7 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO NNU - Northwest Nazarene University
Source: https://nnu.edu/7-things-i-wish-i-would-have-known-before-coming-to-nnu
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:17
7 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO NNU - Northwest Nazarene University
7 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO NNU
Apr 9, 2026
|
Blog
KENZI BERGGREN
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start college, and honestly, most students don’t. What matters more is being open to the experience: trying new classes, finding your people, learning how to manage your time and discovering who you’re becoming along the way. These seven lessons, written by Kenzi Berggren, a real NNU student, offer a glimpse into what college is really like at NNU.
1. It is okay to feel unsure of what you want to study
I came to NNU as a freshman with a declared major in Film Studies. As a senior, I am graduating with a degree in Communication Science and a double minor in Acting and Graphic Design. Speaking from experience, you do not need to know exactly what you want to do from day one. Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do, others (like me) do not. Don’t stress, you will figure it out.
2. You will find your people
NNU is a close-knit community that offers acceptance and love. There really is no community quite like it. Not only will you find your friends and establish lifelong relationships, but you will find them within a larger community that cares for you. NNU is a family and you will feel that.
3. Time management is the name of the game
If you can develop good time management skills at the start of college, your experience both during and after college will be 10x easier. There is time for school and there is time for friends—you just have to find the balance.
4. You will learn a lot about yourself
While the goal of college is to get your degree, there is also a lot of growth that happens within yourself. College is a pivotal point where you really begin to discover who you are as a person. It is a time of self-reflection, self-awareness and self-understanding. Take advantage of this chance to get to know yourself. I promise it will absolutely benefit you long-term.
5. Take that random class that interests you
As a sophomore at NNU, I began to develop an interest in graphic design. I decided to enroll in Graphic Design 1 and, within the first week of taking that course, I marched over to the registrar’s office and added a graphic design minor. Not to say that you should minor in everything that interests you, but college is the perfect time to explore those subjects that pique your curiosity.
6. Make connections with your professors
Your professors will be an extremely valuable asset to you during your time at NNU. Not only do they want to see you succeed, but they want to connect with you on a personal level. They are there to help you, guide you and cheer you on. Making strong connections with your professors will benefit you throughout your time at NNU and beyond.
7. Don’t get too caught up in what others are doing
There is no one right way to do college. Just because someone is doing something one way does not necessarily make it right for you. Don’t get too caught up in what others are doing. Trust that you know what is best for you and then follow that to its end. And if you have to change your major a couple of times to get there, that’s what I had to do too, and I promise you will be just fine. This is YOUR college journey—own it and enjoy the ride.
Your path doesn’t have to be perfect to begin. Take the next step and
visit NNU
or
apply when you’re ready
.
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7 THINGS I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE COMING TO NNU
Apr 9, 2026
|
Blog
KENZI BERGGREN
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start college, and honestly, most students don’t. What matters more is being open to the experience: trying new classes, finding your people, learning how to manage your time and discovering who you’re becoming along the way. These seven lessons, written by Kenzi Berggren, a real NNU student, offer a glimpse into what college is really like at NNU.
1. It is okay to feel unsure of what you want to study
I came to NNU as a freshman with a declared major in Film Studies. As a senior, I am graduating with a degree in Communication Science and a double minor in Acting and Graphic Design. Speaking from experience, you do not need to know exactly what you want to do from day one. Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do, others (like me) do not. Don’t stress, you will figure it out.
2. You will find your people
NNU is a close-knit community that offers acceptance and love. There really is no community quite like it. Not only will you find your friends and establish lifelong relationships, but you will find them within a larger community that cares for you. NNU is a family and you will feel that.
3. Time management is the name of the game
If you can develop good time management skills at the start of college, your experience both during and after college will be 10x easier. There is time for school and there is time for friends—you just have to find the balance.
4. You will learn a lot about yourself
While the goal of college is to get your degree, there is also a lot of growth that happens within yourself. College is a pivotal point where you really begin to discover who you are as a person. It is a time of self-reflection, self-awareness and self-understanding. Take advantage of this chance to get to know yourself. I promise it will absolutely benefit you long-term.
5. Take that random class that interests you
As a sophomore at NNU, I began to develop an interest in graphic design. I decided to enroll in Graphic Design 1 and, within the first week of taking that course, I marched over to the registrar’s office and added a graphic design minor. Not to say that you should minor in everything that interests you, but college is the perfect time to explore those subjects that pique your curiosity.
6. Make connections with your professors
Your professors will be an extremely valuable asset to you during your time at NNU. Not only do they want to see you succeed, but they want to connect with you on a personal level. They are there to help you, guide you and cheer you on. Making strong connections with your professors will benefit you throughout your time at NNU and beyond.
7. Don’t get too caught up in what others are doing
There is no one right way to do college. Just because someone is doing something one way does not necessarily make it right for you. Don’t get too caught up in what others are doing. Trust that you know what is best for you and then follow that to its end. And if you have to change your major a couple of times to get there, that’s what I had to do too, and I promise you will be just fine. This is YOUR college journey—own it and enjoy the ride.
Your path doesn’t have to be perfect to begin. Take the next step and
visit NNU
or
apply when you’re ready
.
←
Previous Post
Read Next
NNU NAMES GEORGE ZICKEFOOSE AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 L.E. WESCHE OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR AWARD
By Leslie Gangwer
|
April 23, 2026
George L. Zickefoose, Ed.D., veteran educator and current principal of Warhawk Elementary School in the Vallivue School District, has been named this year’s L.E. Wesche Outstanding Educator. The award was presented at a private reception on Tuesday, April 21, ...
Read More
Northwest Nazarene University Presents “Great Music of Our Faith”
By Carolyn St. Mary
|
April 8, 2026
The Northwest Nazarene University Music Department invites the community to a special culminating concert, “Great Music of Our Faith,” on Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 p.m. in the Brandt Center on the NNU campus.
This reimagined annual event (formerly Great Hymns of ...
Read More
Is a Graduate Degree Worth It for Working Adults? 3 Key Questions to Ask Before You Apply
By Leslie Gangwer
|
March 27, 2026
If you’ve ever found yourself Googling “Is a graduate degree worth it?” at 10:00 p.m. after a long workday, you’re not alone. For working adults like you, the idea of going back to school can feel equal parts exciting and overwhelming. Whether you're chasing a ...
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