I wanted to challenge myself … I figured there was no other place to take opportunities and learn to flourish.

Julia Ward ’26 entered VMI as a Peay Scholar with goals of majoring in engineering, playing an NCAA Division I sport, and commissioning into the United States Navy. What she found at the Institute was a system, traditions, and a community that not only allowed her to reach those goals but pushed her to grow as a leader and gain confidence in herself.

Once a shy individual, the opportunities to learn to lead and the tight-knit bonds forged with her brother rats brought Julia out of her shell. She credits VMI with providing opportunities for engagement to help build her and others into a family, noting there’s always a group of supporters for each cadet — either with the staff, faculty, or other cadets.

“How eager to help and get involved people are here is something that doesn’t get spoken about enough at our school, how close we are to everyone.”

I think it's the hardship, the struggle. It's the daily life that we have to live here, the rigors of it, that makes me proud to say I'm from VMI.

Devin Auzenne ’26 knew the ethics and maturity needed for the U.S. Marine Corps would best be fostered in a place like Virginia Military Institute. He also knew by attending the Institute, he would be prepared to lead in the Marine Corps.

The experiences at VMI have helped him gain intangible skills he believes he couldn’t have thoroughly developed in any other environment. His time at the Institute has also made him more self-aware. He’s able to understand who he is when under pressure or stress, and how to balance everything while still progressing forward.

He credits the Institute with his growth as a leader, inspiring confidence and pushing him to excel, all while supported by the unique systems at VMI and the camaraderie of brotherhood within the Corps that make VMI No Ordinary College.

“My time at VMI will translate into me being more certain of who I am as a leader and a man. When I graduate and commission into the Marine Corps, I am certain that because of my time at VMI, I will have an advantage compared to my peers.”

VMI has given me so many tools to succeed and incredible leadership opportunities within the Corps and on the water polo team.

Sadie Smith ’26 was looking for a college that could prepare her for a successful career and life. She said Virginia Military Institute is a place like no other and it offered the kind of lifestyle she was striving for.

“VMI has provided me with unique opportunities to build good discipline, honor, and incredible character while putting service before self.”

Smith believes her experience at VMI has been transformational — for both herself and for her water polo team. VMI has served as a place where she can balance Division I athletics, a challenging major, ROTC, and the opportunity to partake in rank positions within the Corps of Cadets.

“I feel that VMI has prepared me as a well-versed leader to be able to succeed at this internship and to go out of my comfort zone... VMI has also taught me to be prepared for the unexpected and that not everything goes your way all the time.”

In today's world, fewer young people are willing to challenge themselves or embrace pressure and stressful situations. I am grateful that I chose a different path that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.

Woongchan Oh ’25 had considered a military path during high school. But it was a soccer scholarship to Virginia Military Institute that solidified his decision.

“The opportunity to continue both my academic and athletic career ultimately led me to choose VMI.”

Oh wanted to pursue an engineering degree and among the three engineering programs at VMI, civil engineering offered the most hands-on experience and fieldwork. His experience at VMI has been crucial in his personal and professional growth. The demanding environment has helped him develop strong time management skills and perseverance.

Oh credits the one-of-a-kind environment of VMI to his successes — in the classroom, on the soccer field, in his personal life, and more.

The opportunities are here, it's just a matter of if you are willing to go and grab them.

Kevin Garroway ’25 wanted a challenge. All it took was one visit to Virginia Military Institute and he could see how different it was from other schools. He was sold.

The civil engineering major initially started out as a chemistry major. But after taking AP biochemistry in high school, he decided to shift, he explained.

He says he enjoys being in such close proximity to his friends and believes that the Institute has provided skills that will translate well as he commissions with the U.S. Army upon graduation in May 2025.

"I believe that VMI cadets typically have a different mentality than most. We are used to a lot of bad things happening at one time and figuring out a way to overcome them. When bad things happen to peers at different schools, it seems to stop them or at least throw them down. We feel at home in the struggle.”