Kevin: What does a typical day look like for you at work?
Joe: I design, develop and test software for the US Navy. Most days are spent writing code behind a desk but several days a week are spent in labs, on airfields or weapon ranges testing the software applications that I created.
Kevin: What advice would you give to first-year students in the Honors College?
Joe: Try not to get too distracted your first year and focus on getting good grades in all your classes. Your course loads are going to get harder, and it helps to have a solid foundation in your introductory classes for your major and have a GPA "cushion" in case you have a poor semester. Don't let that stop you from having fun and making friends. Many of the friends I made my first year are still my closest friends today.
Kevin: What advice would you give to seniors about to graduate from the Honors College?
Joe: Hang in there! Senior year is about finishing the research, taking placement tests and applying to jobs but don't forget to cement the friendships and relationships with those friends and faculty that you want a part of your life after Longwood. It's the final lap, so give it all you got. Senior year was my favorite semester, but it was also the most hectic.
Kevin: If you could do college over again, what would you do differently?
Joe: I wouldn't change much but if I did it again I would focus more on my classes. I should have spent more time finding a healthy (school) work-life balance.
Kevin: What do you love most about Longwood?
Joe: I loved the Longwood community. I enjoyed having personal relationships with the faculty and staff and the close friendships I was able to make while at Longwood.
Kevin: Who was your most significant role model at Longwood?
Joe: I looked up to a lot of people at Longwood. I particularly admired Dr. Fink, for her ability to manage her important responsibilities and still have time to have a genuine interest in the students' lives. Dr. Fink and all the staff in the Honors office helped me a great deal during my time at Longwood.
Kevin is the Honors College Coordinator for Recruiting and Outreach.