Christian Schools are so lame... NOT!!!

People say that choosing which college you go to may be one of the most important decisions of your life. And let's face it, it's a difficult choice for certain. There are so many things to consider when thinking about colleges: location, areas of study, cost, student body size, prestige, financial aid. One other major consideration in my opinion is religious affiliation. It's one of the biggest factors influencing my choice to come to  Trevecca Nazarene University. However, for most prospective college students, Christian schools are the farthest thing from their minds.

Christian schools get a bad rap with most college students. "You go to a Christian school?" say my peers with an incredulous tone. In this article, my aim is to address some of the stigmas that are attached to Christian colleges and to explain why choosing to attend a Christian school really has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. The following are things I hear people say about Christian schools like TNU.

1. Christian Schools are too expensive.

There's no doubt that Christian schools  are very expensive. But whether or not it's too expensive depends on the value put on Christian education. Some people really cannot afford private schools. This is fine but in my opinion it is well worth the cost if there's any way to swing it. The price of attendance may be high, but the reward of having a Christian education is priceless. I will explain more about that in the following sections.

2. I bet you don't have any fun.

False! We just have different kinds of fun than what you will likely find at big state schools. To be honest, TNU often feels like a big youth group  You are surrounded by like-minded Christian friends in a wholesome environment with activities going on all the time. We have countless opportunities for fun and excitement at my school. Our Student Government Association has events almost every week for students. There are sporting events, concerts, film screenings, parties (of the non-drinking variety) and myriad other opportunities to get out and have fun. I admit I'm not the biggest socialite on campus. But for those who are always looking for something do, there is never a dull moment on campus. 

3. You're so sheltered in Christian schools.

Am I sheltered at my Christian school? Of course I am. But why does that have to be a bad thing? I have seen good Christian friends go to secular colleges and be overwhelmed by the lack of shelter they have known their whole lives. This causes good kids to make bad decisions that could have been avoided. I admit that some rules seem a little strict here. But I feel blessed to live in an environment where temptations are intentionally removed from daily life. It makes it easier for me to focus on academics and friendships when I'm not worried about the people around me influencing me with their lifestyles. Some say this sheltering causes me to be unprepared for "the real world." On this I have to disagree. I feel more prepared for the real world because I have been kept in an environment that teaches me real world values and how to be a better person in my community. 

4. Private Schools are too small.

Yes, my school is small and that's the best thing about it. There are about as many undergraduate students at TNU as there were students in my home town high school. That may seem boring to some but it's actually the opposite. Around here, we refer to TNU as the Trevecca Community because of the close-knit relationship we all have with one another. Here, I know almost everyone in my graduating class. All of my professors know my name and I can easily get in contact with them for personal help if I need it. At big schools, it's easy to get lost in the crowd. You have your core group of friends and that's pretty much it. In my small school, everyone knows everyone and no one gets left out unless they choose to. It really is a community and I love being a part of it.

5, You don't get a real education in Christian schools. 

This could not be farther from the truth. I will walk out of Trevecca in a year confidently because I know I will have received a first class education. Not only are the professors experts in their field with years of experience, they also genuinely care about the students in their classrooms. In a class of 200, it's difficult for a professor to really be invested in each student individually. However, at a school with an average class size of around 25, you get a more personalized and meaningful education. Furthermore, the education you receive at a Christian school goes far beyond academics. All of the faculty are Christians and care about the faith and spiritual health of their students. Most professors pray before classes and frequently relate academic principles to matters of faith and theology. Here at Trevecca, in the process of receiving a quality academic education, I'm also learning to be a better person and a better Christian. Did I mention that Trevecca is a fully accredited liberal arts university? This may not be characteristic of all Christian schools but it's proof positive that you can find quality academics in Christian schools if you look.

So going to a small private Christian school really isn't all that bad. In fact it's really great once you've experienced it. I'm sure this won't ever change anyone's mind about where they will receive their higher education. Who really cares what I think anyway? I just wanted to share about an important part of my life and address some of the common stigmas that are associated with it. What else can I say? I love living at and being a part of a Christian college. I love Trevecca Nazarene University!

Continuing the Journey,

AimlessAdventurer