Spring Arbor University Top Questions

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

Kylie

Stop stressing! Go where you feel comfortable, yet challenged. Go where you will be able to grow, yet also grow others, and where you can learn about yourself and about the world. You carve the path for the rest of your life, not the college you decide to attend.

Julia

Julia, You're going to be okay. Yes, this new challenge seems a little out of your league, but everyone else feels the same way. Ask for help. Don't wait to be floundering, lost, and terrified. Be it emotional support, finding the right building for your next class, or anything in between, there are people whose entire lives are devoted to pouring into you; let them do their jobs and make your life easier. You're going to argue with your roommate; that's what happens when you go in blind. Yes, she'll be a little bit crazy at times -- but so are you. The pronunciation of words like "vague" and "data" don't matter in the grand scheme of things. Also, you only have to put up with her for one year; next year not everything will be a government conspiracy. This is a learning experience for both of you. Finally, seek to find balance. You're at school to do school, but you also need introvert time and time with friends. It's not selfish to designate time for each of these areas; quite to the contrary, it will make you a better person all around.

Matt

If I were able to go back in time and talk to the insecure, uptight high school student I was during my senior year, I would tell myself to do one thing: simply relax. When I was a high school student, I worried far too often about my future. While yes, it is important to be concerned with the direction in which to take one's life, I was utterly fixated on it. Everything had to work out perfectly then. I was not able to cope with imperfect situations and would panic and become overwhelmed. In college, I have learned that, with the right amount of studying, social interactions, and career planning, I could become completely content without a pressing worriness constantly overhead. I certainly do not regret my high school experience, but after reaching collegiate learning, I know now that I would have been more content and prepared if I would have been more relaxed.

Kristian

Look at you! You’re a senior and about to head off on a big escapade to the small SAU. So I’m writing you to share my odd word of wisdom, my quirky proverb: Do what you can to keep your weight under control. Hold up! Don’t cast this letter aside! I know what you’re thinking (“You sound like our mother!”), but I’m not talking about being skinny. I won’t sugar coat it; you gain a lot of weight in college. We turn to breadsticks when we’re upset, when we’re anxious, when we’re bored. But even though Spring Arbor doesn’t have readily available breadsticks, the D.C. has a soft serve machine…You’re still beautiful as your curvy self, but everything is affected by using food as a happy pill. You’re constantly tired, you battle depression, relentlessly wrestle anxiety, and you shortchange your confidence for cookies. You are so successful in college! But your body is made to serve your intelligent mind and your lovely spirit, not the other way around. Do yourself a favor. Don’t just skid by; take care of your body so you can flourish!

Ryan

Although I am a high school senior attending college, if I went back in time to when I first enrolled I would tell myself that college and high school are very different. If you pay for your classes you might as well get the most out of them. I would tell myself to sit in the front row, and ask the professors questions. At the high school I went to, I could attend all my classes at Polk State College, I was not the brightest in the class, and no one would ever talk in any of the professors discussions, but I would put my input into it. The more I did this, the higher my grade would get, and the more the professor would like me. Another thing I would tell myself, is the learning center should be gone to everyday, even if you're doing good in a class. It's good to practice with smarter people. If you practice for a course with intelligent people, even the toughest subjects won't be a challenge on test day. Finally I'd tell myself to be more outgoing, there are a lot of interesting people in the world.

Anna

I`d ask myself question to make a decision for what part of my major I wanted to get into. Having a general idea of what you want to get into might seem like a good idea when you first enter into the school, because you really want to get started on collge life and not wait any longer. But once you get to college, and realize that the program your in isn`t as great as another one you could be in - you start to wonder why you didn`t look and gather more information before. Do research, a lot of reasearch. And be 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} confident that where your about to go to college, is really where you want to go to college.

lace

If I could go back in time, the advice that I would give myself is stop complaining about how much homework I am given. Another thing that I would tell myself is to take some electives that are offered to give me a head start on college.

Sarah

If I were to go back and talk to my high school senior self, I would tell her to work on creating good study habits now. By doing this, those habits will carry over into college and help you be successful in your career and in your education.

darold

i would tell myself to study harder to get better scholarships and apply for scholarships as soon as possible. also do better in math

Sarah

I would tell myself to plan ahead. Such a tremendous transition can be extremely overwhelming. I would also remind myself that I can do anything I put my mind to because I have such a strong support system in my friends and family. College is not as difficult as I anticipated so I would tell myself to not sweat the small stuff and have confidence and believe in what I have accomplished and all that is in store for the future.

Kyanne

Dont sweat it, college is all about experiencing new things, dont be a fraid to mess up and learn form those mistakes. Also, some good advice that I would give myself would be to take more AP courses as a highschool student to then opt out of the courses in college but still recieve the credit. Every dollar saved is worht it!

Kelsi

If I could go back to talk to myself as a high school senior I would tell myself to stop obsessing over boys and care more about my schooling. As a senior I dated my entire senior year and I feel if I would have studied more I would have been able to raise my GPA and get a better scholarship than I did.

Darold

i would tell my younger high schoolself to apply for scholarships quickly and don't wait. also i would tell myself to be accepting of others and to learn how to think on a broader scale. also i would say to myself to be more of a people person/ community oriented. in addition to this try to touch as many lives as you can when you get on campus.

Becca

If I could go back and have a conversation with myself as a high school senior, I would first give myself a slap in the face (not hard, just enough to get my attention). Then, I would proceed to shout (not rudely, just loud enough to make a lasting impression), "STOP WORRYING ABOUT COLLEGE!" The transition was difficult, yes, but if I knew then what I know now, I would've realized that the tremendous pressure placed on high school seniors to choose a college and a major is simply unnecessary. Success for some means getting a degree, for others it's staying home and working. (By the way, I honestly believe that.) Either way, there is no need to stress over college decisions because there's no way I could have messed up what God planned for me before I was even born. Sweet relief! I am in no way saying that you shouldn't put effort towards college, I am merely saying that all the stress is unneccesary. Relax! Apply, and get in, and don't worry about money or anything. If God opens the door, then you just go and let him worry about money.

michaela

Going back I would tell myself not to worry about moving across the country for school, leaving everything and everyone that i knew. Sometimes starting over is the best thing you can do and it allows you to find who you really are. I would tell myself not to listen or care what other people thought of me, just to relax and find myself, it would have saved me a lot of heart ache and worry. Another thing is that not everyone is going to like you, but you should not change for them. Being you should be enough, if not, move on.

Laura

I would tell myself to enjoy high school, because it won't last forever. I would also tell myself to make sure I was, not only developing good study habits, but also developing good communication skills that would prepare me for real life.

Ben

The universe is impartial. Be like it; don't judge. Nobody is as simple as they seem, so stop pretending that they are. Instead, consider that the person you’re sizing up is no less troubled than you are. As Wayne Dyer put it, "When you judge another, you do not define them, you only define yourself." Face your fears. Don't let them paralyze you by trying to ignore them. Be sure of this: If left unmet they will come back to haunt you. In the midst of economic depression Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaimed, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". If the former president was right, then the cost of success is courage. Confront your fears today and you won't suffer them tomorrow. Finally, persist. Don’t get discouraged by the trials you face. Trust instead that you are stronger than the task ahead and find joy in knowing you did your best. Life isn’t easy, but it’s a fight you can win. So keep your chin up, because there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. Sincerely, “Yours Truly”

Kathryn

I was terrified in high school. Classified as a loner, though some people may have described me as a "choir-chick" or "gleek." I observed while everyone else went to football games, joined the drama club, or went on spring break with friends. My sister, a grade above me, was prom queen, student council president, and on the dean's list- seriously. I'm sure I was smarter than my grades showed, but I absolutely no motivation to apply myself. I had a lot of anxiety. My counselor told me I should consider other options besides college after graduation based on my grades. Ten years later and I am now interning at my high school for my SAU program. Some of my students are just like I used to be. I saw my old counselor in the cafeteria. He asked what my plans were after graduation- whether I would continue teaching. I said, "I'm going get my Masters in School Counseling" If I could go back to senior year, I'd say "Kate- don't let anyone make excuses for you. This is YOUR life- live it, love it. You are special and deserve success."

Collin

I would tell myself that the cost of attending college is more than you think. Tuition, fees, books, food, and room and board add up over the semesters. I would tell myself to take as many college courses as I could in high school, when it is much cheaper. I would also advise myself to attend a community college for atleast two years before transfering to a university to cut down on costs. I would tell myself to get a job in my spair time, and to save all of my earnings for college. While in high school I would tell myself to learn the real price of a good education. Having a proper education is essential in life, but it is hard work to get there.

Jessica

I would tell myself to just immerse myself in those around me. When I first came to college I was so home sick that I restrained myself from others, and went home every weekend. I would tell myself to relax and only go home once, maybe twice a month. However, I would have also told myself to go to a less expensive university. I would tell myself that if I didn't than nmy family would lose their house, like we are now. I would also tell myself to live a little. It's ok to get out there and enjoy being a college student.

Nicholle

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.

Erin

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.

Sarah

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.

Brittany

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.

Naomi

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.

Cody

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.

Ariana

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.

Ashley

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

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.

Hannah

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.

Alicia

Don't be fake. Be yourself and let people know the true you. If you are fake or completely into making other people happy, you're not going to be happy yourself. Take time for yourself. Take time to get to know yourself. Find what you like to do, how you study best, and which topics you like best. Use that information to plan your study time, major, and room set-up. Set boundaries with roommates in order to keep study time sacred. Studies are important - they are why you're in college - so make them a priority. Make getting to know yourself a priority, too. Without knowing who you are, you cannot know where you are going and what you are meant to do in life.

Jenee

I would tell myself not to stress out so much about impressing other people. I would tell myself not to let fear control my life. I would tell myself that my professors' goal is not to make me fail. I would relate how much easier assignments are when you start them right away and work on them over a longer period of time. I would stress the importance of time management, and relate what I have found works for me: when you have extra time, use it to do homework. Then, when the time comes that friends want to hang out, you will be able to without having to worry about tons of work you still have to do. Even if friends never come around to hang out later, you'll have that time to relax, or perhaps even work ahead in your classes' work if you're that ambitious, but you won't be stressing out about all those assignments you still have to get done before tomorrow morning. Lastly, I would tell myself just not to stress so much.

Hannah

Dear Hannah Dennings,

Austin

If I were given the opportunity to talk to my self as a student in high school, I would emphasis the importance of priorities. There are so many ways to get involved as a college student that one must set specific goals and standards for how he or she uses time. Academics must be set as the top priority because it is why college exists. Taking time to learn the material is invaluable and will pay off in great ways. The second priority is balancing work with social living. In order to succeed on campus, it is important to become connected with the people who live on it. These connections provide a number of benefits including academic connections, potential jobs, and also life long friends. As a college student, I cannot be successful by myself, but I can benefit those around me with unique input. Finally, the last incredibly important priority for a college student is health. Balancing diet, excercise, and sleep is the best way to ensure that I am physically, and mentally able to put my best effort into my work. All three priorities must be balanced in order to have a successful college career.

Abigail

Get your gen-eds out of the way through community school or clep testing, they are worth taking at private school prices. Move off campus sooner, its a lot cheaper. Apply for a campus job your freshman year, and if you are living on campus, save your money (it will help you later when you want to buy a car, or start paying rent, or paying off school loans...), since you aren't spending it on food or housing. Get a tutor whenever you experience the least bit of academic trouble. Find someone who will hold you accountable to a schedule. If you are a girl, don't waste your time pursuing relationships with guys, wait for them to pursue you. Find a church that makes you feel like you are home. That will be most important to you, and pray that a family will adopt you as a serogate daughter. It doesn't always work to force these types of connections, but to let God bless you with them. Be willing to spend a little extra from time to time if it means that you will acquire a skill or experience that will last a life time.

Katherine

It is important to use your time wisely. Make sure to focus on schoolwork but also have a social life too.

Janette

Dear Self, I know you are going to stress out about this transition, but try not to. The first year can be tough as you live in a new part of the country, represent a different age bracket (college student instead of high school student), live away from home with few visits, try to succeed academically, and learn to make new friends outside your old high school bubble. Live will be getting tougher but just try to find out who you are and learn what you value more. In the end you are going to find your major and good friends. Take it one step at a time and you will succeed. You may not find what you are looking for this year, but after freshmen year it only gets better. Take chances and go the extra mile to experience life. Do not shy away from people, but let them know who you are and what you can be. You need to dream big and set goals for the future. Over all do not stress, because in time you will figure it out.

Jessica

I would tell myself to calm down and take a deep breath. It's a very hard decision but you will love where you end up. Spring Arbor is your dream campus. You will learn so much about yourself and others. It will change you in ways you wouldn't believe if I told you. There you will meet you best friends and teammates. These people will be so close to you, you will view them as family. Your classes will be hard, but just stick with it and you will suceed. You will be fine and you will be surrounded by people who love and believe in you. And finally, pay extra attention in chemisrty.

Edward

Dear self, The best advice I can give you is to expect change. Going to collage is like going through a second puberty. It will be awkward and annoying, but stick with it. The hardest part is diligence. For goodness sake do your homework. Don't skip class because you didn't get the homework done. Teachers are more likely to be merciful if you show up to class verses skipping. Most teachers will give you an extention if you ask, even if your excuse is that you procrastinated. They appreciate honesty. The other advice is to make friends. Friends are going to be what gets you through those tough times. Don't obsess with girls. In fack. DON"T DATE your freshmen year. It's not worth it to try to adjust to collage life and have a needy girl at the same time. Finally, pray alot. Get involved in a church right away. Don't become stagnant with your spiritual life. Collage will make or break you as a Christian. You will either abandon him or fall head over heals for Jesus. Choose ahead of time what you want and act on what you decide.

Bethanie

If I could go back in time, and give advice to my high-school senior self about what is to come in the college world, I would have told myself the following. Beth, yearn to be one who makes a difference. Strive for the power to make change. Venture to take flights onto new heights. Attempt to challenge, defy, and confront obstacles head on. Seek to aim your voice above the mountains, over the crests of the mighty oceans. Yet sometimes, Beth, you will be disappointed. You will fail to be bold and speak undoubtedly. You will neglect to win your battles indisputably. You will flop and fold to stand strong in the strenuous, problematical times. And you will feel that you are sinking to the bottom of disgrace when you cannot place your toes on the demanding soil. You will be in trance where you see yourself descending to the earth below where you cannot reach the skies of hope. Nevertheless, in your despair, try. Try to reach past your failures, desolations, and despondency. Try to regain your faith, aspiration, and ambition to once again reach the words of: I yearn to be one who makes a difference.

Mishell

I would tell myself that I needed to get my act together. I need to get my life on the right track. I would tell myself to actually go to class, and interact with my class mates while I still had the chance. I would tell myself that I should go into college with an open mind, and be open to meeting new people and knowing that you can trust most of them. I would tell myself that I should be a lot more prepared then I thought i was. I was not very prepared but I thought i was at the time. I would basically tell myself to be myself, but be a more prepared and dedicated me.

Rebecca

I would tell myself that college is more than just taking classes to pursue a career or to receive a piece of paper. College is a time where you learn about where you came from, who you are now, and who you want to become. It's making conscious decisions that only you can make for yourself and no one else. It's the letting go of being told what to do, but not necessarily in a rebellious way, but in the realization that you are growing up and becoming your own person. Realizing that life is more than yourself and you impact others every day. Every decision you make shapes who you are becoming.

Laura

Don't go play softball for LCC that's where you are supposed to be. Go to the Lord in prayer and allow him to lead you. He knows better then you do, and He will help provide for any of your needs. While going to community college does help save money there are some things you don't need to learn. Don't worry so much about what you are going to study, because God will reveal His plan for you in time. Don't allow yourself to get caught up in the many activities going on. You are there for an education first, and then your social life. You will meet people that will remain in your life for a long time. Stay on top of your studies and there will be plenty of time to hang out with people. Most importantly though always make time to study the Word!!!! It's easy to get distracted and forget.

Emily

Be yourself. Take chances. Smile. It'll all work out the way it's supposed to work.

Deserai

If I could go back in time I would tell myself to improve on my study habits, to get out of the habit of procrastinating. I would tell myself to be aware, fniancially, of how expensive college is and to start working on buidgeting money more often and better. If I could go back in time I would tell myself to join more sports so that I would be ble to continue into atleast one of those areas. If I could go back in time I wouild have told myself to be more spontaneous and explore new hings and to come out of my shell. If I could go back in time I would have told myself to cherish every momen that I had with my famioly because in college you only see them on short breaks and it gets very lonely at time just sitting in your dorm room.

Beth

I graduated from high school in 1984. I had wanted to be a teacher since 5th grade. My guidance counselor told me that there were too many teachers and business was the way to go. I went to Lansing Community College and recieved my Associates in Business. I did bookkeeping for 16 years and disliked every minute of it. When the company I was working for closed I decided to go back to school for what I wanted to all along...Teaching! When I met with an advisor at LCC, they informed me that since the majority of my previous classes were in Business, only 3 classes would transfer towards my teaching degree! My adivce to myself would be...the first two years, get your basics then take classes in your field. The basics are applied to EVERY degree. I would also advise myself that college is hard work. If you are going to put all the time, effort, and moeny into your education, go for what you love; not what others THINK is best for you.

Margena

I encouraged myself to complete my degree,right after high school. I would say stay home and complete college. Don't get caught up in making your own money and moving out.

Melissa

There are three things I would go back in time and tell myself as a high school senior knowing what I know now. First, I would tell myself that I need to check out as many colleges as possible and no that does not mean that you have to go to them. I also would tell myself to turn in applications, just for practice. Second, I would tell myself to not take blow off classes my senior year. Then I felt as if my schooling career was over and that I could relax, but that is not the case at all. I should have taken college classes and got them out of the way. I did not realize that there was a life outside of high school. I was extremely naive to the life of a college student. Third, I would tell myself to get a job! This is a major one for me. I look back and see all the times I could have saved so much money for myself today. College costs a lot of money and it would help if I could have at least paid for books.

Jean

If I could go back and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would tell myself not to be scared. Don't allow the fear of being alone and away from home hold you back from experiencing life. There are so many people and places to see in life, and the joy they bring will defeats feeling of fear. Go away to school. Meet new people. These people will be lifelong friends, supporting you in the good times and the bad. Allow yourself to be vulnerable to new things in your life. It's vulnerability and going outside your comfort zone that makes it possible for you to grow. You MUST grow! Spring Arbor will help you do these things. It will help you grow as a person, into a capable, confident adult that will become part of society.

Katia

Knowing what I know now about college and making the transition I would advice myself to have a goal and to have a plan. Even if your future turns out to be different, the important thing is to have a goal. It will help you be motivated, it will give you the drive, the patience, and the perseverance to keep on going and do what you want to do. I would also advice myself not to delay going to college. A college education can take you into a career that you really care about. A college education can help you make the most out of your life. There will be moments when you don't think you can do it. When the work seems too much. Keep pushing, know that high school is tough and that college is even tougher, but in the end the only thing we have and that no one can take away from us is our knowledge. Adjust gradually to the new academic demands. Apply for scholarships and grants. Don't leave college with thousands of dollars in debt. Know that a college education can help you make the most out of your life.