Try Higher

Try Higher: The Call to Every College Student

The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting.
It has been found difficult; and left untried. —Chesterton

With nearly 18 million college students, the college campus is one of the most influential institutions in our society. This new book encourages students to live with excellence and integrity for the purpose of bringing good to all areas and institutions in society. As an academic counselor and instructor, I work one-on-one with 800-900 college students a year, and the best advice I have for each of them is, “don’t act thoughtlessly, but try to find out and do whatever the Lord wants you to” (Ephesians 5:17 TLB). I consistently listen to students talk about their plans, what they intend to “try,” but few actually seek out what God wants for them during college. If students would recognize the “try Higher” principle (that they can endeavor to find out what God wants for them), they would experience their personal best during and after college. This principle truly integrates the academic, social, physical, and emotional with the spiritual during the college experience. Dr. Joe White, of Kanakuk Kamps, says it best, “Trevor challenges college students to go beyond just wondering “What should I do with my life?” and ask the better question “What does God want me to do with my life?” Although Try Higher highlights life before and after college, its central theme is making the most of life during college:

Try Higher Principles:
– Invite God into Your College Experience
– Take the First Step toward New Levels of Learning
– Know Your Purpose during College
– Make Your Best Decisions
– Communicate for Success during College
– Live with Higher Confidence
– Experience Higher Motivation
– Discover your Unique Mission

Try Higher is a college guide book that your student will actually read. One professor describes it as “…a useful, encouraging, and inspiring guide.” The student-oriented writing style interweaves Scripture, student experiences, higher education theory, resources, and student success tips. Students will be encouraged to try higher when making decisions and to view their student role as a significant chapter in their spiritual lives. This concise, practical, and uplifting book encourages students to see the depth of their experiences during college and reminds them that God is their guide in every decision and new experience. Unlike other student books, Try Higher includes a discussion of student populations (e.g., first-generation, community college, students with disabilities, and Greek Life students), as well as addresses important steps (academic, mental, social, physical, and spiritual) that students can take during each year of college (freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years). Unique resources help students master time management, presentations and papers, academic planning, and money management.
(HigherLife Publishing, August 2009)

Endorsements for Try Higher: The Call to Every College Student:

“Try Higher beautifully blends practicality and spirituality for the college student. Synchronizing the academic world with one’s relationship with God is not always easy, but Trevor Francis demonstrates keen insight, straightforward talk, practical advice, and solid spiritual perspectives that will keep students grounded and studying with purpose and resolve as they honor their Lord on campus. This should be required reading for every student, and recommended reading for everyone else!”
–Dr. Tom Blackaby, Author of The Family God Uses, Encounters with God Daily Bible, Co-Author The Man God Uses, Blackaby Study Bible, Companions of Paul

“I wish I had read Try Higher before I went to college. In fact, I wish every young person today would read it, study it, and apply the truths to their lives. It will help students avoid the common pitfalls of college and also experience tremendous success in their social, academic, and spiritual lives. It’s a must-read.”
—Sean McDowell, speaker, teacher, and the co-author of Apologetics for a New Generation

“It’s not a book about philosophy or theory; it’s a practical solution-driven handbook for every college, or college-bound, student. Trevor takes the best advice for academic success, mixes in a motivational call-to-action, and weaves solid advice for spiritual growth and leadership through every page. This book is the first and last word on preparing Christian Students for college success. Like having an encouraging life-coach at your side, Try Higher walks students through the challenges, prepares them for the opportunities, and pushes them toward the excellent life God has designed just for them.”
—Josh Jenkins, Youth Pastor – New Hope Fellowship

“This book is clear, concise, positive and practical. I especially recommend this book for those whose faith is central and who desire to make a difference in college and throughout life. Try Higher can help you in your choice.”
—Dr. Rex M. Horne, Jr., President of Ouachita Baptist University

“Trevor Francis challenges college students to go beyond just wondering “What should I do with my life?” and ask the better question “What does God want me to do with my life?” It raises questions that are very relevant to college life and encourages students to reconsider the way they approach their future at this critical junction of their life. What a great concept for every college student to read!”
—Dr. Joe White, President of Kanakuk Kamps

“Try Higher is an intriguing book that provides significant information and practical application that engages students to find purpose in their college experience benefiting them now, in their career, and into eternity. Students will be inspired to seek truth, discover destiny, and impact the lives of those around them. The significance of this book is priceless and should be in the backpack of every high school graduate and college undergrad.”
—Pastor Justin Williams, The Refuge of Bentonville, Arkansas

“There are very few books that speak to the struggles faced during college. Trevor has helped filled this chasm in literature in a way that is not only practical, but also gives spiritually mature advice that will speak directly to the heart of college students for years to come. In my opinion, the more students that get a hold of this and read it the better!”
—Chuck Bomar (CollegeLeader.org), author of College Ministry 101: A Guide to Working With 18-25 Year Olds

“…a useful, encouraging, and inspiring guide.”
—Lyna Lee Montgomery, University of Arkansas – Professor of English

“I want to commend Trevor Francis for a wonderful book for college students. I believe this book will become a compass for all aspiring young men and women who wish to become somebody in life. Many have failed because they didn’t have such a tool. May God bless you as you read this book!”
—Pastor Sunday Adelaja, Senior Pastor and Founder, Embassy of God, Kiev, Ukraine

If the church in the U.S. has failed at times, credit the absence of a Christian worldview being taught to teenagers to prepare them for University as failure #1. We have a secular university culture that hates Christianity and is pro-active in trying to destroy it in in our kids. Let this book be a powerful companion to parents and youth leaders everywhere to prepare Christian kids for the war and the inspiring challenges that await them!
–Brad Stine, comedian/actor/author/christian worldview advocate

As a Christian and a university professor I am encouraged in Trevor’s view that going to college is not something that a follower of Christ should fear will damage their faith, rather an incredible opportunity to put their faith in action and make a difference in the college or university where God has led them – very encouraging!
–Mike Reed, Professor of Mathematics Tennessee State University