Swarmed with love

When Sydney arrived at VCU as a freshman, she was nervous about finding her place. Coming from a small town where “everybody and their mama knows each other,” the size of VCU’s campus felt overwhelming. But on the very first Sunday after move-in, Sydney joined Pace’s Church Crawl. “Back home, going to church was part of my weekly schedule,” she explained. “I thought this would be a good way to meet new people and feel a sense of familiarity.”

Over the past three years, Pace has become a place of connection and growth for Sydney. “If it wasn’t for Pace, I wouldn’t have really known anybody besides people in my classes,” she shared. Through programs like Church Crawl, Walk-A-Dog, and Food & Faith, she built friendships across different majors, backgrounds, and perspectives. “Even with Church Crawl, when we visit a church for the second time, the members recognize us. It's kind of crazy to think I have people outside of VCU's campus who know me. It's just another family that I have in Richmond.” 

Those relationships helped Sydney grow from an introverted freshman into a confident student leader. This year, she stepped into a leadership role with Walk-A-Dog -a program especially meaningful to her as an animal lover with five dogs and three cats back home. “I love being part of Walk-A-Dog because it’s something I’m passionate about,” she reflected. “And I’ve seen others step up and take the lead as well. It’s fun to be a leader when you enjoy what you’re doing. At Walk-A-Dog, I get to see some furry friends and just go on a walk and meet new people.” 

Through leadership at Pace, Sydney has learned lessons she’ll carry into her career in criminal justice and homeland security. “I’ve realized I don’t have to do everything myself. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to let others rise into leadership roles. Learning that lesson lifted a weight off my shoulders. Because, in a good community, you shouldn't have to do everything all by yourself.”

Thanks to our supporters for making Pace a community where ideas come to life and students can truly be themselves. “When you walk in,” Sydney said, “you’re just swarmed with love.”