Starting Now: A 30-Day Guide to Becoming Who You Want to Be in College

by Crystal Chiang, Gerald Fadayomi

College is hard. This can help. Successfully navigating life's transitions requires wisdom and confidence. That's because transitions can be hard, and certainly the transition from high school to college is a big one. Where do students begin when it comes to handling such a huge life change? What do they do when their confidence falters? How do they handle the inevitable failures, disappointments, and freedom that comes with the beginning of adult life? In Starting Now, Crystal Chiang and Gerald Fadayomi speak directly to students in their first year of college, a transition which can be both exciting and terrifying. This interactive guide helps students think through not what they want to do in college, but who they want to be. Inside students will find… Figuring out where you're going in life isn't easy, but it doesn't have to be as mysterious as students might think. Starting Now can help them begin to move in the direction of a future they want.

296 pages, Paperback

Published April 20, 2019

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting college can be a confusing time. Young people are in a new environment with new people and new challenges. This book helps beginning college students navigate issues they'll face, encouraging them become the people they want to be. The format covers 30 days, six weeks with five daily readings. Each reading includes perceptive comments and thought provoking questions with space to journal.

Week One is about creating a supportive team. The authors write about establishing relationships and gathering people around you who will help you become the person you want to be. Week Two is about identity. It covers concepts like being in Christ, not being bound by the past, challenges, failing and developing character traits. Week Three is about faith. Readers are asked to think about spiritual habits, doubts, and rethinking faith. Week Four is about integrity. The relationship of beliefs and values and actions is explored. Week Five is about freedom. The wisdom needed to make right choices in the face of temptation is covered. Readers are encouraged to let God restore and be a new creation every morning. Week Six encourages service. Being made for God's purpose of doing good and what that might look like is explored.

I like this book. While many books for college kids deal with career choices, this one really concentrates on character development. That is so important when young people are placed in a new environment with new freedoms and choices to make. The decisions readers make while working through this book will have a great impact on who they will be for the rest of their lives. The authors have included a bit of crazy humor I think young people will enjoy.

Food for thought: “One of the best things about starting a new phase of life is you get to decide what kind of person you want to be, starting now.” (74)

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Zilker Media. My comments are an honest and independent review.

[Emily Ake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got some stuff out of it! It was fun to go through. If I could, I’d give it more of a 3.5/5 stars though. And I struggled to be consistent with it. It was definitely focused more towards people who aren’t already super versed in the basics of Christianity though, so I didn’t get as much deep understanding and wisdom from it as I maybe could have, but it had some good ideas and super great reminders!

[eliza · Rating 4 out of 5]

very helpful in my transition into college.