As someone with ADHD, U.S. Navy veteran Audrey Schwab and her parents felt Laurel Ridge and its professors would provide the necessary support she needed to begin her journey towards a law degree.
The 2021 Millbrook High School graduate served in the Navy from 2021-24.
“I enjoyed my time in the Navy, but it did get hard,” said Schwab, who noted she was combat deployed. “I was on the U.S.S. Gerald R. Ford on assignment when Hamas attacked Israel. We were the first on scene after that.”
She said she worked in logistics as retail specialist, mainly in aviation and in hazardous materials.
Schwab is transferring to Virginia Commonwealth University after she graduates this December with her associate degree in general studies. She plans to earn her bachelor’s degree in political science, and then hopes to go to law school.
“I’m excited about transferring,” said Schwab, who ultimately would like to be a prosecutor or public defender.
In fourth grade, she was diagnosed with ADHD.
“I always struggled with school,” Schwab said. “I would study and study and study and I would get all Cs. I have to apply myself a little harder.”
After being out of school for three years, she turned to her parents, who she says have always been supportive, for higher education advice.
Audrey Schwab plans to become an attorney.
“They thought community college was the way to get back into a groove,” Schwab said. “And my professors would be more accessible to help me.”
Her favorite professor is Jennifer VanCuren, who she had for two English classes and for American Literature.
“I love her so much,” said Schwab. “She has spoken so much life into me, and she helps me out all the time. I think all the professors have been great. She has just invested so much of her time into me, and she’s built my confidence in myself.
“I’m really glad that I decided to go to community college. A lot of kids want the party scene [at a four-year university], but I think I got that in the Navy. It’s going to be bittersweet to say good-bye to Laurel Ridge.”
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.