ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
November 2014
1)How did Longwood University set the platform for your military involvement?
My first year at Longwood was a very unique experience in that I had to learn independence and responsibility as a Freshman. I can remember seeing the ROTC cadets training and conducting organized physical activity as well as philanthropy within the town. I was always impressed with the ROTC cadre of advisors as they seemed to exert a sense of professionalism. I never knew the Military would be a part of my life but I never ruled it out either. Some of my fraternity brothers were in ROTC and I think that may have given me some of the inspiration to join the Marine Corps.
2)How was your experience being a student, then having to actively serve as a marine, and then return to Longwood for as a student again?
Being a freshman and sophomore were probably what I like to call my immature years. I had no idea what I wanted to really study nor did I take it very serious. However when I joined the Marine Corps, I quickly discovered that I had a slight edge while in Boot Camp. This edge was really decision making and the ability to reason in certain situations. When I thought I was immature my first 2 years at Longwood, it turned out that I was a little more mature in boot camp. Once I returned to Longwood I had a completely different outlook on what I wanted to do and what I needed to do. My study habits changed and my focus was more on succeeding and graduating.
3)What was the biggest lesson you learned at Longwood that still applies in your career today?
Lessons in perseverance and accountability still resonate in my daily activities whether it be with the Marine Corps or with my company, these attributes have allowed me to get to where I am today. I would have to credit Dr. Richard Couture during his western civilization classes where I learned accountability. His teaching methods were lectured and it was up to us listen, read our books, and ask clarifying questions. He knew we understood the material by the way he administered exams, all written and in those “blue books”. If you did not study, then you were accountable for your own grade. This was really the same for most classes but Dr. Couture had a very blunt way of reinforcing this fact. The other lesson in perseverance came from Dr. “Jack” Jacques. He was my professor for a couple business classes. His method of teaching was extremely unique and at some times comical. The point is that he got to you and you could understand his passion. When performing research for a project, he would not simply give you a topic and expect you to provide a report but rather he would provide encouragement and give ideas to facilitate your research. This would allow you to turn in a more improved final product and one he would much rather read.
4)Your resume and career experience are diverse and impressive. If so, how did Longwood give you the necessary skills needed to be so adaptable in the job market?
I must have changed focuses in my major a few times before I really knew what area I wanted to get into. I knew my forte was in business but I initially wanted to get into advertising. Unfortunately my artistic skills were not a good match so I changed my focus into Marketing and Management. This was evident when comparing my art work to others. The lessons I learned in my junior/senior level business classes contributed to my early leadership style development.
5)What is your favorite memory of Longwood, either as a student or alumni?
The college functions such as Oktoberfest, Chili Cook Off, and Intramural Sports competitions were very memorable as I enjoyed the competition and comradery. Another aspect of Longwood I enjoyed was the history of the college and town of Farmville. As students, it was hard to fully appreciate the long history Longwood and Farmville played not only during the Civil War but also during the Civil Rights movement. History professors at Longwood must have relished in the fact that they are teaching at such a historical landmark.
6)If you could give any advice to your college self or current college students?
Of course if I could go back in time I would have made myself “buckle down” a bit more but also get more involved in the various clubs Longwood had to offer. The Fraternity experience was unique and I enjoyed the social aspect but I feel more involvement in the school allows students to have some ownership in their careers. The interaction between professors, advisors, and students is valuable not only during school but also later in life. These professionals have the life experiences that can be taught and learned at a young age. After all, attending college is that step after high school where one learns independence, responsibility, and accountability. I think some Freshman can be overwhelmed as students whereas their parents or caretakers are not there to direct their actions. I remember some friends I made never returned for the 2nd semester of their freshman year. I never knew the reasons why but could only attribute the pressures and responsibility bestowed upon a freshman their first year. As a 1st semester freshman, I think it’s incumbent upon them to understand what the college has to offer and how to balance academics and college life to a manageable point for success.
7)Why did you choose Longwood for your undergraduate career, and how did the university affect you as a student?
I chose Longwood as the representatives came to my high school and discussed the advantages of various programs. Additionally, my step brothers also attended Longwood and they talked highly of the school. I had applied to Radford and VA Tech but resigned myself to attend Longwood.
If I could summarize the connection between Longwood and my career today, I would have to say that Longwood, while rich in history and tradition, was a school where those handful of mentor/professors cared for their students and motivated them to succeed. There is a commercial I often hear on the radio whereas the words they use in their promo can be mimicked to what Longwood does for students; “teach me and I may forget everything, show me and I will learn something, involve me and I will master the lesson”. Some professors and advisors would not only teach, they also engaged their students to master the lessons.