When I decided to go back to school and finish my degree, I chose a faith-based school because I wanted to attend a school with other believers while completing my degree. My faith is important to me and being a Christian is important to me. Choosing a faith-based school made me feel like I would have something in common with my fellow students even before I got there.
We were able to start each class with a devotional, and I love that. So often in the secular world you have to be careful that you don’t pray or say grace or do anything that offends others, particularly in a public setting, and if you do go to a restaurant and pray with your family, people look at you like you’re a religious nut. I liked being able to be open about my faith.
I also found that the required Bible classes were enjoyable and I learned a lot from them. That is something I would have missed out on completely by going to a secular school.
I loved the small class sizes. I didn’t feel like I was a nameless student among hundreds, but I was Dave Admire, a unique individual who got the chance to contribute.
I really enjoyed meeting the people and made some great friends. It was because of my study group and the friendships we developed that I was encouraged to stay in school and finish it when it got hard. I was finishing my degree while working full time and juggling work, school and family was not easy. It was the support I received at home and from my new friends at school that made me stay when it would have been easier to give up.
I would definitely recommend a faith based school to anyone who wants personalized attention, a chance to make good friends and a place to live out your faith. Choose a school that lines up with your expectations and then give it chance. Stay open-minded and see what happens.