An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge” (Prov. 18:15).

From the Editor: The college search is an important and sometimes stressful topic for high school juniors and seniors. In this article, four high school graduates from across the RPCNA pass on their wisdom and experience to their peers. Each graduate was asked to answer these three questions:

What was most important to you as a Christian when looking for a college?

How did you choose your major?

What godly advice would you have for a new high school senior in 2022?

Emily Rockhill, Living Way (Bryan, Tex.) RPC

1. In looking for a college, I want a place that is academically challenging for me and, although a Christian school is not a necessity, that has a good Christian community I can be involved in. (Of course, Geneva College has both!).

2. I chose biology as my major because there’s so much I can do with it, and it fascinates me more than anything else.

3. My advice for a senior in 2022 would be to remember that even if you don’t know exactly what you want to do by the time you graduate, God knows His plan for you, and if you keep your eyes fixed on Him and your trust in Him, He’ll show you in His perfect timing. (Don’t Stress!)

Archie McKissick, Southside (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC

1. Really, it was the community and knowing I would be supported by churches and didn’t have to stress about rooting into a new place.

2. I interned in January with two accounting firms.

3. Read your Bible, decide what books to read and read them, and get a mentor or someone to guide you.

Ava Concannon, Second (Indianapolis, Ind.) RPC

1. I visited churches in the area before deciding on going to Alabama, so I could be confident I would be spiritually supported in college. I also am confident in my college choice because they have a robust Reformed campus ministry.

2. I have wanted to become a doctor from a very young age, so I chose biochemistry because that sets me up well for medical school.

3. Do not give in to “senioritis.” Do your work to the best of your abilities and to the glory of God all the way until the end of high school. Also, create good habits now of devotions, healthy life-style, and productivity so that you will set yourself up well for college.

Evan Lauderdale, Eastvale (Beaver Falls, Pa.) RPC

1. When looking at a college, besides, “Is this affordable?” the other big question for me was, “What effect will this have on me spiritually?” Going to a secular school is a totally viable and great option, but since college is fundamentally an institute to pursue higher learning, it only feels right that that should be applicable to a sound knowledge and understanding of one’s faith. So, at the heart of my college search was the pursuit of sound biblical teachings. When I was a junior, a good friend of mine told me his experiences at a college and how much it fortified him in his relationship with God. Thus, seeking out that kind of faith was at the heart of my choice.

2. Choosing a major was difficult because I never had one career that I just knew was for me. However, I have always enjoyed the sciences, especially biology, and, amongst friends and family, I have been called compassionate; so I’ve always pursued areas where I feel I will have the greatest effect on an individual’s life. When it came down to what to major in, it was really based upon the opportunities I had around me. Before I settled on nursing, I looked into other areas like physical therapy, but I didn’t see how I could really make that happen. Nursing, however, was both feasible and an area I felt I would be well equipped to pursue.

3. I’ve always tried to stick to the old rule of early to bed and early to rise. Find out what is expected of you and keep on top of it; find a community of people you enjoy being around and that builds you up. And, as I’m told everywhere I go, never be afraid to ask questions.