Cornerstone corrections: smooth college transitions (Article)

Leaving for college is intimidating. “Perhaps no other task in life involves so much emotional energy, time and money for this kind of an outcome,” said Dr. Scott Smith, a professional psychologist. Some people handle the transition exceptionally well, but the change approaches too quickly for many others, bringing up numerous concerns. Fortunately, Cornerstone University helps students make a smooth transition.

One common concern is increased academic pressure. This can scare even the best high school graduates. The challenge is both time-consuming and laborious, requiring focus in all aspects of one’s life. Unfortunately, many students feel they are unprepared and worry about their academic abilities. Moreover, incoming students may fear that college professors will be stubborn. “I was nervous because of the teaching differences,” said junior Kevin Fisher. Academic concerns are some of the most applicable issues for new students.

Things change at Cornerstone, though, as students begin to view their education in a new way. They start to realize new academic opportunities by making connections to their future careers. Donny Irving, a Cornerstone junior, says, “They prepare me for my future endeavors.” This education will stretch them, force them to grow, and help them succeed in the future.

Moreover, Cornerstone professors actually care. They do not act arrogantly like a stereotypical professor may. Freshman John Wallace said, “They get involved in an emotional level that I don’t think would happen at another school.” This can be seen in different ways, such as when they open class with prayer, carefully explain lessons, or patiently answer questions. Students can be confident that Cornerstone professors will guide, stretch, and comfort them.

Another concern is social-related. Being uprooted from one’s life-long friends and thrust into meeting new people – OUCH! That seems harsh. Moreover, a majority of students must also deal with the apprehensions of dorm life. This can obviously cause much anxiety.

Fortunately, at Cornerstone, fellow students care. There are many Christ-centered students who seek to build up the Christian community by reaching out to new students. Their kindness makes the transition much easier.

New students may also fear independency. Being surrounded by debt, as well as trying to maintain a job and keep up with school work is too much for many students. “The young adult has to negotiate a whole new world with less parental supervision or involvement than at any previous time in his life,” said Dr. Smith. This new level of independency causes so much anxiety for certain students that some wonder if they will make it on their own.

Many times, however, the new sense of independency helps them mature. Dorm life requires students to take responsibility for themselves. Time management is crucial as students must get to classes, work, and appointments on time, as well as study. Social skills are also important, as students must learn to adapt to diversity by getting along with others. During this time students can gain confidence in their ability to handle the real world.

New students’ foremost concern may be family-related. Some students start the grieving process before they even leave, as unforgettable moments flood their minds. It can “tug hard on the heartstrings,” according to Dr. Smith.

Nevertheless, students find that their family still cares. Whether they are across the road or across the world, a family’s love never ends. During these times, students find out just how much their families care for them.

Leaving for college can be, tough, but it does not have to remain that way; and at Cornerstone University it does not. Here, new students are amazed that distress is met with a compassionate hand. Fisher, when reflecting on his first semester at Cornerstone, said, “I found that I did enjoy college.” Students are going to go through many changes during these times and it will be difficult, but Cornerstone does not leave them to deal with these issues alone. Rather, they foster a friendly Christian environment to help students overcome difficulties and grow.


Copyright 2007 by Timothy C. Devaney