Friday's Top Five: What You Need to Know

Right now, I’d like to spend some one-on-one time with all of you students out there. If you’re considering Shepherds College even the tiniest bit for yourself or someone else, please read this blog because for my last post at Shepherds College, I want to be completely honest with you. I want to let you in on the little secret of what Shepherds College is really like.

There are some things that you need to know about Shepherds College, so I’ve put together a list to share with you. Here’s the scoop:

1. You will have countless incredible opportunities at Shepherds College.

One of the many great things about Shepherds College is the fact that they provide so much hands-on learning. Applied learning is used regularly in the classroom, but in my opinion, the best hands-on experience at Shepherds College is your internship. All students are required to complete an internship during their third year of school. What a unique opportunity! It’s not every day that you get to trade exams and classrooms for the chance to gain firsthand experience in the field you want to work in. 

Melissa working at her internship site

But the opportunities do not stay tied to the educational or vocational aspects. Shepherds College offers you opportunities in residential life, too. When you live on campus, you learn how to share living space with other people, how to maintain your home, and how to handle your personal finances. You’ll also have a great chance to get involved with residential life activities like going bowling, attending baseball games, having a pizza party, or enjoying a bonfire. How fun is that? Needless to say, the opportunities abound at Shepherds College.

Zoe enjoying his day at the beach

2. You will learn many new and exciting things at Shepherds College.

I know this one seems pretty obvious since Shepherds College is a school and schools are usually associated with learning, but students here learn so much more than what’s in the textbooks. You will learn how to give a speech, resolve conflict, grow a relationship, live for Christ, plant flowers, bake cupcakes, apply for a job, prepare for an interview, dress professionally, clean your room, and go grocery shopping. And that’s just to name a few of the things you will learn at Shepherds College! There’s a lot of learning going on around here, and believe me, you do not want to miss out.

Miss Houk helping Gloria prepare dinner

3. You will find wonderful role models at Shepherds College.

The teachers at Shepherds College are the best, and I’m not just saying that. I really mean it. What makes these teachers so great is the fact that they don’t confine the student-teacher relationships to the classroom. They’re available outside of class to counsel students, help them with their studies, offer advice, or just hang out. They really want to build friendships, and I think that’s so important.

Everybody needs someone to look up to, and it is crucial for the teachers at Shepherds College to be those positive role models to their students. The teachers look out for their students because they want them to succeed in all areas of life, not just in the classroom.

Mrs. Luchterhand and Kelsie

4. You will make many fantastic new friends at Shepherds College.

Here’s what I love about Shepherds College: the sense of camaraderie among the students. Of course, just like the rest of us, there are days with disagreements or bad moods, but overall, the students truly love and care for each other.

They are all diverse. They have different likes and dislikes. They have distinctive personalities. Some are outgoing. Some are shy. Some are gentle while others are impulsive. But they make it all work. 

Donovan and Dallas

When you graduate from Shepherds College, I guarantee you will have numerous friends, but you will also have an extra family, the Shepherds College family. And no matter where you go or what you do in life, you will always have that connection. Who wouldn’t want to have a bond like that?

Daniella and Lindsay

5. You will be challenged and encouraged to do your very best at Shepherds College.

Who likes mediocrity? My guess is no one does. We all like to excel, and whether we appreciate it or not at the time, we need to be pushed to do our best. The people at Shepherds College will do that. They will support you and persuade you to be the best that you can be at every moment of every day. Teachers will push you academically. The staff will push you spiritually. Fellow students will push you socially. Encourage, encourage, encourage. Think what you could do with all of that positive sharpening.

Kyle studying Horticulture

Daniel and Annie studying Culinary Arts

At some point in our lives, we’ve all been told that we can’t do something. Well, at Shepherds College, they tell you that you can. You can do it. It is possible. Spread your wings and follow those dreams. With the proper goals and the right motivation, you can accomplish so much more than you think you can. Shepherds College wants to help you see that.

Samuel spending time in God's Word

                                                                

Aren’t you glad you now know what Shepherds College is really like? Pretty good secrets, huh? I’m delighted I could share them with you, and I hope you will consider Shepherds College for yourself or the student in your life.

During my first week at Shepherds College, I heard a student say, “We’ve had a college experience like none other.” I would certainly have to agree with her. Shepherds College truly is an experience like none other. And that’s no secret.

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.

Friday's Top Five: What We're Missing

For most people, summer is a time of fun and excitement, rest and relaxation. It’s the season we look forward to all year long. But for those of us still at Shepherds College, summer can be sort of a drag.

With the students and many of the teachers away on their summer break, things can get a little boring around here. It’s a lot quieter. There’s not near as much activity going on. And we’re all just waiting for school to start up again.

I’m sure if you asked most of the students, they would say they are enjoying their break way too much to think about school. But whether they admit it or not, I’m sure they’re starting to get at least a little bit excited about the new school year.

The students may not be missing us quite yet, but we sure are missing them. Here are some of the things we miss about our Shepherds College students:

1. Their energy.

If you were a visitor at Shepherds College and you happened to be walking down the hallways in between class periods, you would understand exactly what we’re talking about when we say energy. Maybe the students are nervous about an upcoming test. Maybe they’re releasing all the wiggles pent up during class. Maybe they’re just excited about all that they are learning. Whatever it is, there is definitely a high level of energy in our hallways when the students are around. It makes you excited to hear the chatter and laughter and to see the activity and smiles. It will energize you, too!

The “Move to the Groove” program encourages our students to have fun while being physically active and also really increases the energy level on campus. It’s usually held in the gymnasium, and students can exercise by shooting hoops, riding the stationary bikes, walking laps, or doing aerobics. Even some of the Shepherds residents get involved. Mrs. Harvey says that she can feel the happy energy when the students’ participate and it gives her a boost to get past the after-lunch slump.

2. The things they say.

Nicole

You never know what our students are going to say, and that’s what makes life with them so interesting. From their sweet words of kindness and encouragement to their hilarious jokes, the students always have something intriguing to talk about. And they love to talk!

 

Miranda

When I observed a personal development class, students were giving speeches as part of their final. The “audience” was supposed to give the speaker critiques on their speech by using the “sandwich” method: positive comment, something to improve on, positive comment. Nicole only gave positive comments. She could never find something for her classmates to work on. She was quite the encourager. And for some reason, Miranda has taken to teasing me with the nickname “troublemaker.” I haven’t the slightest idea what that’s about! Oh, they make me smile.

3. Their hugs.

Many of our students are gifted with the abilities to comfort and encourage. It feels good when they are so excited to see you that their whole face lights up and they hurry to you for a hug. The students have a special way of making you feel important and appreciated. They’re also very perceptive and can tell when people are worried or hurting. The students love to make friends and be a part of the Shepherds family. They love making people feel loved.

4. The stories they share.

Remember when I said our students love to talk? Well, I wasn’t kidding. Our students enjoy asking people questions and finding out more about them, but they also love telling their own stories, too. They like to surprise you or make you laugh, so their storytelling is usually pretty exciting and dramatic. But they are heartfelt stories, too. They are stories that make you smile.

I think the biggest storyteller on campus is Ray. He always has a story to share, and I love hearing his deep, scratchy voice. Ray has told me stories about movies he’s watched, music he listens to, his mom’s birthday, his extended family, memories with the 2012 graduates, his excitement of being a third year student, and just about every plant growing in the greenhouse. This guy loves stories, and he does a great job of telling them, too. I miss that.

Ray

5. Their smiles.

I could write words upon words about the students’ precious smiles and what they mean to us at Shepherds College, but why make you read when I can show you instead?

Need I say more?

So, while our students enjoy a break from their studies, we eagerly anticipate the coming school year because oh, how we miss those students!

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.

Meet the Flight Crew

Think back to your first day of school – maybe your first day in kindergarten or high school or college. What were some of the things you were most concerned about? What did you wish you knew before you headed off to school that day?

The biggest thing I worried about on those first days of school was what my teachers would be like. How would they teach? Were they nice? Would they take their class on field trips? Would they like me? Would they make learning fun?

Well, what if there was a way to find out what your teacher is actually like before that nerve-wracking first day of school?

That’s a task we’d like to take on here at Shepherds College blog. Welcome to Teacher Tuesdays!

Miss Sheppard and Mrs. Luchterhand

Every Tuesday, one of the Shepherds College faculty members will be featured in our post for the day. The post might be a profile of a teacher, helping you get to know that faculty member a little more personally. Or faculty members might write the post themselves, telling you what to expect in their classroom. The post might even be written by a past or present student, giving you true insider’s knowledge on the faculty members.

Chef McCarthy and 2012 Graduate Seth

However we do it, Teacher Tuesdays are sure to be a lot of fun! You’ll feel like you know your teachers before you ever step onto campus. And that’s a great way to ease the nerves on your first day of school.

So, prepare yourself to get to know your Shepherds College teachers like you’ve never known your teachers before. Who knows what you might have in common? This could be the start to a lifelong friendship.

Miss Luchterhand and 2012 Graduate Jocelyn

Shepherds College - Guiding Your Transition to Appropriate Independence. Please visit us at www.shepherdscollege.org.