Spotlight
Growth, Joy, Connection–Reflecting on Sarah Jane Carraher’s Freshman Year
Sarah Jane Carraher (‘28) glows with the happiness and confidence many freshmen have after finishing out their first year at Southern Virginia University. She explained that she has found a place at the university where she feels loved and accepted, and she is excited by her growth.
“I’ve grown so much spiritually, academically, and socially,” said Carraher. “Being around so many people who lift me up and encourage me is inspiring.”
Her glow isn’t uncommon, especially for students coming from slightly chaotic and overwhelming high school experiences. Like her, they find a place where they belong at Southern Virginia University.
“I’ve just noticed a lot more self-confidence, being confident in who I am and knowing that I’ll find other people that will love me for who I am,” said Carraher. “I feel like since the university is small, it feels like a community. I love that about Southern Virginia. It’s one of my favorite things, because you see people you know all the time, and you see your friends.”
“I’ve met people who have become great role models to me, brought me so much joy, and have been a testament of God’s hand in my life,” Carraher said. “Seeing the kind of people they are makes me want to become more like the Savior.”
Coming from a high school in Georgia without many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Carraher enjoys being in an environment surrounded by members where they worship Christ together. Her testimony and sense of joy has deepened as she has listened to others share spiritual experiences at testimony meetings, baptisms, or at church-centered activities.
“Being around other people, no matter where they are in their journey or in their life, just hearing from them and hearing things that resonate with me and seeing things in other people, motivates me,” Carraher said.
In addition to finding friends within church, Carraher has also found belonging as a member of the camerata orchestra where she plays violin. Having played violin for six years, she has thrived in the encouraging and kind environment as well as in her private lessons with Assistant Professor of Music Jakob Hofer, who has refined her technique.
“I love being a part of a group and participating, because I don’t like playing solos by myself, but I love being a part of something. I love playing with other people,” Carraher said.
Carraher will be going into her sophomore year and plans on majoring in biology with a concentration in photography. She is interested in pursuing a career in ecology and conservation.