“My experience thus far at Ananda College has been transformational. The individuals attending this school are remarkable and every day I learn as much from my peers as I do in my classes. My classes are also meaningful and aid to the transformation of my perspectives in a holistic ever-broadening way. I am studying to get a B.A. as well as my Yoga Teacher Training certificate. My area of focus is holistic health and healing. To me this focus area is more than just the healing of individuals, also of the planet. How to live sustainably and in community is a huge part of taking care of the planet and it is wonderful to experience this first hand here at the college. We are working on permaculture designs for the land as well as assisting in the process of implementing. It is so wonderful to be a part of a school that I am passionate about and that supports my own passions and interest.”

—Tonya Gorman, Portland, OR

 

“Upon my graduation I eagerly set off on my college adventure, expecting a place of intellectual inquiry, passionate learning, and clarity of this life experience. Instead, I encountered organized memorization, dry lecture halls full of bored students and apathetic professors, and a paucity of wisdom. This idea of college that I had been preparing for all my life, and the society that had ingrained into me the importance of such institutions, had both let me down.

This understanding led me to Ananda College of Living Wisdom. Having been dissatisfied with the standard (and quality) of education at UCLA as well as many other traditional universities I researched and visited, I finally began to uncover a few institutes of alternative education, deciding that Ananda College was the best fit.

I cannot begin to explain in words, the profound transformations I have been going through. The environment here is one that inspires growth and healing, both of which I have found in abundance since my arrival.

I have been blessed with a unique opportunity to reflect upon myself in a way that will echo throughout the rest of my life. The things I am discovering here about this world and the beauty within, I hope to carry in my heart and share with all those I meet. I truly feel I have been given a chance to be a better version of myself.”

—Matthew Isbel, Los Angeles, CA

 

“Before coming to Ananda College I was attending SAIC (School of the Art Institute of Chicago)–quite the opposite of my routine here. I didn’t feel the fulfillment there that I do here. Although I was learning of subjects that I had passion for (English, art history, painting) I wasn’t nearly getting the depth into the subjects that I thirsted for. Here I am not only able but thoroughly encouraged and helped along in my research to explore the depths of such subjects and more! Here I can explore classes on healing, eastern philosophies, and leadership–things that truly are living wisdom. This opportunity means so much to me, deeply, deeply from my heart. I am offered a curriculum that works with me instead of against me. Challenges me but does not overwhelm. Teaches me academics but also more about my self and soul.”

—Rosie Ayala, Nevada City, CA

 

“The most exciting thing for me in attending this college is the ability to take every little scrap of information and not have to worry about it going to waste. Here, I am able to take what I learn in my class on Holistic Mathematics; apply it to a class on the Bhagavad Gita, Dao De Jing, and Buddhist Texts; practice integrating these ideas into everyday life using techniques from Directional Psychology; write a story about it in Creative Writing; and then discuss my discoveries with the other students over a bowl of oatmeal before Pilates class. Here, I feel nourished and cared for by every teacher and student. Here, I have made lasting friendships with beautiful souls. Experiencing Ananda College of Living Wisdom has given me the tools necessary to face the world with enthusiasm, wisdom, and an appreciation of truth in all its different forms.”

—Rachel Anderson, Seattle, WA

 

“I’m studying here at Ananda College to receive an Education for Life Teaching certificate so that I may teach in one of the Living Wisdom Schools. I’ve been interning in a Kindergarten classroom, so I’ve had opportunities to teach several lessons in this classroom. Now, I’m feeling more and more confident, and ready to teach in a classroom of my own. Ananda College has given me faith in myself as a teacher, with practical and holistic lessons. I’ve thrived in the encompassing positive atmosphere that is here. After graduation, I have the opportunity to work in a Living Wisdom Preschool–so my dreams of making a difference in the lives of children are coming true!”

—Kayla Wills, Orland, CA

 

“Our national, standardized higher education is impersonal and uninspiring, so I will be forever grateful for all the great souls who have co-created this amazing educational experience. For the first time in my life, I am studying subjects that excite me, as I allow my natural curiosities to guide me, my own passion for understanding keeps me accountable to my work. This is my first year and already I am noticing a transformation within myself. I am perpetually living as a greater expression of myself, by not only developing my academic and mental capacities, but also maturing emotionally and spiritually. This deepening of being and increasing contentment with who I am is possible at Ananda College, because of its emphasis on holistic education and higher consciousness.

I plan to receive a B.A. degree with a focus on Cooperative Communities, Sustainability and Directional Psychology and am interested in expanding my theoretical and practical understanding of sustainable, fulfilling, and healthy ways of living together. I imagine that the information and direct experience of cooperative living will enable me to play an active role in sculpting a more harmonious culture. In this school year, so far I have been discussing, writing, and researching cooperation, self-interest, and the psychology of belonging, all of which make my heart sing.”

—Hanna White, Portland, OR

 

Satyan Ferenchak is from Haddonfield, NJ. He studied Environmental Science and Geography at UC Santa Barbara before transferring to Ananda College. He is studying Education for Life and is working towards a B.A. degree in Living Wisdom Studies. He enjoys student teaching in the 1st and 2nd grade at the Living Wisdom School in Beaverton, leading nature awareness walks, hiking, basketball, preparing meals for the students, staff, and residents, and singing with the choir. After graduating, he would like to teach at the elementary level in one of the Living Wisdom Schools. According to Satyan, “Being able to share and apply character-building values with my young students is very fulfilling. I am glad that I am helping to prepare these children to meet life’s challenges with understanding and a positive attitude. I really appreciate the kind of students that Ananda College attracts. They are inspired, creative, courageous, energetic, fun, and peaceful. I am very happy to be studying here.”

 

“A life changing experience…you really live what you learn.”
—Stefan, Nevada City Campus

“I visited other schools, but I felt at home at Ananda College. The beautiful  grounds emanated such a sweet and nurturing energy. It won my heart instantly.”

—Ryan, Lake Tahoe, CA

 

“The focus on experiential learning here increases a student’s sense of self-awareness. There is an organic approach to individual growth versus just passing courses needed to get a degree. The unfolding and self-discovery that our college nurtures allows a student to develop naturally toward their chosen career path.”

—Celia Alvarez, PhD, Curriculum & Faculty Director

 

“My life stopped being about me, it became geared towards serving others, serving God, and finding my Dharma. But I also wanted to have fun, be a college kid, and be with other young people my age and just have a spiritual blast!”—Current Student, Nevada City Campus

“If you could put what you are doing in the public schools, it would change the world.”—School Superintendent Visiting Education for Life California Campus

“Ananda Yoga Teaching Training (YTT) was a course in how to live. It not only taught us how to teach but how to deepen our own practice so that we become what we are teaching.”—Trina, North Augusta, SC

“The deepest relationships, the most beautiful gardens, the most fascinating classes, and the most delicious food- all available at Ananda College!”—Current Student, Nevada City Campus

 

“Ananda College is everything I was looking for! India, Egypt, and Macchu Picchu trips, studying at a campus surrounded by beautiful nature, and opportunities for growing spiritually. Nothing could have been more perfect!”

—Current Student, Nevada City Campus

 

 

 

“It has been the most blissful, challenging, beautiful and expansive experiences in my life, by far! Everyday is filled with joy and wonder. I love my friends so much, I will stay in touch with them forever. Academically, all the classes are stimulating and directly relevant to my personal, spiritual life. I can instantly apply everything I learn in the books.”

—Current Student, Nevada City Campus

“Just getting here felt like a miracle to me. I learned from the beginning that if one is willing to put in the best effort they have, anything can be possible. It was the mark of a new beginning for me in many ways.”

—Current Student, Nevada City Campus

“The professors I’ve experienced in class so far have all been very organic and passionate about what they are doing. They really care. The soul picks up on that.”

—Current Student, Nevada City Campus