Chapter 2
Hello. If you're a freshmen in college and you're unsure of what direction to take, then I'll like to take this written opportunity to inform you of how you can make the next four years few of the most beneficial and rewarding years of your life. The main thing to do is focus. It will be hard at first, for there will be thousands of distractions, but if you concentrate on what you really want, you'll be reaping the rewards in no time. I admit, during my first few semesters, I didn't concentrate and i didn't fully apply myself. I was placed on academic probation, I dropped about four classes, and I was put behind. I was suppose to graduate this year, but because of my lack of drive during my early years, my expected graduation date has receded. I'm not proud of it, but I've learned to embrace it and accept my mistakes and make room for future accomplishments. I'm just going to create a list of ways that you can be come the best student you can possibly be as well as maintain mental, spiritual, psychological, and physical health. Like everything else, it only works if you apply yourself. I entitled this blog "Chapter 2" because the first chapter of your life was complete once you graduated high school. Challenges will become more intimidating and may appear life threatening, but because of God's grace and mercy, you have been pre-equipped with everything you'll ever need to succeed. Here is my list:
1)Focus. I mentioned this already, but it's very important that you pay attention to why you're attending college in the first place. If you're in school strickly for the experience, then your first semester will turn to many and you'll find yourself in your mid twenties still trying to graduate with minimim requirements. You always want to try your best so that you get the best results. Tend to the prerequsites of obtaining your major and you'll have your degree in no time.
2) Find a church. Your relationship with God can be grounded within the walls of your apartment by simply spending time in His word, fasting, and constant prayer, but it's ALWAYS a plus to be surrounded by souls who share the same dream as you-to live God's will. If you're not housing with your parents, no one will be there to get you up Sunday mornings and persuade you to attend church. It'll be totally up to you. Set aside time to spend time in The Word so that you can get your daily dose of fuel to defend off any opposition that consist on pushing you back.
3) Don't focus too much on dating. If the right person comes along, then go with it, but try not to force anything. You'll probably find yourself putting more into that relationship than you would your studies (trust me, I've done it). You want to pair yourself with someone who pushes your forward and up instead of pulling you back and down. Find someone that challenges you as a student as well as a individual. Do not compromise your morals and values for the sake of anyone. God knows the desires of your heart and He already knows the number of hairs on the head of your spouse :-) (always good to know). If you do decide to invest any of your time into someone, make sure its it. I read a quote on line that said, "Invest your time, don't spend it." I couldn't have said it better.
4) Exercise daily. You should have at least a full hour of physical activity a day. Your "Freshman Fifteen" is not a myth. It actually happens if you're not careful with how much time you spend eating unhealthy food and snacks. Develop a nutritional diet that you can stick to as well as a strict workout regiment. Pastor Tony Evans once said that " Working out can change the QUALITY of your life, but not the QUANTITY". We're unsure of the actual hour God will call us home if you've accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, but we can help maintain the maintenance of our temples so that we could broaden our physical potential. Nothing beats a smart, healthy student :)
5) Get a journal. Now days, young people have a knack for posting their feelings on Facebook for everyone to see. It doesn't mean that nobody cares, but it has the tendency to make them vulnerable, looking towards the masses of the inexperienced to give them advice that will probably not assist them at all. It also says that they're more concerned about the opinions of others opposed to their own. If you use a journal, it allows you to get your emotions out without any repercussions. You can also use it for reference just in case something happens to you and you need to be reminded of how strong you've become. One day, when you have kids and they experience the same thing, you can show them your journal, thus enlightening them of your experience and possibly making them feel comfortable with conversing with you as a parent.
6)Establish a study schedule. If you're working, make sure your job centers around your studies instead of the other way around because being a student IS YOUR FULL TIME JOB. Reward yourself afterwards instead of before. There will be a lot of liberties that you'll have to sacrifice, but trust me, it's well worth it. When you graduate, you'll be able to look back and see the hard work you put towards your degree and you'll gain a sense of accomplishment. This would force you to apply yourself even more and probably influence you to enter grad school or even start your career. Do not break this routine for once the semester starts, it's like falling off a moving train. Stay ahead of your syllabus and try to establish a reputation of turning assignments in early instead of on time, that way if you're running behind, you would have developed your own personal grace period.
7)Have fun. It's college for God's sake :) You're going to meet new people, get involved in countless events, receive beneficial opportunities, and probably go places a lot of people have never been. Don't be afraid to be yourself and don't shy away from giving your opinion. As young men, it is your responsibility to inform others of what's biblical truth and not right based on society's standards. Young ladies should establish a well mannered reputation and remember how influential they are to younger generations (the same goes for young men). You don't have to drink to have fun or partake of sexual intercourse. There are millions of ways to have fun outside of class besides going to weekend clubs and booze infested parties. It may sound boring to you, but if you establish these good habits now, the transition into the married life and parenthood won't be that difficult.
8) Be safe. I don't believe in contraceptives. It's man's way of legitimizing premarital sex. Billions of dollars are being spent every year for the sake of abortions. STDs are still spreading and nobody is taking the time to inform their kids just how important is to NOT have sex...at all. When I say ,"Be safe", I'm talking about the safest form of protection there is-abstinence. Yes, we all have urges and physical desires. I mean, God MADE sex for goodness sakes, but He made it to be experienced between husband and wife, not just man and woman. Fellows, a REAL man knows how to control himself and if a woman isn't willing to appreciate your resistance, then she's NOT for you and young ladies, it goes the same for you. No man has respect for you or himself if he's willing to jeopardize your soul over sex. Please keep that in mind.
9)Always pray. You can never go wrong with prayer. There will be moments when things become so unbearable that you're going to need a miracle and that is God's expertise. Remember that just because you are praying for something particular doesn't mean that God will give you exactly what you asked for. His three answers are, "Yes", "Wait", and "I have something much, MUCH better". Your prayers also have to align with His will and if your relationship is solid, then this would be no problem :) He promised to never leave nor forsake you, even during your darkest moments when you've totally neglected Him. He loves you so much :) If ever you find yourself in a bind, quote Proverbs 3:5-6 and you will instantly feel your soul flutter and your back straighten up. It's an awesome felling.
10) Budget your money. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in a bind where you can't pay your rent. Having a cell phone is a privilege when you're young, especially when you're in school. If you parents need to reach you, they can call your house phone and if they don't mind paying for your cell phone bill, that's good. You have to be very considerate though and not take advantage. If you have an apartment, use your student refunds and pay up your rent and use the checks you receive from your job (if you have one) to pay other bills, safe money, and put some in your pocket so that you could enjoy yourself when you can spare the time. If you're going to get a credit card, get one, not two or four (you'll be amazed how many offers you'll receive during your first year). Spend within your means and don't attempt to try to keep up with your friends. Remember, you have to live this life, not them. If it limits you from certain things, that's okay. Nothing last forever for joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). You don't want to leave college with bad credit. Establish a financial foundation that will follow you into your full adulthood. You're going to need it because once you have a family, you have little to no room for making the same mistakes you made when you were single.
This list is based off of my own personal experience. If there's something you don't agree with, that's fine. We learn things differently and this is how I learned. I've had my ups and downs. I've had my dark moments, but every second since this morning, I'm constantly reminded that He's not done with me :), despite EVERYTHING I've done, doing, and possibly will do. Start your college career off right by placing God first and allowing Him to straighten your path. You're going to need all the help He has to offer and He has an infinite supply which is constantly on my school supply list ;) May God bless you, take care, and remember-stay focused.
1)Focus. I mentioned this already, but it's very important that you pay attention to why you're attending college in the first place. If you're in school strickly for the experience, then your first semester will turn to many and you'll find yourself in your mid twenties still trying to graduate with minimim requirements. You always want to try your best so that you get the best results. Tend to the prerequsites of obtaining your major and you'll have your degree in no time.
2) Find a church. Your relationship with God can be grounded within the walls of your apartment by simply spending time in His word, fasting, and constant prayer, but it's ALWAYS a plus to be surrounded by souls who share the same dream as you-to live God's will. If you're not housing with your parents, no one will be there to get you up Sunday mornings and persuade you to attend church. It'll be totally up to you. Set aside time to spend time in The Word so that you can get your daily dose of fuel to defend off any opposition that consist on pushing you back.
3) Don't focus too much on dating. If the right person comes along, then go with it, but try not to force anything. You'll probably find yourself putting more into that relationship than you would your studies (trust me, I've done it). You want to pair yourself with someone who pushes your forward and up instead of pulling you back and down. Find someone that challenges you as a student as well as a individual. Do not compromise your morals and values for the sake of anyone. God knows the desires of your heart and He already knows the number of hairs on the head of your spouse :-) (always good to know). If you do decide to invest any of your time into someone, make sure its it. I read a quote on line that said, "Invest your time, don't spend it." I couldn't have said it better.
4) Exercise daily. You should have at least a full hour of physical activity a day. Your "Freshman Fifteen" is not a myth. It actually happens if you're not careful with how much time you spend eating unhealthy food and snacks. Develop a nutritional diet that you can stick to as well as a strict workout regiment. Pastor Tony Evans once said that " Working out can change the QUALITY of your life, but not the QUANTITY". We're unsure of the actual hour God will call us home if you've accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, but we can help maintain the maintenance of our temples so that we could broaden our physical potential. Nothing beats a smart, healthy student :)
5) Get a journal. Now days, young people have a knack for posting their feelings on Facebook for everyone to see. It doesn't mean that nobody cares, but it has the tendency to make them vulnerable, looking towards the masses of the inexperienced to give them advice that will probably not assist them at all. It also says that they're more concerned about the opinions of others opposed to their own. If you use a journal, it allows you to get your emotions out without any repercussions. You can also use it for reference just in case something happens to you and you need to be reminded of how strong you've become. One day, when you have kids and they experience the same thing, you can show them your journal, thus enlightening them of your experience and possibly making them feel comfortable with conversing with you as a parent.
6)Establish a study schedule. If you're working, make sure your job centers around your studies instead of the other way around because being a student IS YOUR FULL TIME JOB. Reward yourself afterwards instead of before. There will be a lot of liberties that you'll have to sacrifice, but trust me, it's well worth it. When you graduate, you'll be able to look back and see the hard work you put towards your degree and you'll gain a sense of accomplishment. This would force you to apply yourself even more and probably influence you to enter grad school or even start your career. Do not break this routine for once the semester starts, it's like falling off a moving train. Stay ahead of your syllabus and try to establish a reputation of turning assignments in early instead of on time, that way if you're running behind, you would have developed your own personal grace period.
7)Have fun. It's college for God's sake :) You're going to meet new people, get involved in countless events, receive beneficial opportunities, and probably go places a lot of people have never been. Don't be afraid to be yourself and don't shy away from giving your opinion. As young men, it is your responsibility to inform others of what's biblical truth and not right based on society's standards. Young ladies should establish a well mannered reputation and remember how influential they are to younger generations (the same goes for young men). You don't have to drink to have fun or partake of sexual intercourse. There are millions of ways to have fun outside of class besides going to weekend clubs and booze infested parties. It may sound boring to you, but if you establish these good habits now, the transition into the married life and parenthood won't be that difficult.
8) Be safe. I don't believe in contraceptives. It's man's way of legitimizing premarital sex. Billions of dollars are being spent every year for the sake of abortions. STDs are still spreading and nobody is taking the time to inform their kids just how important is to NOT have sex...at all. When I say ,"Be safe", I'm talking about the safest form of protection there is-abstinence. Yes, we all have urges and physical desires. I mean, God MADE sex for goodness sakes, but He made it to be experienced between husband and wife, not just man and woman. Fellows, a REAL man knows how to control himself and if a woman isn't willing to appreciate your resistance, then she's NOT for you and young ladies, it goes the same for you. No man has respect for you or himself if he's willing to jeopardize your soul over sex. Please keep that in mind.
9)Always pray. You can never go wrong with prayer. There will be moments when things become so unbearable that you're going to need a miracle and that is God's expertise. Remember that just because you are praying for something particular doesn't mean that God will give you exactly what you asked for. His three answers are, "Yes", "Wait", and "I have something much, MUCH better". Your prayers also have to align with His will and if your relationship is solid, then this would be no problem :) He promised to never leave nor forsake you, even during your darkest moments when you've totally neglected Him. He loves you so much :) If ever you find yourself in a bind, quote Proverbs 3:5-6 and you will instantly feel your soul flutter and your back straighten up. It's an awesome felling.
10) Budget your money. The last thing you want to do is find yourself in a bind where you can't pay your rent. Having a cell phone is a privilege when you're young, especially when you're in school. If you parents need to reach you, they can call your house phone and if they don't mind paying for your cell phone bill, that's good. You have to be very considerate though and not take advantage. If you have an apartment, use your student refunds and pay up your rent and use the checks you receive from your job (if you have one) to pay other bills, safe money, and put some in your pocket so that you could enjoy yourself when you can spare the time. If you're going to get a credit card, get one, not two or four (you'll be amazed how many offers you'll receive during your first year). Spend within your means and don't attempt to try to keep up with your friends. Remember, you have to live this life, not them. If it limits you from certain things, that's okay. Nothing last forever for joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5). You don't want to leave college with bad credit. Establish a financial foundation that will follow you into your full adulthood. You're going to need it because once you have a family, you have little to no room for making the same mistakes you made when you were single.
This list is based off of my own personal experience. If there's something you don't agree with, that's fine. We learn things differently and this is how I learned. I've had my ups and downs. I've had my dark moments, but every second since this morning, I'm constantly reminded that He's not done with me :), despite EVERYTHING I've done, doing, and possibly will do. Start your college career off right by placing God first and allowing Him to straighten your path. You're going to need all the help He has to offer and He has an infinite supply which is constantly on my school supply list ;) May God bless you, take care, and remember-stay focused.
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