<p>"College chapel meets four times each week and is a source of spiritual exhortation and enrichment that is vital to Christian growth. Many students comment that chapel is the highlight of their day."</p>
<p>"All students carrying 12 or more credit hours are required to attend chapel. Part-time students and special students attend chapel on the days in which they have a class before noon."</p>
<p>"God has called this institution into existence for His own glory; therefore, the administration, faculty, and staff are dedicated to training young people for His service."</p>
<p>I wonder what would happen if you were to drug all the students at PCC and transport them to New College of Florida overnight while they're sleeping. Sigh.....anyone up to do it? It'll be hilarious!</p>
<p>I was just there this weekend and they're very upfront about everything there, especially for a public school. Our tour guide was like, "Yeah, there's marijuana and such around all the time but the students here are responsible. Personally, I don't do those types of things here, but there are plenty of students that do in Palm Court."</p>
<p>And wait, there's more! A Biology Education major! So this is where crappy high school Bio teachers went to school.....(and the reason for Florida's low science standards.)</p>
<p>ufdawg - I am a christian parent with a daughter at a public university (UCF). My daughter has found some great christian friends at school. She is very involved in one of the campus ministries (Campus Crusade) they have a great time - involved in homecoming, football games, etc., and also offer bible studies and a weekly gathering. I know that UF has many campus ministries, also (we know quite a few students there). My suggestion would be that you sit down and have a serious, rational conversation with your parents. Ask them to "allow" you to go to UF for the first year with the agreement that you will be accountable to them, and will get involved in a bible study and find a good church in gainesville to attend on Sundays. What my daughter has found is that the students who are involved in campus ministries are some of the most geniune christians that she has met. They are involved because they WANT to be, not because their parents or school are forcing them to be. If your parents will agree to this, prove to them that you have a solid foundation and give them no reason to fear. Let them know that you love & respect them and desire their blessing, but that you need to be permitted to become the person God wants YOU to be. I really wish you the best.</p>
<p>Let your parents know that after 18 years of living with them and always attending private Christian schools they have definitely protected you from "sinful" influences. Let them know that by now your Christian morals are set and going to UF will not compromise them. By them sending you to PCC though, they will keep you from your dreams and goals and future happiness. (it will be a heavy burden for them to bear in the future) Good luck!</p>
<p>If you are 18, this is a non-issue. The decision is yours. Since you are eligible for 100% Bright Futures, you require nothing from them. It would be nice to have their support, but you have to do what is best for you!!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the 100% tuition covered by Bright Futures is just a "drop in the bucket" of college costs. Housing, food, etc. is a significant amount of money.</p>
<p>Perhaps you might contact some of the pastors at the UF on-campus organizations such as Campus Crusade for Christ or BCM (Baptist Collegiate Ministries). I've met the pastor at BCM, assuming he's still there from a visit 18 months ago, and he was a very personable, cool guy. Anyway, explain to them your situation; express your parents' concerns ... and see if perhaps one of them might help mediate for you. They might be able to describe their organizations, help set up a "mentor or two" for you (that would help with the parents' issues), and at least be available to bounce ideas off. We come from an evangelical perspective, albeit definitely not as fundamental as your parents, and we do make a point of checking out organizations on campus on our visits, but we do it because our kids want to find out what's available so that they might find a small group to support them in a very large university population. </p>
<p>wow. that school looks SCARY! i can't believe they actually wrote that stuff on their website. It reminds me of the movie "jesus camp" but in college-ish form. as the posters above said, you're 18 and you have bright futures. all you have to do is apply for scholarships and get a job (or jobs) to earn money for rent and living expenses. But, please try to convince your parents that there are plenty of Christian organizations at UF that you can join and plenty of churches to go to. Research them and then try to convince them to come up to G-ville for a tour. Have them talk to a local priest or minister who shares similar religious views and let them know that you want to explore your faith on your own terms. If you can somehow convince them that you will not lose your ties to Christianity at UF (you just have to convince them; you don't actually have to follow your parents' particular beliefs. lol), maybe they will actually help suport you throughout college.</p>
<p>Oh and make sure to take them through Turlington on a school day...there's usually an Evangelical old man carrying a sign that says "Jesus saves" who tries to convert everyone in his path. lol. jk ;)</p>
<p>Ok thanks guys for your ideas! I'll try go get my youth pastor help me out... I told him my story and he agrees with me. I'd love to get involved in Campus Crusade at UF. I just hope it works though.</p>
<p>Ufdawg,
The youth pastor is an EXCELLENT person to have on your side here. I'll bet
this person may not be too far removed from college himself? It probably will help hearing that it's possible to make it work from someone your parents know and respect <em>from within your religious community.</em></p>
<p>Your parents should watch the Heisman</a> Trophy presentation to Tim Tebow. Probably one of the best Christian boys in college today with the exposure that can change millions of lives. And he goes to UF. </p>