What does “Community” mean?

One of the most important things for me when planning to go away to school was finding my group of people. Despite Longwood being a relatively small campus, it still felt scary stepping foot onto it as a student for the first time knowing absolutely no one. The Cormier Honors College, however, helped me face that fear head on by starting my college experience with the Honors Retreat.

During the Honors Retreat I met one of my closest friends and my roommate for next year! That first weekend really helped me out of my shell and allowed me to meet some of my peers before the semester had officially started.

Another way the CHC promotes a sense of community among students is living together. Wheeler is the all Honors residence hall and due to growing numbers honors is starting to take over one of the floors in Cox as well. By encouraging us to live with and among one another, it really helps promote a sense of community in a setting that is different from the classroom.

Another way honors promotes community is through the Honors Student Association (HSA). Meetings are every other Sunday evening, which I would find to be a good way to start the week. It’s a nice way to connect with peers in a social way outside of the classroom.

The CHC team wants to see all of their students succeed in all realms, not just academically. I believe they are putting some great ideas into place in order to help us grow socially and promote a sense of community.