By Eden Beyer // Junior Ministry Major
When looking for a college, students take on the task of finding the perfect academic program that will best prepare them for their future job. This is absolutely a key player in finding the college that is best for you—but let’s take it a step further. College is the next 3-5 years of your life. You will experience so much and move further into the independence you’ve been looking forward to. We encourage you to ask the question, “how do I want to grow?” Once you identify the areas that you want to grow in, you will be better equipped to find the perfect college to prepare you to be the best you for your future.
Here are some examples of areas that you might want to grow in college:
SPIRITUALLY
Growing up, many students experienced encouragement from there parents or youth pastors regarding there spiritual growth. At college, your faith really has the opportunity to become your own. How do you want to grow in your relationship with the Lord, and what programs or environment will allow you to best do that? This is very important in deciding what college is best for you.
INTELLECTUALLY
This is one of the more obvious areas of growth: College is all about the academics. Look for a college that has the desired class size, professors that will pour into you, and a program that will best prepare you for what God is calling you to do.
PHYSICALLY
Physical health is no joke, and in college, you have much more responsibility regarding what you eat and how/whether you exercise. If this is an area that you hope to grow in, look for a college that will meet your needs, whether that be healthy options at the dining hall, or exercise equipment that is easily accessible.
SOCIALLY
Many students experience that college is where you make friends for life. Branching off from high school, you will be surrounding yourself with new friends that quickly become family. Do you want to grow in relationships in college Look for a college that has social activities and residence halls that give you opportunity to make those friendships that truly will last a lifetime.
EMOTIONALLY
Being emotionally healthy is a tool that will serve you well throughout the rest of your life. If this is a goal of yours or a place where you may want to grow, look for a college that offers counseling, guidance, and has people that will walk alongside you as you pursue emotional health. But, I know what you’re probably thinking...
HOW DO WE KNOW WHICH COLLEGE WILL
HELP US GROW IN THESE WAYS?
- VISIT CAMPUS
Go on a campus visit. Experience the atmosphere, see the community, meet with the faculty. Campus visits are an awesome opportunity to ask questions as well. Come prepared to visits with questions regarding the areas that you want to grow and ask how that college will best assist you - ASK PARENTS, MENTORS, AND FRIENDS
As you come up with a list of the things you hope to grow in and visit campuses, ask your parents, mentors, and friends for their thoughts about the colleges you’re looking at. They may have additional thoughts or ideas you never thought of that could really help your college decision. - PRAY.
Most importantly, go to God about it! Bring the college decision before Him in prayer, and ask him to bring clarity to where you’re meant to go. Above all else, go where the Lord is calling you, because it is there he’ll help you grow the most, and it is there you will make the greatest impact for his kingdom.
