We have learned from a very young age to be respectful of others. It is a value that is learned from reading books, Disneymovies,teachers, families and friends.
Respect is a verb that can be applied to many different contexts. Respect others and treat them as you would like to be treated. Respect “things,” as well — the computer, the Wii, the television, the car and the pets. Respect having the opportunity to go to school, to see movies and to go shopping. Lastly, respect traditions.
The meaning behind traditions varies from person to person as it does from culture to culture, but we all define it the same way when we talk about Longwood traditions. Our traditions have been built over the 174 historic years since Longwood was founded.
Unfortunately, I have never had a knack for history; I have never even found it very interesting in the slightest. Year after year after year throughout elementary and middle school, I was forced to go on an annual field trip to the historic Jamestown/Williamsburg area. Each year the title “field trip” grew less appealing and more agonizing.
Upon arriving, we wiggled in our seats and unwillingly heard the story of the Mayflower and the Native Americans and John Smith for the millionth time. After we stared at animal hides, teepees and dead corn, we were shuffled down to the ships to be eased into a mild depression about how terrible the trip across the sea was for those aboard. Why did we have to sit through this every year? Well, because it was convenient for those who live in any part of the Hampton Roads area. Why couldn’t we just go to the boardwalk and learn about that for history class? It is safe to say I am not a fan of history.
Fortunately, my view over the past four years has changed thanks to this university. Longwood history is fascinating, to say the least. Let me back up to before I enrolled here and say that I did not initially want to go to this school. My mother put the deposit down for me during my senior year of high school and pretty much said, “You’re going here.” I was dragged on three tours and did not understand why she thought a school in the middle of nowhere with cows and farms in the surrounding area was the “school for me.”
Little has to be said about how I feel about Longwood now. As a Longwood Ambassador, I try to sell all of the wonderful things that we have to offer. I want prospective students to view this school how I do by showing it off in all its glory. Just like my opinion of Longwood has changed, so have my thoughts on history. The community, school spirit, faculty and organizations on campus have fascinated me — something that I really did not expect to encounter, just like I did not expect to ever want to know the history of something or read more about it.
We are one of the oldest schools in Virginia and so much has changed since we were founded. The atmosphere is oozing with our rich history. The halls whisper tales of old students and some artifacts were left behind to share secrets or make us curious. We even have some really old- time professors alive to tell their stories (that’s a bad joke).
The beloved Cunningham Residence Halls encompass some of possibly the most bustling history from the past — or maybe the old Dr. Thackston house where French is (or was). When we linger the hallways and elevators of Curry Hall, we can stand quietly and hear the lost kid’s tricycle ringing. Some of the less ghostly and more beloved traditions include the upcoming Spring Weekend, CHI, Oktoberfest and Princeps. CHI is one of the oldest service organizations in Farmville, established in 1900. Avoiding the blue Rotundas and stepping on the black crowns on campus contribute to the Longwood culture. After all, no Lancer should want to step on the spirit of Longwood.
Princeps represents the seven principles of leadership; therefore, stepping on the crowns gives us good luck to start our morning before a test or just to have a slightly better day.
However, there are some people who don’t always respect the Longwood traditions by stepping on Rotundas or being rude at CHI Walks. Some people never indulge in our annual traditions like Dr. Jordan’s bonfire or Color Wars, but the tradition of crowns and rotundas is still known.
Recently, I have heard many conversations about seeing people (faculty and students) step on rotundas. Stepping on the spirit of Longwood! Part of what keeps us apart from other schools is the spirit we have that is through our traditions, the way we represent ourselves and the differences we make in our community. So, respect our traditions and our dedication to them.
*** This editorial is an opinion stated by the writer and does not represent the views of The Rotunda or Longwood University.
