Heather Hawkins

The Honors Program gave me a place at Bradley. Freshman year I was so homesick, and I had only made one friend at college. At the time, I was beside myself with doubt: “Should I take a year off?” But I decided to stay for another year, and my sophomore year, when I lived on the Honors floor, I finally knew that my college experience was going to be amazing. In the span of only two weeks, I had made more friends than I had in an entire year. The atmosphere on the floor was so welcoming and supportive, and I found my best friend there.

Finding a true home away from home, inspired me to be more at Bradley. I started going out for clubs and taking on leadership roles I never considered as a freshman. My friends' encouragement and support was all I needed to fully blossom into the person I am today. I don't think there's a value I can put onto what that has meant to me. Everyone knows belonging is a basic need of the human species; however, it's not just being with people that makes it so important. Belonging enables us to reach our full potential. I fully believe if I hadn't had the opportunity to be as intimately involved with the Honors Program as I was, I wouldn’t be who I am now. For this, I can’t thank Dr. Dzapo, my friends, the floor, the entire program enough.