In Her Own Backyard

Lee County native Olivia Baker didn’t have to go far to find opportunity after graduating from high school. When considering her options for the next four years of her education, Baker knew that she wanted to attend a college where she could do more than just go to class. Some students find themselves having to expand their college search across the nation to find an institution that checks all their boxes. Baker, however, found what she was looking for right in her own backyard.  

For Baker, attending UVA Wise meant that she could fully immerse herself in the student experience. Not only was the College affordable, but it gave her the opportunity to play golf while earning her education. As a four-year member and team leader of the women’s golf team, she was thrilled to have found a place where she could continue to compete in the sport that she loves.  

Baker spent her first year at the College learning how to balance her schoolwork with golf. Once she found her rhythm at the end of her freshman year, she saw an advertisement on campus seeking out peer mentors for first-year students. Baker took this opportunity to get involved, eager to make connections with her fellow students. From that point on, she continued to find a multitude of other extracurriculars that piqued her interest. 

Inside the classroom, Baker felt herself gravitating towards the department of social sciences. She decided to study both psychology and political science while also earning a minor in biology. Baker also participated in a child psychology research lab that focuses on the effects of technology on children, led by Assistant Professor of Psychology Marion Young. The lab not only provided her with a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, but it also instilled the desire to take the research a step further. Last fall, Baker came up with her own research study, which compares the original study of the effects of technology on children to the effects of technology on college students. With the help of Professor Young, Baker was able to get her research approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and began taking participants for the study. This spring, Baker presented some of her findings at Research Day on campus.

Research isn’t the only aspect of experiential learning that Baker has taken advantage of. From participating in Academic Community Engagement (ACE) courses to studying abroad, Baker has participated in nearly every aspect of experiential learning available at UVA Wise.

In spring of 2024, Baker had the opportunity to travel abroad to Ireland as a Carl W. Smith Bicentennial Scholar, visiting the Cliffs of Moher and Old Castle Ward.  

“When you go out of the country, you have the opportunity to see so many big and beautiful things. Things I never thought that I would see with my own eyes,” said Baker. “My roommate and I went on the trip together and it made us realize how independent we are. Studying abroad taught us how to basically live life in a different country. I really enjoyed seeing so many new places and meeting new people,” said Baker.

There has been no shortage of opportunity to see beyond Southwest Virginia for Baker.  

In fact, this past fall, she traveled to Washington, D.C., with her Congress and the Legislatures class, a course that allows students to play the part of a current member of the Senate. 

From writing bills and giving speeches to arguing for legislation on the Senate floor, students were able to get a real glimpse of life on Capitol Hill. Together, the class worked on a bill to take to Senators. After the simulation ended, the class had the opportunity to see Congress in action. Students were able to meet with and present their research to a staff member of United States Senator Mark Warner.  

“The trip reaffirmed my desire to pursue a law degree,” said Baker. “It was awesome being able to see places where history was made and meet so many new people.” 

Baker also served as publicity coordinator for both the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) organization and the Wesley Foundation, where she has helped coordinate events like the Annual Campus Shoebox Campaign.

“There is an environment at UVA Wise that you’re not going to get anywhere else. This is truly a place where you can grow and prosper in any way that you desire because the opportunities here are limitless,” said Baker. “It’s so special to me because I have gotten to do so many different things and have met so many different kinds of people while being so close to home. I have never gotten homesick, being only an hour away from home. It’s just really cool to me that I have gotten to do so much.”   

To cap off her laundry list of activities, Baker has also peer mentored first-year students, which was the opportunity that kickstarted her involvement on campus. The peer mentor program is an initiative put in place for upperclassmen to help first-year students acclimate to college and learn how to be a successful Highland Cavalier. Baker has co-taught a few of the first-year seminar classes and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with new students. 

“I think a lot of times, the freshmen are just trying to take everything in. I’ve really enjoyed the act of passing of knowledge along and explaining to them that they will one day be in my shoes. They might be sitting there thinking that this or that doesn’t apply to them, but there will always be that moment when it all comes full circle,” said Baker. “Teaching those classes has also equipped me with a lot of the soft skills necessary to advance in my future career field, which is nice.” 

When she traveled for golf tournaments, she often found herself talking about the College.  

“Opponents or other people in those communities would always ask me what I study and if I like my school. And I would always say yes, I don’t regret my decision to come UVA Wise one bit,” said Baker.

When thinking about her support system, Baker says her psychology professors come to mind. She credits UVA Wise Professor of Psychology Kristina Feeser for not only being an excellent professor, but for giving great life advice. She also credits Professor Young for helping her evolve her research and for being someone she feels comfortable talking to. 

Baker’s decision to study political science as a second major was a last-minute addition to her already full plate. After deciding to take on a second major, she began taking classes from professors like Eric D. Smith, associate professor of political science.  

“Professor Smith made a big impact in such a short time,” said Baker. “He has shown me that I am just as good and capable as someone who has been in the major for several years.” 

When asked what advice she might have for local prospective students, she was quick to answer.  

“At UVA Wise, the small class sizes are great. The professors all genuinely care about you and your success, no matter what class you take or department you’re in,” said Baker. “There are so many scholarship opportunities and people that will genuinely do everything they can to help you get an education, no matter where you’re from or what background you have. When you become a Highland Cavalier, you join a community full of people that band together and support you.”

Baker recently graduated in May and plans to pursue a Master’s in Public Administration from Wake Forest University, after which she anticipates attending law school.