College: "what, where, how, and why?"
VUSC, Costa Mesa, CA
The First Step Into The Real World
College, the first step out into the real world. The question was, "what, where, how, and why?"
"What?"
This was the first question that I had to ask myself. What was I going to major in college? I have a calling to be a pastor. To serve and glorify God in any and every way. I decided that I wanted to major in Religious Studies. To further my knowledge in theology and the practicality of being a pastor, I wanted to study a field that teaches me and integrates my learning in a practical way that allows me to become a better shepherd for God.
"Where?"
Now this is the big question... Where? I actually had 2 separate lists for the school that I was interested in.
Christian Schools: 1. Vanguard University of Southern California 2. BIOLA University 3. Cal Baptist University
Secular Schools: 1. UC Irvine 2. UC San Diego 3. Cal Poly Pomona
I ended up narrowing my decision to two schools, Vanguard and BIOLA. While my friends applied to more than 5 schools, hoping to increase their chances of getting accepted, I applied to only 2. My friends asked me, "aren't you worried you will not get accepted to either schools?" And to be honest with you, they've put worry in my heart. But my faith was bigger than my worry and I only responded saying, "well, you'll see."
"How?"
I got accepted to both of the universities that I have applied to! But even though I haven't made a decision in which school to attend, I was already worried about how I was going to pay and afford the college tuition. Keep in mind, both of these schools are private Christian Universities. You know dang well, private schools are nowhere near cheap. The tuition for BIOLA was $34,498 while VUSC's was $30,050 (now they've bumped it up to $32,000~). How can a fresh high school graduate, who doesn't work and isn't living a "privileged" rich life, afford to pay these tuition prices?! I was not willing to take loans and be in debt.
Vanguard University sent me a letter that awarded me with a $13,000 Academic scholarship along with a ministry grant of $1,000 and the financial information that estimated my financial aid. It just happens so that the scholarships and financial aid grants that I received was able to cover and answer the question of "how".
"Why?"
It's funny, the thing is, I myself was not sure as to why I chose Vanguard when I decided to attend Vanguard instead of BIOLA.
People would ask me "is it because your sister goes there?" No, to be honest with you, I wanted to get away from my sister as much as possible in college. But let me just say the cliché Christian response, "God always has a plan." I ended up choosing Vanguard, choosing to study Religious studies with an emphasis on Pastoral Leadership, and choosing attend the school that my sister is attending.
Why? Well, I'm currently attending VUSC and I am still in the process of finding my full answer. But I believe that it isn't a coincidence or just a random choice for me to attend this school. I just know that something about Vanguard stirred my heart and pushed me to take my studies there. And so far, for 3 years, I have been fully covered and did not have to pay for my college tuition. That is $90,000 that I didn't have to pay for. God has provided a way and I decided to take it. I'm sure that by the end of my college journey, I will truly understand God's plan and purpose for my studies at Vanguard.
