Honors Leadership Program Essay

One of the requirements of being in the Honors Leadership Program (HLP) is that first-year students live in the HLP Living Learning Community (LLC). When I found this out, I was excited as I would be able to live and develop relationships with students who were driven and striving to reach the same goal. I also did not have worry about what dorm I would live in, and I was quite happy to have that stress taken away. Now, all I had to do was find a roommate.
Fast forward three months and move in day was upon us. I was excited to get to see all the friends I had made at Ignite and to get to move in to a beautiful dorm. I could not wait to see what it was going to be like! For that same reason, I was nervous as I worried about what it would be like. I had no idea. Five hours in and my room is set up; I already love my roommate and there are people hanging out in the
First of all, it is fun. Oh so much fun! From game nights, to late night cookie runs and heart to heart chats, life in an LLC is always an adventure. Second, it is encouraging. These people have become my family. They support me when I’m down, rejoice with me when I’m excited, and are always there for me. We are all in the same boat, and we are all there for each other. Third, it is helpful. If you ever need help with homework, there is someone that can help you no matter the subject: Spanish, calculus, physics, pretty much anything. Living in an LLC has changed my UTK experience in the best ways possible.
When you walk on to campus as a freshman it can quickly become overwhelming as you think, “How in the world am I supposed to find my place in this massive place?” Because of the HLP, the LLC, and the friends I have made through them, I found that my place was waiting on me. I had instant friends, and we quickly discovered all the amazing opportunities available to us. Living in an LLC smoothed my transition as a new UTK student. It made it easy, and it felt