Feature Story
How SVU Changed My Life
The following essay was shared by the author at Southern Virginia University’s annual Founder’s Day forum on April 18.
I came to SVU in the fall of 2021—yes, part of the last class to receive AirPods. Like
nearly everyone starting college, I was scared. Uprooting my life and moving somewhere
completely new, all on my own, was daunting. But it was so worth it. When I first arrived at SVU,
my mindset was all about me. How can I get the most out of college? How can I have the best
experience? Now, just weeks away from graduation, my focus has completely changed. My
questions have become: How can I help others feel Christ’s love? How can I reach the one who
feels alone?
My journey at SVU started with turbulence—loneliness, homesickness, and the firm
belief that this would be my first and last year. But somehow, in some way, I found my footing
again. It started with Professor Lewis’s America and the Enlightenment class, which three years
later is still one of my favorite classes. For the first time, I saw how personal education could be.
I was asking real questions and getting real answers. I’d walk into class, be greeted by name,
and feel like my thoughts mattered. That class reminded me how fun learning can be—and that
I could take charge of it. Once I saw that, I started seeing it in all my classes. I felt deeply that I
needed to stay. When I came back, I made a commitment: If Christ wants me here, I’m going to
find out why. I dove in. I joined the honors program, started competing in track, got a job,
switched majors, and even got engaged. I thought that if I filled my life with enough things, I’d
feel fulfilled. I did begin to feel happier, but not for the reasons I expected. The real shift came
when I shifted my focus away from myself.
I was lucky to have mentors who helped me realize my purpose here. One of the most
important has been my coach, Coach Chandler. I’ve come to him many times feeling defeated,
discouraged, unworthy, and ready to quit. Over and over again, he reminded me that the joy is
in the journey, and that Christ rewards effort. Regardless of how I performed, my worth never
changed. That truth became a foundation for my life and has been something that I strive to
share with others.
Peers also played a huge role in changing my heart. Kai Barton gave me confidence just
by telling me she believed in me, that I could make a difference and leave a lasting impact here.
Bayleigh Redd became a living example of what it means to be Christlike. Her kindness and
genuine love made me feel seen and cared for, and inspired me to do the same for others. Of
course, one of the biggest blessings SVU gave me is my husband, Dylan May (also known as
the really fast guy on campus). Dylan has taught me to push myself to my limits, to grow beyond
what I thought was possible, and to believe in who I can become. His example and
encouragement have helped shape me into a person who seeks to lift others. Because of
people like them, I found my place and my purpose.
Through my time at Southern Virginia University, I’ve been set up well for a career. I’ve
had the chance to learn and grow in so many different ways—from stretching how I think in
Reason and the Self to struggling through Managerial Finance. But more than that, SVU has
prepared me for a life of service—a life that’s not just about what I know, but how I can use it to
lift and help others. SVU didn’t just give me an education, it gave me a mission. It taught me that
happiness doesn’t come from checking all the boxes or staying busy. It comes from lifting
others, loving genuinely, and living like Christ. It taught me that when I focus on “the one,” I find
joy, peace, and purpose. I came to SVU asking, “What can this place do for me?” I’m leaving
asking, “What can I do for others?”