Ouachita Stories

blog

College Success Starts with Purpose, Not Just a Plan

November 06, 2025 - Allie Bell

During my senior year of high school, I have to admit I had grown somewhat lazy and unmotivated – even in areas of my life I was particularly passionate about. While some fear the changes college brings, I welcomed them and was ready for a new environment filled with new routines and friendships. Arriving at Ouachita, I was excited for what the Lord had in store for me. While thrilled about entering into the “college experience,” I had no idea how much my perspective on learning would evolve throughout the first few weeks of classes. I found myself forming mentor relationships with my professors and noticing the university’s intentional acts to honor the Lord in every area. Through readings and the lens of the liberal arts, I quickly realized the opportunity I had at Ouachita was different from what I was used to at my high school of 2,100 students.

In “Interdisciplinary Inclinations,” a part of my first-year experience reading, Jeffry Davis defines the Greek word telos as “an end purpose for education that motivates one’s studies.” In high school, my telos was simply to make it across the stage with a diploma. I didn’t have a true purpose or desire to learn from my classes. Regrettably, there were times during my senior year where I searched Google for ideas that should have been my own or slid by with just enough effort to do well. On paper, I was the definition of a gold-star student, graduating with distinguished high honors and a 4.1 GPA while also being a part of the varsity dance team and holding leadership positions in many different clubs. In reality, I still had a lot to learn.

So what’s my point? Basically, if students want to coast through their college years and only do the work they deem necessary to “get by and graduate” or specialize in their career fields, they probably can. But your college experience can be about so much more! Here at Ouachita, I have the privilege to learn about a diverse range of topics and issues that allow me to make connections, build community and become a well-rounded woman.

In the fall semester of my freshman year, I spent time in self-reflection and prayer to determine my own telos: To grow to become completely dependent on the Lord physically, mentally, spiritually and academically by acquiring a liberal arts education that enables me to glorify Christ with my career and life decisions, while building a community that keeps me accountable in achieving those goals.

If you are a student, it’s time to give your college years greater purpose than only acquiring the skill sets needed for your vocation (though that’s still important!). To help, I have offered some things I considered when crafting my telos.

Consider Family & Upbringing

Your upbringing and previous life experiences are crucial to determining purpose because they shape what is most meaningful to you. For example, I come from a highly motivated, goal-oriented family. My grandfather – “Pop,” as I called him – was a Vietnam War veteran who instilled in my dad that “Bells don’t quit.” All my life, my dad has abided by this concept and worked to instill it in the lives of both my brother and me. There were countless times throughout my childhood where I attempted to find something I enjoyed doing or was most gifted at but, in the process, wanted to quit when I didn’t particularly like it. One summer, I played tee-ball. Despite my overwhelming desire to go back home and play with my Barbies and my constant complaining of how hot and sweaty I would get during practices and games, my dad still made me finish the season because “Bells don’t quit.” This is an experience that has shaped me, but what holds the most value for you? Considering your past – good and bad – is important because it speaks to who you are and influences who you hope to become during your college years.

Determine What You Don’t Want

Another key to determining your telos is ruling out what you don’t want as a part of your college experience. I have a friend who chose to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Throughout my senior year, I drove up from my hometown to visit her and explore all that a large university had to offer. While I enjoyed my time there, I soon discovered that such a big school would not be the best fit for me. I knew I needed a strong community and saw how, despite joining a sorority, my friend still struggled to find good friends who shared her values. As far as the classroom setting, she had classes with up to 100 people and often felt lost because it was difficult to get her questions answered. Here at Ouachita, the class size enables students to feel comfortable with the curricula and affirms daily how much our professors truly care about us. They are open and available to help – not just with subject matter but also big life decisions.

Identify Potential Pitfalls

Finally, it’s important to be honest about what could distract or deter you from achieving your purpose. I recognized that with my plan I might have trouble learning and retaining content in subject areas of weakness or those outside my major program that didn’t always interest me. This had the potential to prevent me from putting in the needed time and effort. College is also a lot of fun! I knew there was the temptation of misusing newfound freedom to prioritize my social life too much and my academics not enough. Identifying these potential pitfalls early on in college has helped me avoid falling into them.

Now in the fall semester of my junior year, I can look back at how beneficial having an end goal in mind has been for me. My telos has served as a springboard influencing the clubs and organizations I’ve chosen to be a part of during my college years. It has motivated me to stay driven and committed – especially during late study nights! Create your telos and, in turn, it will create a beautiful roadmap full of purposeful adventure for your own college years!

Allie Bell