen

Relax. It is an important 4 years, but it is only 4 years. College is an exciting step towards independance. Savor it.