This paper explores whether taking a course in health has an effect on college students' lives. Gettysburg College (Pennsylvania) redesigned a health class and taught it to all incoming freshmen during their first semester. Student journal entries, written at the end of each class, provided feedback to instructors; instructors read and responded to each entry prior to the next class. Students reported that they want and need an academic experience where they can feel comfortable having an open discussion with their instructor and their peers, and that this class provided that opportunity. An in-depth evaluation completed at the end of the course provided additional feedback. Students reported they increased their knowledge to a greater degree than they reevaluated their behavior. Similarly, students reevaluated their behavior to a greater extent than they changed their behavior. Students reported more increased awareness than behavior change in all areas studied. Overall, the course met its goal of having students begin to reevaluate and/or change their attitudes and/or behavior in a variety of areas in their lives. Findings of the project suggest that: (1) having the class during their first semester was beneficial to most students; (2) students may be more successful in changing behavior when classroom exercises are structured so that each topic is examined in relationship to students' current behaviors; and (3) students who are most successful at changing behavior know how to identify an area of their life as needing attention, and have the tools necessary to initiate and follow-through with behavioral changes. Sample journal entries are included. Contains nine references. (ND)