School spirit is something that Longwood never seems to be running short of. But school spirit does not appear out of thin air. Spreading school spirit is a constant effort, and there are people and ideas that keep it going strong. One of these people is Nancy McDonald.
Nancy is a senior here at Longwood and truly loves the school that has become her home away from home. "The thing I love most about this school is the same thing that made me fall in love with it 4 years ago while on my first tour of the campus; it's that ‘family feel' that you get when everyone knows everyone else," said Nancy.
That "family feel" has provided a lot for Nancy who says, "I've yet to encounter a day where I walk down Brock Commons and don't see a friend!" It is not just the students that make the Longwood community a family, according to Nancy. "The relationships you build with your professors over the years are also something unique to Longwood. Not only do your teachers learn your name, but they learn who you are as a person. Not many schools can say that," she continued.
That special brand of school spirit is something that is truly rare, and Nancy believes Longwood itself has something to do with the love she holds for her school. "I think Longwood's spirit has a lot to do with the size of the school; everyone knows each other, and that creates a sense of family that is scarcely found at universities today. It's amazing to see what this student body can do when we bond together. I will forever stand strong by my statement that Longwood is more than just a university, we are a family."
Nancy credits Longwood with breaking her out of her shell, and letting her true self shine through. "I can honestly say that Longwood has brought me into my truest form. In high school, I was a more behind-the-scenes student; I was involved, but was much more reserved and quiet than the person you see today. Being at this school has provided me with so many opportunities to grow not only as a student, but as a person," she said. "There is no doubt that attending this school has made me more confident, outgoing, independent, and, frankly, just a better person all-around. Being here allows students to let their personalities and diversity shine through and lets them know that it's [okay] to be yourself; people will love you for it.
Nancy is very involved on campus. She sits on the Student Government Association as the Senior Class President, where she also serves on the Student Finance Committee. She is a Longwood Ambassador, a member of the honorary art fraternity, Kappa Pi, as well as an active member of the Alternative Spring Break, which organizes service projects during breaks. If Nancy had to give any advice to anyone on this campus, it would be to get involved! "This school provides so many great opportunities to pursue your interests with your various peers. Getting involved is also a phenomenal way to meet people you may not have had contact with otherwise," Nancy said.
Nancy had the opportunity of performing at Oktoberfest this year where she performed "White and Blue," an anthem of Longwood school spirit that she wrote herself, which helped her win the Miss Longwood 2011 pageant last semester. She also performed last Spring Weekend, where she opened for Cali Swag District. "Performing at Oktoberfest was a blast! There's no greater feeling than seeing individuals get excited about something you made, that you created. I feel so lucky that my performing is so well-received by the students, and will jump at any chance to perform in the future! Maybe Spring Weekend? (hint, hint LP [Lancer Productions])."
What will Nancy miss most about her time here at Longwood? "I would probably have to say the people. I've had the opportunity to meet so many amazing individuals over my last 4 years at Longwood, and would not trade that experience for the world. I'm going to miss the teachers that inspired me to challenge myself in class, the friendly staff at the dining hall, the many close friends I have made, and so many more. After all, a college consists of academic buildings and residence halls, [but] it's the people that make it home!"
