I have the privilege and blessing of going to Southern Virginia University, a small school nestled between the Shannondoah mountains of Virginia. Here are some things I love about this school:

1. LDS Environment

The LDS (Mormon) environment is a huge thing I love about Southern Virginia. The school is 92% Mormon. I find it really easy to be in a place where I am allowed to worship and not have to worry about backlash that I'd get if I had gone to another school.

2. Small Classes

Another huge factor for me are the small class sizes. Professors teach classes of 16-18 students normally (sometimes 25 in terms of the choir classes and other extracurriculars). I graduated from a high school of nearly 2,000 students, with 32 students in every classroom. I wanted to be taught by professors that knew me by name, where I wasn't just another number on the roster.

3. Caring Professors

Along with the small class sizes, there are also wonderful professors to provide help when students need it. All of my professors know me by name and each one is genuinely interested in seeing me succeed.

4. Endless Opportunites

Every student at Southern Virginia is given the chance for opportunity, whether it be trying out for a sports team, making the upcoming fall theater production or participating in the choirs. You don't have to a set major to participate, so you can major in Philosophy or English and be in the plays and choirs. At Southern Virginia University, I have been given the chance to do many of these things. There are also many opportunities for students to serve throughout the school and the community.

5. "Friday Forums"

Every Friday at 11, they hold a "Friday Forum", where the whole school can come listen to the speaker for that week! We have had many people related to the LDS church come, and well-known authors and faculty speak to us. This has got to be my favorite day of the week!

6. Beautiful Campus

Southern Virginia's campus is beyond a doubt one of the most beautiful campuses that I've been on! Many of the buildings are a part of the National Historic Landmark Society. All of the buildings have a rustic historical charm that I love. My favorite building on campus (Main Hall) used to be the Buena Vista Motel back in the day! I absolutely love walking around campus and seeing beautiful elements of nature and history blend together!

These are just some of the many things I love about Southern Virginia University! Being here, I count my blessings every day!