My first moment as a freshman at Longwood University were unique. I was a part of a diverse group of high achievers, we were all new to the Cormier Honors College. The Honors Retreat was an eye-opening experience that allowed for me to create new connections with my peers, my faculty, and my university. It was there that I knew that I was at the right place and that I could do whatever I wished if I set my mind to it.
First came the academics. My course load first semester allowed me to explore not only my major, but also the honors program. I took a courses with fellow nursing students in my Longwood Seminar class and my Anatomy and Physiology I course. This allowed me to plant new relationships with my peers that will be by my side for the next 3 years at Longwood. The honors course was enlightening. It was a class that I do not believe that I would have signed up for myself, but I am very grateful that I was able to take it. The class presented me with facts and different perspectives on the things that we see every day. Since then, I have strived to see new perspectives from every side of the story.
What I focused on next was getting involved on campus. First semester I tried to not over commit myself to too many organizations. Fortunately, I was able to balance a few involvements. First thing I became involved in was the Honors Student Association, it was a open-door that I had believed would allow me to become more connected to my honors peers. We did a few activities with the honors community and the rest of the campus. Next organization that I joined was Student Nursing Association. It was in the organization that I felt at home. I was surrounded by my fellow nursing students and was given many opportunities to give back to the medical community, the campus, and those in need, in addition to spreading knowledge. Not only did I become involved in organizations, but I also began my community service work. I spent time helping at the SPCA, FACES, and even the 2016 Vice Presidential Debate. All of the opportunities and organizations have allowed me to not only develop my character for the good, but also create new characteristics.
My development as a student continued into Spring 2017 semester as I prepared myself for a 17-credit course load. I once again kept my academics at the top of my priority list and strived to excel in all of my classes. Some classes offered me a challenge, including my history and education class. As I was faced with these contests I constantly reminded myself that these are for the better, they are for my education, and for my future. These difficult classes were balanced out by my beloved science courses, such as my anatomy and chemistry courses. The constant desire for a balance between the good and the bad allowed for me to once again adjust my normal habits and improve to new more manageable ones.
My involvement in Longwood’s community was amplified in the spring semester. I became more active in my Student Nursing Association and I decided to join a new organization that would compel me into becoming more outgoing on campus. My membership in the Student Nursing Association skyrocketed as I became more involved in their community service projects and their campaigns for spreading knowledge on common medical conditions. My other new organization was Alpha Phi Omega, the national co-ed service fraternity. I went through rush and was initiated into the brother to have completed over 50 community service hours. It has not only taught me that I should give back and love doing it, but also that I can exemplify leadership and friendship while doing so.
My first two semesters Longwood were very eventful and I hope to keep it up. Without my first few hours with Longwood being with my new honors peers I do not believe that I would not be where I am today. I have developed into a more outspoken and driven individual since a became a part of this amazing community and I hope to keep up this trend.