Home at Last

Heather Dunn '07

MUW became my home the day I set foot on the campus.

I arrived at The W as a non-traditional student and received my Bachelor of Arts in English this past May at age 31.

Since early childhood I have always felt a need to belong. I have always wanted to be liked and accepted, and the acceptance of my peers and my superiors has always been important to me.

There’s never been any particular place that I was able to call home. I consider Atlanta my “hometown” but I was not born there and did not spend a significant amount of time in any one city. My formative years were spent in several different areas in and around Atlanta, and although I made many friends, I never connected with any of the towns in which my family lived. 

Once I started college I continued to struggle with identity and finding a place where I felt I belonged. I began my college career at a large university, never finding the connection I sought where I literally and figuratively disappeared into the crowds. After trying three other schools and still never making that connection, I gave up on college and lost myself in the sea of paying bills and trying to get ahead in the working world. 

In 2004, ten years after my graduation from high school, I knew the time was right to continue my education. Going back to school was a difficult decision for me, but driving my decision was that emptiness I still felt concerning “home.”

I spent a year at a small institution in Georgia before getting the word that a move to Columbus, Miss., was necessary – Andy needed to be there to pursue his pilot ambitions.

I researched both MUW and Mississippi State, and I decided to come to MUW expressly because of the relationship the school had with its alumnae and alumni. I saw how much the Alumnae Association was involved on the campus and in the lives of MUW graduates, and I thought, “Maybe I have finally found that place where I will be accepted.” But I didn’t hold out much hope, considering my past experiences of disappearing like a wallflower.

Once I set foot on the campus on College Street, my attitude completely changed. Among the historic buildings and hallowed gingko trees, I found a warmth and caring from both the students and the faculty who reached out to me and welcomed me with open arms. They did not care where I came from, how much money I had, or with whom I was connected. In fact, they knew nothing about me, but they were willing to accept me “as-is” into the traditions of the school. I have made friends during my short time at The W that I will treasure for a lifetime, and have received a top-notch education that I would not trade for any amount of money. This school, and my W sisters and brothers, will always hold a very dear place in my heart.  

I am happy to report that I have finally come home.