BACK TO SCHOOL

Well, folks it is back to school time. Just wondering, what does that mean to you? Does it make you think of sharpened pencils, erasers and new notebooks? Or perhaps it makes you think of homework, homework, homework?

Going back to school was an exciting change for me.  I have spent every September for over 20 years sending my children back to school, with their shining new shoes and backpacks full of school supplies. All the while feeling a little envious and yes, even jealous, that they were having so much fun learning something new every day. So this September, I decided it was my turn to start school and I enrolled at Epic Bible College.  Now here I am in the third week of classes and I find myself wondering “What in the world was I thinking?”  I mean, can I really keep up with all the homework, read the books I am supposed to, and try to actually learn something in the process?

This led me to ponder what it really takes to be successful in college and earn the title of a “Graduate.”  Being the answer seeker that I am, I decided to interview some of the Alumni of Epic to determine what helped them to graduate and to ask them how they got all that homework done! For the sake of time, I will share their responses with you one at a time over the next few weeks, so stay tuned in and you might just glean some college-saving advice on how to successfully become a graduate. 

First, we will hear from Norma Rosado, who some of you know as the evening receptionist at Epic Bible College. She is an Epic graduate of the class of 2008, and has lots of tips and wisdom to share with us.  She starts out by telling us “My relationship with God was a key in my success in college. There were many times when I felt like giving up. God would give the strength and grace I needed to carry on. The professors at Epic Bible College also played an important role. I always found encouragement and counsel when things got hard. Lastly, disciplining myself to getting the homework done helped me pass my classes and actually learn in class.”

Here is what I get from this advice: 1) our relationship with God must come first! He is our strength when we are weak and feel like giving up! (Which I have actually felt already, even though I am only three weeks into school! Ahhhhh!) 2) Talk to your professors and your academic advisor– they are there to help you succeed, and God will use them to encourage and help you find solutions to your challenges. 3) It will take self-control and self-discipline – but you will be so transformed by what you learn in the process of becoming disciplined that it will all be worth it in the long run!

Norma goes on to tell us “the training and education I have received at Epic equipped me for ministry. Currently, my husband and I are serving as the youth pastors/associate pastors at Elevate Life Christian Church. Epic Bible College gave me the knowledge to win the lost and build disciples that will bear fruit that will last forever.  The professors at Epic Bible College taught me how to divide the word rightly, preach, teach, and love God’s people. I’m very grateful for all that I have learned here.”

So, pick up that pencil, start writing that report, show up for every class, and finish that homework! Remember, in Philippians 1:6 God promises to finish the good work He started in you – and He will give you the strength and ability to finish what you started when you went back to school!


Michelle McDermott