What Students Are Saying

David

San Jose, CA
Junior
Major: Biblical Studies and English

It’s a typical day at Corban, which means that it is anything but. The day is not just devoted to classes, but also to meetings, chapel, intramural sports, work, and of course, lunch! The evening can be filled with studying, ASB events, and of course, midnight runs to get food. It always seems that no matter however much I color-code my calendar and plan my day, there is always a little bit of chaos. Whenever my mom hears about my schedule, she jokingly asks if I ever just want to come home. Of course, she and I both know the answer is no – even though my life at Corban runs 24/7, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I cannot believe that I am in my third year of college -- time really does fly. Whenever I realize that I am more than halfway done with college, I quickly try to remind myself that I still have another whole year to go! It's been an incredible experience though -- there is no place that I would rather be.


David (second from the left) in Anchorage, Alaska with his 2007 Summer Camp Team. The team served for two weeks at Tanalian Bible Camp in the Alaskan bush.

I am an English and Ministry major, and it has been awesome to learn under professors that love the Lord, and love what they teach. Time and time again I am impressed by their knowledge – and how they treat me individually – I consider them more of my friends than my professors.

And even though life is busy, it’s great because your friends are right there with you. I have a great group of friends and an awesome roommate who have all been there for me throughout the year – whether I needed someone to talk to about life, someone to study with, or just someone to go and grab food at 2 a.m. with! The friendships that I have made here are ones that are going to stay through life – and I know that it is because of the relationship that we all share with Christ.

My college experience so far has been amazing. Because of Corban, I've had a college experience that is academically solid, socially fun, and spiritually growing. Knowing that I have been able to grow in my walk with the Lord further is the most important thing that has happened here. I am prepared for graduate school, I have life-long friends -- but nothing can be compared to growth with the Lord. No matter where I go, I know that I will be better equipped because of my time at Corban.

 

Jessica

Port Orchard, WA
Senior
Major: English Communications

So it is the start of a new semester, and unfortunately, my last. It is crazy to believe I am almost done with my undergraduate schooling.

I remember visiting my junior year of high school as if it was only a few months ago. After hearing about Corban, December after December at a youth retreat called Teen Leadership Conference, I knew I needed to check it out. My friends and I were “college shopping” and thought we would give Corban a try. After the first few hours of visiting I knew this was the school God was calling me to. Following my first visit, I came back and stayed three more times. I could not get enough of the campus environment. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, I felt as if I were already a student there. Maybe because I was one of those Preview students who visited so often, Corbanites could not determine whether I was a visitor or a student.

Once I knew where God was really calling me, I finished my high school education and obtained my Associates through doing a program called Running Start. I graduated in 2005 from high school and community college ready to conquer real college life. I had spent the last two years of my schooling focused, preparing, and eagerly waiting to attend Corban.

The past year and a half has been some of the best times of my life so far. God has grown me tremendously through experiences such as: dorm life and learning to live with fifteen other girls sharing one bathroom; classes that have really challenged me to think critically about topics I never knew existed; budgeting my time and money and getting my priorities focused; and going on mission trips learning to become selfless.

There were many things I expected to happen in my two years of attending Corban. Many things have, many haven’t, and many things I never dreamed of happening happened. For example, I expected to make all A’s and receive my Bachelors in two years. However, getting straight A’s all semesters has not happened, but obtaining my Bachelors is, and I never expected to love knowledge, or be interested in getting my Masters.

For some stupid reason I expected life would be perfect by attending a Christian college. My spiritual struggles would be resolved and I would be this transformed being, completely saturated with love for God. I was right about falling more in love with the Lord, but completely mistaken that everything would be resolved. Corban has helped me gain a larger insight about what life is about. Dr. Marty Trammell encouraged me with stating that life is not about “jumping through hoops” and crossing things off on your “to-do list”. Rather, it is about allowing your mind to grow and be transformed into the woman that God is calling me to be. This is what the key to life is.

The professors at Corban are what really make this campus the family environment it is. They are great role models of what God-loving men and women look like. They are not only my teachers, but my study partners, mentors, and parents. I never received advice about relationships at community college, but here at Corban, it is Bible-based and given freely all the time.

Although my time has been short here, it has been a great experience. God has taught me, challenged me, and strengthened me so much over the past year and a half. I may not be ready for the next chapter of my life, but God is, and He has used Corban to prepare me for it. He has given me the confidence that He is in control. I am incredibly grateful and blessed to be able to attend a college like Corban.

 

Justin

Salem, OR
Junior
Major: Social Studies

My name is Justin Trammell and I am a junior studying history education at Corban College. I wouldn’t trade my three years here at Corban College for the whole world. From chapel, to the classrooms, to the dorms, I have been challenged to grow in my walk with God by professors, staff and students who love God with all of their hearts and truly care about me.

The professors set a Christ-like example of service, giving up their time to meet with students outside of class. The student body is concerned about impacting our community and the world for Jesus Christ. I also play baseball and I am so thankful for the opportunity to compete with some of my best friends who are dedicated to glorifying God both on and off the field. If you want to go to a school where you will not be able to stay at “surface level” in your walk with God; check out Corban College. Not a day goes by that I don’t thank God for the lifelong friends and experiences that He has blessed me with through Corban College.

 

Kristin

Salem, OR
Freshman
Major: English Communications

Wow… I can’t believe I have survived my first semester here at Corban.  It’s not over yet because I still have projects to turn in and finals to take, but I’m almost there!

If you would have told me one year ago that I would be going to Corban, and that I would LOVE being here, I probably would have called you crazy.  But honestly, these first few months here at school have been awesome. And everything I had heard about the family, Christ-centered atmosphere at Corban really is true!

For one, I get to live in the brand new dorm, Balyo Hall. It’s absolutely beautiful! One of the best parts is getting to watch the sunsets from the 3rd floor lobby through the giant windows! I didn’t know how I would like living in the dorm. I am from Salem so my family is about 5 miles away. I really have the best of both worlds, though -- I have so much independence/freedom, but I also get to see my parents and sister whenever I need to, which I love.   

Also, my hall is amazing… its theme is “The Jungle,” and I must say that suits us quite well. It’s a crazy atmosphere, but the 14 girls that live right around me are just so wonderful. I think part of the reason my experience has been so great is because of my roommate… we were friends in high school, but being roommates has just made us like sisters and it’s amazing (I think I’m using the word “amazing” a lot but that’s really how I feel about so many things!). The 6 freshmen in our hall hang out all the time – we eat dinner in the dining hall together, we watch movies, and we’ve even gone to Portland for the day together to shop, dress up, and go to a nice restaurant! I really do cherish the friendships I am building with the girls around me.    

With such a great residence hall to live in, it’s kind of a wonder that I even leave my dorm, isn’t it? However, I do have to attend classes (last I checked, that was one of the requirements of this whole “college” thing!). But I actually enjoy my classes. I think that, so far, my favorite part of academics at Corban is the Bible classes I get to take. Also, the teachers really care about your education here… I was amazed when I found that many of the teachers give out their phone number on the class syllabus at the beginning of the year. They really want to make themselves available to the students, which is so helpful. And by the way, everything they tell you about time management before you get to college is true – making your homework a priority is a good strategy!

Well, how could I end a summary of my first semester at Corban without including some fun memories?! These include numerous late night trips to Applebee’s with the gang and going down at midnight to play in the mud at the soccer fields during a rainstorm. Other highlights in my mind include the all-school Beach Party & Barn Party, not to mention the time my roommate and I were showering when the fire drill went off… what an adventure!

Well, that’s all for now. Hopefully next semester is just as wonderful and just as much fun as this one!!