Emmett, a master's student in education, started at VCU during the pandemic, keeping his circle small and his guard up. “I was definitely more reserved and less socially confident,” he said. “I stuck to the people in my circle, even though they weren’t really a great fit for me. I was treated respectfully, but I wasn't necessarily included in everything. It kind of hurt.” Initially skeptical, Emmett first attended a Pace Student Circle and was immediately struck by the atmosphere. “I was put...