In high school, I never fit in with the status quo.

I had one or two friends, and sometimes, none at all. I definitely didn't fit in with the popular girls, and I was always known as the "weird girl" because I was unafraid to be myself. It made times really hard; I was bullied a lot. High school was an absolute misery for me because I was fearlessly myself.

Despite being me, I was scared that this was my life, that no one was awesome like me, or that no one would ever like me. I was scared that the world I was living in wasn't what was meant for me.

Longwood proved that wrong.

After moving into my dorm, I met up with an acquaintance of mine. Through her, I met my lifelong best friend, who's just as awesome and crazy as I am. Two weeks later, I met my next-dorm neighbor at 3 am, and he became another best friend of mine. A week after that? Yet another best friend- who is also going to be my roommate next semester- waddled into my life. Mix that with an entire group of friends who are crazy night owl weirdos like me, and you have the best group of friends ever.

Longwood showed me that I wasn't alone, that I could have great friends and be happy, too.

Longwood made me want to better myself. With the undying support of my friends, as well as living in the amazing Longwood community, I began to work harder on my studies, and my grades improved. I began to work out at the gym regularly (something I never saw myself doing), and I dropped 30 pounds instead of gaining 15. I began to eat healthier, and I learned how awesome salads and fruit juices are. I began to take better care of myself because I had friends and a place that cared about me. To this day, I continue working hard because of everything Longwood has given me.

Longwood made me into a healthier and more self-sufficient person.

Longwood has made me into a better person and taught me the importance of being your own advocate. I have been tested many times at Longwood with many challenges, and those have helped me gain confidence in myself. These challenges, such as failing a test and dealing with a friend leaving school, have made me a more confident person. I have learned to deal with unexpected situations better and more respectfully than ever before.

Longwood has given me a chance at doing something I love.

College, in general, gives you a shot to study- and pursue a career in- something you love. I came in as a Biology major mostly to impress my family and others, but I soon realized that I wanted to study English instead. Longwood gave me the confidence to study something I love. Longwood gave me an open door into the world of English- and now I'm the happiest English major there is.

Lastly, Longwood has given me true happiness for the first time.

Thank you, Longwood University, for everything you have done for me. In just a few quick months, you have helped me grow as a person, and you have shown me that happiness is real. Thank you for making me a Lancer for life!