Class of 2025 Imparts First Semester Wisdom to the Class of 2026

Each year, PCA’s Academic Guidance and College Planning Office invites last year’s senior back on campus during their winter break to sit on a Q&A panel to give helpful advice to their former peers on life in college. The alumni panel gives current seniors a firsthand look at life beyond PCA, focusing on college decision-making, academics, community, faith, and personal growth. Four recent graduates; Gideon Beal attending UNH and studying exercise science, Grayson Odom at Grove City College studying mechanical engineering, Tatum Smith attending Liberty University and studying business administration, and Josiah Howard, now at Wheaton College for health science. Here they shared honest reflections from their first semester out of high school. 

Panelists emphasized that there is no single “right” path. Some visited many colleges, others only one or two, and decisions were shaped by factors such as family input, campus culture, academic strengths, finances, and personal comfort levels. Tatum shared that parental guidance played a significant role, even when it was difficult at the time, and that looking back, she was grateful for that perspective. A recurring theme was trusting God through uncertainty and being open to unexpected outcomes. 

College academics were described as more self-directed than PCA. While tools like Canvas helped some students stay organized, Josiah noted that professors do not always remind students about deadlines—making syllabus reading, planning ahead, and personal accountability essential. Students highlighted PCA classes that prepared them well, particularly those that required strong study habits, time management, outlining papers, and learning how to struggle productively rather than expecting perfection. 

Key academic lessons included: 

• Time management matters more because of increased freedom 
• Studying consistently is essential, even for “easy” classes 
• Sleep and healthy routines significantly impact performance 
• Learning how to use resources (professors, TAs, textbooks) is critical 

Making friends required initiative. Students found community through clubs, sports, Christian groups, orientation programs, and simply saying yes to invitations early on. Grayson experienced that his closest friendships came from unexpected places and people he initially assumed he wouldn’t connect with. For commuters or off-campus students, getting involved intentionally was especially important. 

Students agreed that professors are generally approachable and want students to succeed, though the experience varies by school size. At larger universities, building relationships requires more initiative, while smaller schools naturally foster closer connections. Gideon was deliberate to say that office hours, teaching assistants, and asking questions early were all important to successful connecting with professors. 

Many students shared that the first few weeks of college were challenging and even lonely, but that God showed up through friendships, community, and opportunities they didn’t expect. Several described moments where prayers were answered directly—through meeting people, finding churches, or discovering a sense of belonging. A key encouragement to seniors was that difficult or “dry” seasons often become the foundation for deeper growth later. 

Some practical tips included: 

• Bring shower shoes (seriously) 
• Don’t overpack
• Find study spaces outside your dorm 
• Go to orientation events 
• Advocate for yourself with roommates and schedules 
• Give yourself grace — college is new, and adjustment takes time 

The panel reinforced that while the transition beyond PCA can feel intimidating, students are not walking alone. God is faithful, growth often comes through discomfort, and confidence builds with time. Seniors were encouraged to trust the process, seek community, and remember that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. 

See for Yourself!

Learn more about how PCA prepares students to leave our campus equipped to make a difference wherever God calls them.

Schedule an on-campus tour and see first-hand why families choose Portsmouth Christian Academy.

Schedule a Tour