Julia Yurasits
New Lancer Days
Dr. Walls-Mckay
September 9, 2012
In the beginning of the summer, I was very apprehensive about my awaiting experiences, as I was coming into a very different setting with people I have never met before at Longwood University. I was hopeful that I had made the right decision about only applying to this college and choosing to be a member of the Cormier Honors College, but fearful that I did not explore enough of my other options. However, once I got here and truly became a Longwood Lancer, all of my worries were eradicated from my thoughts.
Due to my membership in the Cormier Honors College, I was already acclimated to the school from the four days I spent walking around campus previous to New Lancer Days. Nevertheless, the New Lancer Days experience was extremely different from my Honors College Retreat. The activities with all of the freshmen such as the hypnotist, the Avengers movie night, and the comedian who talked to us about using money properly brought the class of 2016 together—sharing all of the same experiences. These days made me feel more excited about the new life I was about to start here at Longwood. The enthusiasm of the professors and the peer mentors helped me to realize that this really is a great school where people are made to feel like they are a part of something no matter who they are. The close-knit relationships are what really stuck out to me about Longwood. The professors know your name and are fully willing to help a student whenever they ask for it. I love that I always feel included and that what I have to say is important.
Through New Lancer Days, I learned about many different resources available to me, such as the help desk in the library and office hours. I understand BlackBoard and the importance of checking e-mail everyday a lot more than I did before the orientation. Also, if they are resources I am unaware of, I have an LSEM instructor and a Peer Mentor that are always willing to help me with any questions I have. They also did a really thorough job of explaining to us how important our education is, along with getting involved in the school and the community. The aspects fall under Longwood’s mission statement of trying to get all of the students to be well-rounded citizen leaders of the university.
Overall, I learned so much new information about Longwood University from New Lancer Days. It was such a help orientation for me as a freshman attempting to feel comfortable in a foreign place. As a result of New Lancer Days, I am driven to be a successful student, a respectable community member, and a proud Longwood Lancer.