At this time of year, former high school seniors are anticipating a new chapter. For parents, it seems like it was only yesterday when their child entered kindergarten. Where did the years go? It is also a time of reflection, remembering and rejoicing.
But many times, there is a nagging thought in the parents’ minds: Have we taught our graduates the essentials they need to make it on their own? More importantly, are they firmly established in God’s Word?
“Stay the Course: A Devotional Handbook to Survive and Thrive in Your First Year of College (and Beyond)” offers real-world and spiritual guidance for college students. Katherine Pasour, a retired college professor, has taught at the college level for more than 20 years. She has taught and mentored thousands of students.
Student of students
Over the years, Katherine has found herself a student of the students. She has much experience assisting new students in navigating the college journey. What she found are two different scenarios.
The student who comes prepared enters with confidence and is not as stressed. Then there is the student who arrives unprepared. There is tension or fear, and the anxiety level increases until they find their bearings.
How can you help the new graduate navigate the uncharted waters?
“Stay the Course” can help. “From practical advice, motivation and encouragement, to tough love, this devotional handbook supports students as they thrive in their first year and continue on to success,” the book jacket declares.
Summer preparation
The summer months include various activities, such as employment, missions trips and vacations. A college-bound student has the months of June and July to prepare for the transition. It would be just enough time for the recent graduate to read the 63 devotions, which are about 300 words each, and use Pasour’s suggestions to map out a plan to be prepared.
“These devotions are a practical and spiritual guide for your summer preparation and your first year of college,” says a summary in the introduction of “Stay the Course.” “With God as your guide, you will meet challenges with confidence to survive and thrive in your first year of college and beyond.”
The book covers nine helpful information sections:
- “Getting Ready: Prepare in the Summer!”
- “Off to a Good Start (That Important First Week)”
- “Making Wise Decisions”
- “Resisting Temptation (For It Will Come)”
- “Relationships (Getting Along With Faculty, Staff and Students)”
- “Keep on Track”
- “When You Mess Up or Want to Give Up!”
- “Wellness”
- “Do Good”
The author shared one of the devotionals from the book so that you can see it firsthand.
Each day is a new day
Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I entrust my life (Ps. 143:8).
Some days it will seem that nothing goes right, and everything bad that could possibly happen does.
- You overslept.
- You forgot an assignment.
- You bombed a test.
- You had an argument with your roommate.
- Your boyfriend/girlfriend is mad at you.
- The food in the cafeteria is terrible.
- You’re coming down with a cold and feel rotten.
The list of stuff that can go wrong is endless. The only sure thing is that bad situations will happen.
There will be days that you wish you had stayed in bed. You may want to crawl under a rock and hide; retreat to your room and close the door; or get in your car, drive home and never come back.
But in these circumstances, it’s your reaction that makes the difference. What did you learn? Can you avoid the same mistake in the future? Can you try again?
Remember, God is with you. His love is unfailing. You can trust Him with your fears, hopes and dreams. He is only a prayer away. When those terrible days surround you and steal away your self-confidence, pour out your frustration to Him. Ask for His guidance and the strength to go forward to another day. He will give you the courage to persevere through those hard days.
Tomorrow is a new day!
Prayer: Father, I know I will have challenges, but it’s hard when everything goes wrong. Help me learn from every situation, especially when I mess up and make mistakes. Help me keep trying.
© 2024 Dr. Katherine Pasour — written permission of the publisher has been granted.
