“It takes a village to raise a child”
This is an African proverb that means that it takes a whole community of people who interact with and influence a child in order for the child to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. While my environment was not always warm and fuzzy, individuals in my community have helped me realize who I was and what it means to be Jessica Semmler. From members of my church to my sisters everybody who I am interacted with has taught me a lesson that has resonated with me throughout my life. Community is an important part of the Cormier Honors College because it is within this community of scholars that we are able to teach each other important life lessons and support one another during our endeavors. During my first year in the Honors College I was constantly surrounded by those who want to see me succeed. It did not matter if I was struggling to write a paper or I had hit a rough patch, the community found at Longwood is one where I have no doubt that someone will have my back. I am incredibly excited to see where how this pillar will present itself in the years coming up during my time at Longwood University.