Biography
My name is Nicole Ardovino, and I am a senior at Longwood University. Born and raised in Manassas, Virginia, I always lived by the golden rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” I lived by that rule throughout the schools I attended, and demonstrated it through the clubs I joined. Some of these include National Junior Honors society in middle school, BETA club (a community service club) in high school, and National Honors Society in high school as well. Helping others and being kind to everyone around me was a constant goal of mine, and I aim to continue to achieve this goal now that I attend Longwood.
During my first year at Longwood, although it was cut short, I accomplished many things within my time in Farmville. One of the most important to me would be my participation in the women’s rugby team on campus. I am not one to go out of my comfort zone, so joining a completely new sport that I knew nothing about was a huge step for me. I believe it was a combination of the encouragement from the coach, a professor at Longwood, as well as my own desire to try new things that led me to be a part of the team. This year, not only did I become a starting player on the team, but I secured a position as secretary of the team, and hope to rise in my executive rank as I gain experience.
On the more academic side of things, I have learned not only how to live on my own without my parents, but my organization skills have greatly improved since I started my college career. The freedom that Longwood provided for me allowed me to realize my full potential as an independent woman and learn how to take care of myself and not rely on anyone else. Before coming to Longwood, I never would have had this opportunity. I feel that my involvement with the school has allowed me to grow as a person, and learn more about myself.
Longwood was the first place that ever made me feel like I truly fit in. Everyone was so welcoming, and it felt like a family even from the first time I visited. That is how I knew that Longwood was the place for me. During my time at Longwood, I plan to provide this feeling of inclusion for new students, as well as my peers, and show them the school that I am proud to call my home.
