I remember when I was pursuing my Bachelor of Arts degree, I didn’t do as well as I wanted to then. I had a lot going on: stresses of all types that I couldn’t handle at the time. 

But when I started pursuing my master’s degree, the story and my perspective changed. I had grown. I had matured. I had learned.

When I entered my master’s program, I entered with a passion and purpose. I knew God wanted me to pursue it. I wanted to excel. I was focused and determined. 

These are some things I learned on both academic journeys that can help you as you work through college. 

Reminders For When You’re At College

Handle stress and other emotional challenges well.

To succeed in college, you must learn to handle the emotional and relational stress that can come with life. I managed stress by speaking with a trusted friend about it. I could put things in perspective by processing the issue with the person. I usually felt better after sharing the load with someone who could shed wisdom on the issue. The person would tell me to pray and not worry or stress about it. Overall, praying helped me to effectively deal with the stress.

Stay humble and see education as an opportunity.

Humility helped me succeed and complete my programs, which, for me, came through prayer. God gives grace to the humble (those who pray, seek His face and realize they need Him and His help), but resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5-7 and 2 Chronicles 7:14). Also, “it is better to finish something than to start it. It is better to be patient than to be proud” (Ecclesiastes 7:8, NCV). If you want to be successful in college and finish well, you must stay humble. 

You must also see the opportunity to go to college to study something you love as a God-given opportunity. When you see it this way, you’re more likely to give it your best. As a general principle, whatever you do, you must do it to the best of your ability as you’re serving the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). When you realize your education is a way in which you can honor God with the talents, skills, and gifts He’s given you, you’ll realize there’s purpose in what you’re doing, and you’ll succeed.

Prepare for online classes with determination, focus and discipline.

Participation in distance learning has risen, especially following COVID-19. If you’re going to be completing your program primarily online, as several universities offer them now, you’ll do yourself a favor by preparing for it, especially if you’re used to the traditional in-class experience. Online learning is different; it requires extra determination, focus and discipline. But you can do it. If this is your first time experiencing an online program, consider signing up for a short online course on a topic you want to learn about. 

When I was transitioning from traditional to online studies for my master’s program, I decided to take a free BBC course to polish my French language skills. That built my confidence in online learning as I excelled on that course. It gave me foresight into how I would do in an online program. It helped me understand what it would take to succeed in an online class. 

Choose subjects based on passion and strength.

Whether you’re studying online, in-person, or in a hybrid program, select electives based on what you love and are good at. Also, make sure they’re topics you’ll use in your future career.

Take time for your mental, spiritual and physical health.

Exercise. That can help with both your physical and mental well-being. Rest. Consider taking breaks when you need to. When you feel tired, stop. Don’t push yourself. Instead, spend time with your family or friends. Get your energy back that way and study again. 

When it comes to your spiritual well-being, don’t forget to factor in daily devotions: quality prayer time and reading or studying of the Bible. There’s something about spending time in God’s presence that can give you refreshment, renewal, confidence, encouragement and resilience. You’ll need faith to successfully complete your program. 

Don’t allow relationship problems to weigh you down.

One of the challenges you might come across during your college years is relationship problems. Don’t let them distract you or burden you. Instead, pray about them and trust God. He’ll make things work out one way or the other. Stay focused on what you’re at college to achieve: your goals. If you can talk to the person with whom you’re having relationship challenges about the problem, great. If not, trust God with it. Remember, He causes all things to work together for our good  (Romans 8:28). 

After completing my bachelor’s and master’s, I continued my education and achieved my PhD. I took the wonderful opportunity to teach at my alma mater as an adjunct professor. 

As an adjunct professor, I encourage my students, who include undergraduates, to chase other practical things that will help them succeed on their educational journey and beyond, whether that’s to pursue graduate degrees or to go into the workforce. 

But Wait, More Tips!

Always follow instructions for assignments. Review the assignment rubrics. 

Ask questions. Don’t be afraid. Especially when you’re an online student, this can be daunting. But you can contact your professor through email, phone or a Zoom call to understand course and grading expectations. Invest time in these means to  contact your professors. It’ll be worth it.

Present your work early. If you have challenges as you try to complete readings or assignments, remember to contact your professor as soon as possible. Your professor can help you. 

When you receive feedback, implement it. Remember, your professor wants you to improve and succeed when offering feedback. So, to help yourself grow, put that feedback into practice. That’s the only way you can develop and become better at what you do academically and professionally. If you get a lower-than-expected grade, attitude matters. Have a willing spirit. Have an attitude of being willing to learn. Be teachable. Be humble. You’ll learn all you should and become a better person. 

See your professors as mentors. They have a lot they can teach you that can help you professionally. Be willing to submit to their authority. 

When you apply all these tips, success will be effortless. The world will be your stage. Yes, the world will be your oyster! 

This article was originally titled “The College Climb” in the September 2025 issue of Peer.