When I was growing up, my plan was to go to Virginia Tech. It was a mindless childhood dream, I only wanted to follow in my moms footsteps. As the end of high school quickly approached, I realized that large schools lack a small, tight-knit community. Sure there would be clubs, organizations, dorms, cliques, etc., but I wanted something greater. I wanted to go somewhere where the entire school is its own community. One of my favorite things about Longwood is walking past the same people in your routine walks to class and actually recognizing them. At Longwood, we’re not just another student, we are all recognized in some way and that makes this university a rare find.

Aside from a whole-school community, Longwood has given me several small communities through clubs, organizations, and the Cormier Honors College. I can truthfully say that without the Honors community in Wheeler hall, my freshman year would have been totally different. College was a major adjustment for me, but knowing I was living with people that had something in common with me gave me a “leg up” for college. The advice I heard most before college was “get involved” and I felt that I was already involved before we even moved in. This comfort and confidence allowed me to pursue other small communities like SGA and the Honor and Conduct board.

Longwood and the Honors College have both given me a community to get involved in and feel welcome in without even trying. Community comes naturally to our small school, and for that I am forever thankful.