This episode of College Conversations explores the vital role of mentorship in college success. Two student guests, Ethan and Maddie, join hosts Jeff Sherrod and Gregg Garner to share their experiences with the Institute's mentorship program, highlighting the challenges and rewards of intentional mentoring relationships. Despite initial apprehension and personality differences, both students ultimately found their mentors invaluable sources of support, guidance, and friendship. The episode also explains the program's structure, including mentor selection, matching processes, and strategies for addressing mismatches. The discussion emphasizes the importance of holistic student development, the benefits of formal mentorship programs over informal relationships, and the program's commitment to supporting students in finding the right mentor fit. Finally, the speakers offer practical advice for students seeking to maximize their mentorship experiences.

In this episode of College Conversations, host Jeff Sherrod, along with president Gregg Garner, engages with students Melanie Flores and Justice Garner to discuss the importance of fostering strong relationships between faculty and students. They share personal experiences highlighting how these connections have positively impacted their academic and personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the role of faculty in providing support, accountability, and mentorship, which are crucial for student success. Listeners will gain insights into how intentional relationships can enhance the college experience and contribute to a supportive learning environment.

In this episode, Jeff, Gregg and Ben explore the significance of “the college years.” Are they solely for learning? Should students rush into work? Should they be free from concerns of career and financial stability, or challenged to figure it all out now? Tune into the discussion based on biblical principles.

Nick Sherrod reflects on the good work the Institute students have put in this year to serve the greater Nashville community.

This fall, the Institute for G.O.D is partnering with 5 local nonprofits, mobilizing students for service and community development every Wednesday after chapel as a part of our Spiritual Emphasis Days.

Why is cross-cultural travel such an important part of the stories and development of so many biblical characters? There seems to be something about cross-cultural travel that provides essential experiences needed for our development as God’s workmen. The cross-cultural travel that has a purpose, like the travel that every student at the Institute will experience as students. Read more to learn about how International travel can help you develop!

One of the things we love about our students is their willingness to learn and serve, not only during the academic school year, but even throughout the summer break as well. You rarely get a boring answer when asking them how they spent their summer, which is why we did just that. While it is common for our students to travel abroad, even those who remain in Nashville stay active during the summer serving the local community through various programs that happen on G.O.D.’s campus.

One of the strange aspects of modern higher education is that students graduating high school are expected to know what occupation they want to pursue. This is strange because high school students have generally not had the kinds of experiences that could help them discover what occupation they are suited for. In light of this lack of experience, students are left with introspection and best guesses. Read more to learn what to do if you don’t know what major you’re going into.

The average Institute for G.O.D. student graduates with zero debt, and thus spends no time working to pay it off. And with their ProDev program, students can actually graduate with four years of work experience under their belt, and if that’s not already enough, students are guaranteed a job offer upon graduation. Awesome, right? But how is this possible? Read more to learn how this is possible!

By leaving home, we detach ourselves from the reference points of how we were once known. We have to create a new self-image in the eyes of others. As we struggle to get others to see us as valuable and special, even small gaffs or failures can feel catastrophic. But where do these ideals for our self image come from? How do we choose how we want to be seen by others? Strangely enough we don’t usually choose them at all…

If you're a student on a budget looking for some summer hangout ideas, then take a look at this list of free and affordable things to do in Nashville.