Coming into the Cormier Honors College, I carried a lot of fear and self doubt with me. In high school, I did very well academically, but I was not in the hardest classes either. While I was confident in my knowledge and abilities, I was still afraid of the title “Honors” and what that meant. Stereotypically, this means more work, harder classes, and the most intelligence.

Fortunately, Longwood breaks the bounds of stereotypes and creates an environment that is welcoming and values time and unique work, over more work. This program is not so rigorous that it makes students only focused on academics, but it is one that challenges and educates you through unique teaching styles and classroom experiences.

Longwood’s unique take on an Honors College makes me feel intelligent, capable, and very well prepared for the world as an educator. I am thankful that the Cormier Honors College and its staff values time and quality, which in turn gives me the skills to think critically and outside of the box. Even though I didn’t feel like an “honors kid” coming in, I am a proud honors student now, who values the scholarship pillar greatly.