Meet two members of the Reach Living Learning Community

The Reach Living Learning Community only opened its doors to students this fall. But during that time, its first students have made close friendships and bonded over their shared interests in education and human services.

Reach, which is housed in Slusher Hall, is a residential campus community that supports students who are pursuing or considering careers in education or human services. Living learning communities at Virginia Tech feature a shared living space for students with similar interests and offer programs and other social activities to support them. Reach is one of 22 living learning communities at the university.

Among its benefits, Reach invites university faculty and local leaders to visit and discuss career options and community activism. Residents also participate in community outreach events.

Two Reach students recently shared what it means to be a part of this community.  

Kamille Simon

Kamille Simon was initially drawn to Reach because of its central campus location. But the connections she’s formed with other students who live there are now what she values most. 

“I've definitely formed relationships with people on my floor a lot quicker than I did last year,” said Simon. “The other night, we were all talking about course request and suggesting pathways that we could take. Having a smaller community with people that just feel a little bit closer and more tight knit, you’re able to socialize and it doesn’t feel forced.” 

Reach hosts weekly and monthly community socials, outreach events, and professional networking opportunities. To foster community within the cohort and help students feel less confined to campus, the living learning center regularly hosts outings, which has been Simon’s favorite part of the experience.

“Sometimes you just don't have someone to go with to do something,” said Simon. “We went apple picking and that was so much fun; I wouldn't do that on my own. As a freshman, sometimes you feel very confined to campus because you can't really get around. So, the ability to go do things both on and off campus is really fun.” 

Simon plans to teach history after graduation.

Melissa Green

Last year, Melissa Green had roommates from different majors, which she said made it difficult to find her “group” on campus.  

“Everyone in my education classes lived on different parts of campus and so it was hard to connect,” she said. “Now that we're all together, it's easier to text or just knock on someone's door.”

Green said that sense of community is even more important in smaller schools. 

“It can feel kind of hard to get connected unless you're under someone's wing,” said Green. “Being in a group with multiple educators or aspiring educators or people who want to be a part of a school system really helps with finding that connection.” 

After graduation, Green plans to become an elementary school teacher.  

Learn more about Reach LLC.

The deadline for returning Hokies to apply to Reach is Nov. 22. Applications for new Hokies to enroll for next academic year will open in the spring. Apply here.