Pensacola Christian College

I am a 20 year old male student and know and get along with people from each "people group", including those percieved as the "cool" groups and the not-so "cool" groups, I believe some students are missing out by being too reclusive and not meeting other people types. Further more these students often make general assumptions on people without basis.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2006

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Extracurricular Activities: C-

To start off, my first freshmen semester was rather poor. I was discusted with the rules, hated the authority, and missed being home. I have several reasons for feeling that way.

The first was and most important was that I had rather rebellious friends who mostly hated being there. Of the nine of us, three were expelled that semester. Three didn't come back for their sophomore year. Only three of us remain. Just so you don't think that the school was too oppressive toward them, I will tell you about what has happened to them. Two who were expelled ended up living together. He left her after two months and she went through depression. Both were on drugs and were drunk, neither had any money or have any future. Another who did not return was going to marry her boyfriend of five months. He broke off the wedding two weeks before it was to take place. Another who withdrew goes to a state university, is on drugs and wastes his paycheck on expensive clothes that do him no good. Only one person who did not come back is doing well at a Christian University. I don't know what happened to the rest.

The second reason I had a horrible semester was that I myself was rebellious agaist the system. I received only 13 demerits that semester, but could have gotten more. I did not understand the stance on the KJV, music, or TV. I debated with both fellow students and faculty and was never able to successfully defeat them or prove them wrong. My logic was faulty.

My second semester of my freshmen year, I made new friends and laid to rest most of my "convictions" agaist the rules. I also came to an understanding of most of them.

As for myself, I never did like the Christian rock or any secular music, I mainly listened to classical and the occasional Praise and Worship if it wasn't too rowdy. The reason I fought the system was because I wanted to fight. There was no reason but that. Their rules are designed as a blanket protection so that there is no possible way for you to outwardly sin if you follow them. Although I may feel that music with a beat is not wrong, someone next to me may feel differently. Paul in the Bible says that if eating meat offered to idols offends his neighbor, he will not eat meat again.

The TV and movie thing was big for me. I did watch and enjoy both. After thinkng about it for a few weeks, I realized that I really wasn't missing out on anything. TV wasted much of my time that I used doing things with friends or studying. Movies I could (and did) watch when I got home. Most of the things on TV and in movies are so completely filled with trash and anti-Christian philosophies that even when I am home, I no longer watch TV and I ask my friends about movies.

I never really struggled with the no touching policy. They have that for several reasons. First, they want to prevent peoples from having sex or getting pregnant. Not everybody has problems with that, but back again to Paul. Someone who is holding hands or hugging might cause someone else who can't control themselves to want to do that. Second, despite the rumors, you don't get in trouble for accidentally brushing up agaist someone of the opposite gender.

My first semester of my sophomore year has been great. My friends are good and godly, plus they genuinley want to do what is right and constantly help me do the same. Some advice, the faculty is very kind if you are. The deans are understanding and genuinely want to do what is right. Those who have a hard time with them are those who are trying to do wrong. The petty rules are just that. The school does not in any way say that every rule is a commandment from God. They are just a way to keep anyone from slipping and they keep the college's standards high.If you don't like rules, or you try to buck every authority, don't come to PCC. The only thing you will do there (if you stay in) is to bring others down. I am glad to go there and, though I don't agree with everything, I will continue to go there until I graduate.

1st Year Male -- Class 2007

Perceived Campus Safety: A+, Campus Aesthetics: F

I enjoyed my four and a half years at PCC. Any one seeking to attend a college that will challenge the way they think should consider PCC as the school strives to instill a conservative Christian worldview into their students. Classes are tough for students who wish to graduate well, but not so difficult so as to shut out average students. Most anyone can attend and receive average grades, but only the students who really apply themselves will rise to the top. This school is definitely not for people who wish to buck the system, as PCC states in all their student materials "Attendance at PCC is a privilege not a right." Any rebellion minded young person who believes that he or she can attend and buck the system will find themselves in uncomfortable situation after uncomfortable situation. Discipline at PCC is tough, and they do not hesitate to expel students who do not conform. My suggestion to anyone who does not want their way of thinking challenged, DON'T apply. If you already attend and find that PCC is not right for you, WITHDRAW, find a school that is liberal enough to let you do whatever you want whenever you want to. There are plenty of liberal minded colleges (even Christian Colleges) that do not require conformance as PCC does. Finally, if you do attend PCC and find that it is not the right school for you to be, it is better to withdraw and add an extra year or two to your education than to graduate feeling your education is substandard, and go through life angry and bitter. The feeling that your education is substandard accompanied with bitterness and anger won't ever help you get a good job or find satisfaction in what you do.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000