Lauren Flora

B.A. in Art with a Concentration in Digital Media and Minor in Cultural Studies, Bridgewater College

Hometown: Bridgewater, VA.

My advice: Trust your gut! Make sure you aren’t focusing only on the programs and your academic interests, but also making sure the campus offers you the opportunities you are looking for and the support services you need. You’ll be in the classroom a lot, but you’ll also find a community outside of the classroom. Ask questions about what clubs and activities you can be involved in and how you can combine your passions both inside and outside of the classroom. This will be your home for the next several years – make sure you feel that sense of community!

My favorite spots in Winchester: I love how much history is rooted in the Shenandoah Valley, so one of my favorite spots is the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. I enjoy walking on their trails and attending their events throughout the year. I also love the walking mall downtown and the visiting the restaurants and shops.