I arrived at school about a week early, so when everyone came back on Saturday, I looked out my window on to Stubbs Lawn and saw and heard the excited squeals of so many people finally being reunited after a long summer. I watched the freshmen confused about whether they should step on Rotundas or crowns, and helped a group avoid the bad luck of stepping on a Rotunda. As I saw all of my sisters coming upstairs with loads and loads of their belongings, I realized one thing; the spirit of Longwood we all talk about to incoming students is still present in the heart of each student that goes here.
It was so completely refreshing to see this and fall in love with Longwood again. Even when I look at construction, I realize it is being done to help the future generations that come here and I cannot wait to see it when it is finished. It’s such a special place that has seen so much in history and still has more to see. Seeing Miss Betty at D-Hall again and even going into Ruffner and watching people rub their hands over Joanie for luck just made me remember why I chose this school and everything that it has done for me in my time here.
If you let it, Longwood will open doors for you and help you find your passions no matter what. Professors will always be there to help you and your peers will always be there to lift you up. Even if in your time here you realize Longwood isn’t your home, that’s okay too. At least you tried something new and no one will look down on you for that.
If you are a freshman or senior, never forget the way you feel when you first step foot on campus after a long summer. There is something about this campus that will make you feel at home again, and if you ever decide to transfer or even when you graduate, remember Longwood will always welcome you back with open arms. When finals get hard and you’re not quite sure if you will make it to winter break, step on a crown or rub Joanie’s hands and remember how you saw Longwood with fresh eyes when you first got to school.
