The Class of 2025 arrived on campus this week ready to make their mark on Longwood and more hungry than usual to begin their college experience. There was a palpable anticipation of a return to more normalcy and to traditional college life—even as the two-day freshman move-in still featured Covid-19 precautions.
The Class of 2025 is special in several ways. Many of the freshmen arriving on campus this week finished out their high-school careers virtually and haven’t been inside a classroom for in-person learning in almost a year and a half. With at least 67 Longwood legacies in the group, this is also among the most talented and diverse classes we have ever welcomed at Longwood. Twenty-seven percent of freshmen are from a diverse background, 10 percent are from out of state and the average GPA is 3.57.
While these freshmen are beginning their college experience still in the midst of a pandemic, the usual signs that freshmen were arriving were plentiful on Wednesday outside of Moss and Johns halls, the two high-rise residence halls on the southern end of campus that house mostly freshmen.
There were no Movers and Shakers to assist with move-in again this year, so families had to bring their own carts and dollies to move in the vast array of tubs, comforters, mini fridges, rugs, ramen and other necessities of college residence hall life. But that didn’t put a damper on the excitement, tears, hugs and abundance of photos families shared as they said their goodbyes.
Below we caught up with eight freshmen who moved in this week and, in their own words, shared what brought them to Longwood and what they are looking forward to most as they prepare to begin their college adventure:
Sonya Owen ’25
Mechanicsville, Virginia | Nursing
My roommate and I are friends from high school, where we met in show choir our sophomore year. I decided to come here because of the nursing program’s excellent reputation and phenomenal first-time pass rate on the N-Clex exam. I am really interested in travel nursing, but I also really love geriatrics. I participated in a specialty nursing program at my high school, and it gave me a little taste of what health care is like.
My mother was diagnosed with cancer, and my family took care of her. Giving that compassionate care to my mother made me want to give everyone that type of care. I am an identical twin, and my twin will be attending Old Dominion University. This summer I worked at a nursing home and relaxed at the beach when I could. I am most excited about a change of scenery, meeting new people and all of the exciting upcoming activities on campus.
Ethan Covington ’25
Roanoke, Virginia | Psychology/Music
I have been counting down the days to move-in since the beginning of August! I am most excited to finally live on my own. I had not met my roommate before move-in, but we talked before we got here. I chose Longwood for the community.
One special thing I brought with me is a photo of my brother and me and a friend at the beach. I’m looking forward to making some new friends so that I can have a Dungeons and Dragons group. I am an Eagle Scout, and my current career goal is to become a clinical counselor.
Peri Kraft ’25
San Diego, California | Criminology and Criminal Justice
Longwood checked a lot of things off my list. I wanted to come to the East Coast for sure. I wanted new surroundings and new experiences with different types of people. Virginia was one of the top states I wanted to come to. There’s so much history here. And when I visited campus, the red brick architecture—that was like my dream. It makes me feel like I’m walking through history.
I’m a really sentimental person. So one of the things I brought with me to campus was my baby blanket. It’s white—well, dingy white now—with pastel teddy bears. I also brought an afghan my grandmother made for me. She learned to crochet during Covid. It’s the prettiest thing, and I love it so much.
I know I want to pursue a double major, but I’m not sure yet what that will be. And I know I want to go to graduate school—maybe law school or something related to government or forensic science.
Ester Choi ’25
Midlothian, Virginia | Undeclared
I chose Longwood because the campus is absolutely beautiful, and the first time I came to visit it just felt like the right fit for me. I already feel extremely welcomed. I’m most excited about meeting new people and living in a different area compared with where I grew up.
This summer I practiced a lot of golf—I love golf and I’ll be on the women’s golf team—and I spent a lot of time with my friends before we all had to say goodbye. My goal for my freshman year is to earn a GPA of 3.7 or higher.
Connor Williams ’25
Suffolk, Virginia | Information Systems and Cyber Security
I’m very excited to make new friends and meet many new people. I haven’t met my roommate yet but I talked to him many times before move-in day.
I chose Longwood because of the amazing cyber security program and because I am able to run on the cross country team. That means I’ll be able to enjoy both of my interests at college.
One fun fact about me is that I am an Eagle Scout. This summer I went to Universal Studios and had such an amazing time visiting Harry Potter World, riding all of the rides and shark fishing. I will definitely be bringing my gaming system with me to Longwood.
My goal for my freshman year is to become a well-organized person, which will set me up for success in my college career. My career goal at this moment is to eventually work in cybersecurity for the FBI.
Treazure Sikes ’25
Austin, Texas | Elementary Education
This summer I was a lead toddler teacher at the Goddard School in Austin, Texas. I miss those kiddos so much already.
I chose Longwood because I loved my tour experience, and I fell in love with the vibe of the school. Most importantly, Farmville reminds me of my hometown, so I already feel like I’m at home here—even though there are going to be a lot of people to miss in my family. I have 12 siblings, and my mom is literally my best friend. This is the longest time I will ever be away from her.
One goal I have set for my freshman year is to stay consistent in everything I do, whether that’s sticking to my study times or the times I go work out. And as for my career, my goal is to have an impact on every person I come across in my field. I want them to treasure those memories I created with them.
Joselyn Sanders ’25
Midlothian, Virginia | Elementary Education
I’m so excited to meet people and make memories! My roommate and I have met and hung out quite a bit, and we are super close. I can’t wait to room with her.
I chose Longwood because it’s not too far from home, has a good reputation and a beautiful campus, and is known for its education program. I also felt right at home when I toured the campus and everyone was super nice.
This summer I worked, shopped, went to the beach and took many trips to Busch Gardens. Some of the special things from home that I brought with me are pictures of my friends and family. I’m pursuing a career in elementary education, and I want to teach anything below third grade.
Eric Chorba '25
North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania | Dual Degree in Engineering
One goal of mine for freshman year is to prove myself to the baseball coaching staff and the other players. The interest the baseball staff showed in me is one reason I chose Longwood. The other is how homey it feels here. I love the fact that classes are small and also how this town is the focal point of all the beautiful land surrounding it.
This summer I made it a priority to spend great amounts of time with my family and close friends. A special thing I brought from home is an icon of Jesus that I carry in my wallet. One other thing that says a lot about me: I am a big fan of Naruto, a Japanese graphic novel series that tells the story of a young ninja who dreams of becoming the leader of his village.
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