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What do you want for your life?
What stops you from considering college?
Hearing and following God’s call for your life doesn’t just happen. It takes planning and patience. It takes being independent—not always choosing the same things as your friends. It takes initiative to find the resources you need. And it takes education—a college education.
What is keeping you from seriously considering college? Other high school students have said this about their own challenges:
- “I can’t afford it. And I need to work now.”
- “I don’t know what I want to do.”
- “I don’t know where to start and no one helps me.”
- “I might have to be too far away from my family.”
- “None of my friends are going to college.”
- “My grades aren’t good enough.”
- “I’m scared that I’ll fail.”
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Do any of these sound familiar? If so, talk with your family. If they too have questions, think about who can help you look at options—a pastor, teacher, coach, employer or other mentor. This is a good first step toward taking charge of your future.
You are not alone in trying to figure out how to prepare yourself for the college search.
College is a financial investment that will pay you back
Consider these long-term benefits of going to college:
- College graduates usually get back the time and money they’ve invested—
long-term payoffs include more career options, better opportunities for advancement and promotion, lower unemployment and higher earnings.
- College graduates earn more money than those who don’t attend college—anywhere from $300,000 to $1 million more over a lifetime.
- The number of jobs that require more than a high school education is growing twice as fast as jobs that only require on-the-job training.
Many families are concerned about money. Cost is one of the main reasons high school students give for not thinking about college. But you should know that financial assistance is available in many different forms—federal and state aid (reducing the total cost), loans (which you pay back after you leave school) and grants and scholarships (which you do not have to pay back).
Financial aid can come from your state and/or the U.S. government. All families should complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form as soon as possible after January 1 of your senior year in high school. You might also receive financial assistance from the college or university you apply to. Many colleges and universities offer a range of scholarships—for making good grades, for athletics, for music or art, or for wanting to be a teacher, for example.
There also are scholarship programs available from groups and community organizations. Your high school guidance counselor may be a good source of information about financial aid. Once you apply to a college or university, an admissions counselor or financial aid officer can help.
Career concerns
Having a career—not “just working a job” to make money—brings the possibility of security, independence and fulfillment. But how do you know what you might be good at doing, or what you might enjoy? Parents and family can be the strongest influences. But teachers, pastors and coaches also can help you think about your gifts and interests.
Another resource is your high school guidance counselor or career center. Some students find it intimidating to ask questions. Think of it as being your own talent agent, looking for the best opportunities. Guidance counselors can provide information about colleges and universities that might best match your career interests.
You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. When you enter college, you can explore different majors and career possibilities. You also will find new mentors—professors, a campus pastor, a coach, an academic advisor … there are many people who will be ready to help you succeed.
God makes all things possible
Because your gifts come from God, you can extend God’s love in the world by making the best of your gifts—doing the things that you are good at doing—for your family and friends, for your church and community. And sometimes, that means trying different things before you find your true calling. It might not always be easy, but it is important to remember that God loves and values you.
You also should know that there are colleges and universities that believe in your potential and want to walk with you in Christ.
Mennonite colleges are different—because Jesus saw the world differently
Palmer Becker, former director of Pastoral Ministries at Hesston College (a two-year Mennonite college in Kansas), said that, “Mennonite colleges understand and teach Jesus from a different perspective … one based on the wholeness of Jesus, including His life, ministry, death and resurrection.”
As a result, Becker said, students are excited about following Jesus as their Savior—and as the Teacher whose example can help them in everyday life decisions.
By attending one of the five colleges/universities of Mennonite Church USA, you can experience the church as a community of people who follow Jesus and share God’s love. This can affect every area of life—from how professors teach their classes, to how students learn about Christian ethics in everyday life, to the opportunity to participate in regular campus worship services, Bible studies and service opportunities.
Mennonite colleges/universities are great places for you to combine career preparation with learning about the community of Christ in the church. A campus where academics and Christian living come together can be a welcoming place where you can learn that all things are possible with God.
An important word about “the military option”: Many families look at military service as a good way to pay for college. But the facts tell us otherwise. Only 36 percent of military recruits actually receive money for college through the Montgomery G.I. Bill as promised, and of those, only about 16 percent get the maximum amount possible. Additionally, 65 percent of recruits who pay the required registration fee of $1,200 to get into the G.I. Bill program never receive any money at all.
Most important, as Mennonites, Christ-centered peacemaking is a vital aspect of our faith.
Contact a Mennonite college or university admissions office (see information on this brochure) to talk with someone about your questions. They will be happy to hear from you and help you and your family through the process of visiting and applying.
It’s never too late to think about your future—but the sooner you do, the more time you have to ask questions, find adults who can help you think about potential careers, college costs and specific colleges, as well as how your Christian beliefs and ethics can be brought together with your education and career planning. Mennonite colleges/universities in particular—because of their small size and shared values—are a good resource.
What do you want for your life?
Most people want to “do something” with their lives: go to college, have good jobs, start families, make enough money to be comfortable, “give back” … and that’s just the beginning. Maybe you want to go into ministry, or public service, or explore a career in teaching, art, computer technology, social work, writing, medicine or music.
There are a lot of choices and a lot of challenges. Many families fear the cost of college. Sometimes it’s hard to know how to get information. And it’s not always clear what career to pursue. Most important is understanding how your Christian faith and values relate to your college choice.
Don’t be overwhelmed. God wants good things for you. You have been blessed with gifts and abilities that are a sign of God’s love and support for you. Jesus said, “With God, all things are possible.” (Mark 10:27)
Contact us about the possibilities
Bethel College
Phone: 800-522-1887
Bluffton University
Phone: 800-488-3257
Eastern Mennonite University
Phone: 800-368-2665
Goshen College
Phone: 800-348-7422
Hesston College
Phone: 866-437-7866
© 2007 MEA
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