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From My Perspective

By: Leah Rupp

I transferred to George Fox as a sophomore, after a three-year absence from attending college. In the meantime, I had gotten married, traveled, and established a career. I was uncertain how going back to college would fit in with the way my life had changed. I always wanted to go to George Fox, but when I graduated from high school, I chose to go to a small Bible college instead. Years later, when my husband and I talked about returning to school, it was very clear that George Fox was the place for us both to attend.

I was very nervous because I hadn't taken any math or science since high school (five years earlier), and was lacking all of my general education classes. I was afraid that I would feel old and out of place among my fellow students even though I was only 23. However, after my first week of classes, my mind was set at ease. At George Fox, I found a welcoming environment and a great place to restart my academic career.

So far, I have been absolutely thrilled with the education I have received. The professors are interesting people who are very invested in what they are teaching. As a writing and literature major, I have found the teachers far exceed my expectations in the way they help us understand and create truths about life through stories. My husband transferred into the international studies program and is excited with how it has gotten him involved in the cutting-edge issues of the world religiously, economically, and politically.

Here are a few tips from one transfer student to another, to get you started on the right track:

• Take a freshman composition course your first semester. If you haven't already taken a class about college writing, I recommend that you start off with this. Being able to write a good paper will be the foundation for your success in college. Even if you consider yourself an accomplished writer, you will improve drastically.
• Get involved in your department. Get to know your department head as well as the faculty who will be teaching the classes for your major. These are the people who will get you excited about your chosen field. Your department head is also going to be your ally when it comes to working with the registrar's office on transferring credits.
• Take some classes that will be especially enjoyable for you. I have always been interesting in singing, so I took a voice class during my first semester at George Fox. Try taking an art or dance class. This is the time to try something that you've always wanted to and give yourself a creative outlet when the workload gets heavy.

Overall, my worldview has expanded since I started studying at George Fox. I have had the opportunity to examine so many different aspects of life. I love learning philosophy, religion, art, literature, and music, all at the same time. My academic experience here is teaching me to see the connection between God's spirit and every truth we can learn on this earth.