Throughout my time at Longwood, I have had the pleasure of being able to participate in jobs, organizations, and events that have helped me grow professionally.

During my freshmen year, I worked at Dorill Dining Hall as a student worker. I helped provide costumer service and a clean, welcoming environment to students, staff, faculty and guests. I prepared food at multiple stations including the salad station, the sandwich station, the grill and the serving line. Before this job, I had never worked in any sort of food related industry, so this opportunity gave me eye-opening experience. One key thing I took away from this is that it’s important to always try to have a positive attitude, no matter how early your shift is.

My sophomore year, I decided to take a different route and work as a lifeguard at the Southside Family YMCA. The community there was very welcoming, and I made some long lasting connections with my co-workers. This job required enforcing safety policies and pool regulations as well as maintaining constant surveillance of up to 30 patrons at once in and around the pool. I also was able to refresh my knowledge on the aquatics emergency action plan. Luckily, there was never an emergency where this plan was carried out, but the other staff there made me feel very prepared for it. I also provided costumer service and a welcoming environment to all members in the pool area. This experience taught me a lot about risk management and the importance of awareness and alertness.

I continued working as a lifeguard during my junior year, and I also joined two organizations at Longwood, the first being Phi Sigma Pi National Honors Fraternity. I served as Vice President of my initiate class and got to experience multiple community service endeavors such as making dog treats for the local animal shelter. My second semester, I was nominated to be chair of the Fundraising Committee, where I coordinated two spirit nights and the Spring Weekend booth. Unfortunately, Spring Weekend was not able to happen due to Covid-19, and I was not able to organize any other fundraising events. However, I am very grateful for this organization and I will be serving as Parliamentarian on the executive board during my senior year. I also joined the Geist Chapter of Mortar Board, where I will be the Historian/WebMaster/PR Co-Chair.

During my time away from Longwood on summer breaks, I have worked as a camp counselor at Camp Carysbrook for Girls in Riner, Virginia. The community there is similar to that Longwood– tight-nit with many traditions and a lot of history. It helped me develop my independence and sense of self, along with skills like self-advocacy, time management, organization and patience. It helped me to understand the significance of making an impact, large or small, in other people’s lives, and it has made me desire a work environment that is centered around female empowerment.