Veronica Hyman '20

From her newly furnished apartment in Williamsburg, Virginia, Veronica Hyman ’20 made a lasting impact on the lives of future Radford University students this summer.

Hyman participated in the University’s first-ever virtual Quest orientation. Due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, the program, historically held on campus, was moved to an all-online format.

It was challenging, said Hyman, an experienced Quest Assistant (QA), but she could not imagine missing out on the opportunity to inspire the newest class of Highlanders.

After all, Quest is one of her favorite undergraduate experiences. The holistic and high-energy orientation was also the final push she needed when she was a freshman to fully embrace Radford University as her own.

It took a little convincing and a lot of faith for Hyman to commit to Radford University.

Torn between community college and Radford, Hyman struggled to decide which path to take.

Coming home from a high school field trip, she prayed for direction.

“I said, ‘God, tell me what to do, and I’ll do it,’” she said.

On the drive back to her hometown of Richmond, Virginia, she spotted several cars displaying Radford University bumper stickers.

“That was definitely a sign,” Hyman said.

Hyman enrolled in 2016, and that summer, she attended Quest along with the rest of the Class of 2020.

“As soon as I stepped on campus, there was a QA there to help,” Hyman said. “Seeing people so passionate about Radford University was really exciting for me to see. From then on, I never looked back.”

Quest ignited Hyman’s desire to step out of her comfort zone and get involved. She worked with Quest in a variety of positions, including a QA, a Parent Orientation Guide and a student director. Aside from Quest, she taught University 100 classes and was a member and past president of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Early on, she found a strong support system in the Office of New Student and Family Programs, the staff that organizes Quest.

“I have received so much help and so much advice from each and every one of them throughout the past four years,” she said. “Any time I needed something, I knew who to call; I knew who to go to. They focus on you as a student leader, but they also focus on you 10 times harder as a student and as a person.”

Inside the classroom, she found that same support from her professors, especially when she decided to change her major from nursing to education.

“Professors and faculty at Radford University truly care about their students. They are always there to help,” Hyman said.

Hyman’s senior year came to an end like many others’ across the world — at home.

Although sad she could not say goodbye to her friends and mentors in person, Hyman said she chose to find “the positives” in the situation.

“I think for the 2020 graduates, this graduation has been the most special,” Hyman said. “We’ve received support from presidents, celebrities and musicians. The response has been amazing.”

Hyman graduated from the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences with an interdisciplinary studies degree and concentrations in elementary education and English. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in elementary education at The College of William & Mary. She aspires to be a third grade teacher.

On May 9, 2020, the day originally scheduled for Spring Commencement, Hyman put on her cap and gown and celebrated all that the day represented: four years of dedication to growth, leadership, education and a bright future.

“I’ll never forget that day, and I’ll never forget all of the incredible opportunities I had at Radford University,” she said.