by Lucie Flagg ‘24
Ever since the early stages of my college search, Pace was at the top of my list. I loved the education that Pace offered and the fact that it was located in the heart of New York City. I had dreamt of attending this school, but it wasn’t until I received my acceptance letter that my dreams became a reality.
Just weeks after I submitted my application to the university, I got an email regarding the opportunity to join the Pforzheimer Honors College. Due to COVID-19, I was unable to report any standardized test scores, so instead, I submitted two short essays as an application to the honors college. In fact, I still remember my answer to one to this day. The question was, If a genie could grant you three wishes, what would you wish for? I suppose I was feeling odd that day because I answered (1) lunch with Lee Harvey Oswald to find out what really happened in the assassination of JFK, (2) the existence of gluten-free cinnamon bagels (without raisins–which doesn’t exist), and (3) a crisp $100 bill. I wrote the short essay, submitted it, and immediately regretted it. I feared that my obscure answer would immediately reject me from Honors. But, to my surprise, I was accepted. And not only was I accepted but I was also given the opportunity to join the Honors Advisory Board.
As I reflect on this essay that I wrote, I understand the Honors community greater. We’re fun, accepting, and most importantly, we enjoy oddities. Everyone in Honors is celebrated for who they are. They don’t force students into the world of academia, which is what many other honors colleges do. Instead, they appreciate hard work and offer support to help each student become who they strive to be.
With Honors comes family. Since I started at Pace last Fall, I have never felt left behind. When I feel sad or overwhelmed, I know that there is a community of people waiting to support me just on the second floor of One Pace Plaza. They’re always there for me to offer academic, mental, and social support, as well as a good laugh. That is why I picked Honors and why I hope everyone reading this will too.