Advice From the Seniors
The college experience is one that challenges, shapes , and propels you into the calling God has for your life. The journey can be rough, full of unexpected twists and turns, pitfalls and mountains to climb. Here are some words of advice from TFC seniors who have survived the adventure and reached the peak:
1. Know why you are here.
Having vision for your time here is key to making the most of it. It is easy to get carried away or distracted when you encounter challenges. It is also easy to give up in the hard times, but when you have a goal that you are working towards of who you want to be and what you want to do with your life, it motivates you to keep going and pursue that calling on your life. Do you know why you are here? What motivates you to get up, go to classes, stay up all night studying, and then do it all over again?
2. Beware of the Freshman Frenzy.
We have all been witness to the relationships that start off at the speed of sound and end with a mighty halt and resounding crash. You do not have to immediately get into a romantic relationship. God has so much more for you than a relationship that dies out as quickly as it sprung up.
3. Time is precious, be careful how you spend it.
This one sounds cliché but the longer I am a student here the more I find out how vital my time management is. Try to stay on top of things and do not procrastinate if you can help it. You will thank yourself later.
4. Take time to Relax.
I have seen many freshman crack under the pressure of exams, busy schedules, and lack of sleep. It is so important to take time to reset so that you can keep going. One senior told me, “if you are an overachiever, you need to remind yourself that it is okay to not be perfect and give yourself a break once and awhile.”
5. Make sure you intentionally set aside time to spend alone with God.
With the fast-paced nature of college life, it is all too easy to let time with God slip. This is especially true on a campus where you are constantly learning about God, but not experiencing God. Do not get lost in the busyness of it all. That precious time spent alone with the bridegroom is the time that produces fruit in our lives. It is the time we look back on and smile.
6. Have fun but don’t be stupid.
New freedom tends to encourage us to do things we will regret later in our lives. Let’s be the kind of people who live without regret. Have fun and make the most of every moment and enjoy college to the fullest extent!
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Sometimes we just have to be authentically vulnerable because if we are not, no one will know what we need. I have learned that there are amazing, kind, and unselfish people here on campus who have the love of God in their hearts and who are so willing to come alongside you. Do not be afraid to put yourself out there! You will find what you were lacking was right there all along. Trust in the Lord and He will make a way for you, no matter what you will go through. Always trust and believe that He is your provider.
8. It is okay to feel like you are lost sometimes.
Another senior remarked that, “we all went through this. If we found our way back to where God intended us to be, you can do it too!” You have people here who are there for you, such as the faculty, students, and others who can help you get through whatever life is bringing your way. You do not have to pretend to be perfect all the time. None of us are.
9. Be a part of the community on campus.
You will feel at home once you get to know people and are a part of something bigger than yourself. Whether this means joining a club, a Barnabas group, or just making an extra effort to reach out to those around you, it is well worth it, and you’ll discover new family members that God has designed for you.