Junior materials joining engineering technology major Paige Paulino did not set out with a grand plan for college. In fact, her journey to LeTourneau started with a simple Google search and was intrigued by the name “LeTourneau”. That curiosity turned into a leap of faith that brought her to Texas, where she quickly discovered a campus community that felt far more familiar than she expected. “Whenever it becomes fall time, all the trees turn a nice yellow and red color. It is just the most beautiful thing,” Paige voiced. That love for quiet beauty, creativity, and meaningful connection followed her to LeTourneau and now shapes the way she spends her time on campus.
That sense of connection showed up in the everyday rhythms of her life here. Paige spends her free time drawing, scrapbooking, or laughing with friends in the lounge, and she has grown to appreciate the slower moments that make campus feel personal. She was surprised by how small LeTourneau felt once she settled in. Seeing the same faces in class, in the dorms, and around campus helped her feel known rather than lost in a crowd. “The community here is unlike any other that I have been a part of. It is full of love,” Paige said. She quickly realized that professors and peers alike were invested in her success, not only academically but spiritually. That support helped her feel confident stepping into leadership as an RA in Penn Hall, where she now helps create the same welcoming environment for others.
Over time, Paige has discovered that the small size of campus is one of her favorite surprises. Seeing familiar faces in classes, dorms, and around campus helped her feel at home. As an RA in Penn Hall, she has learned more about herself and how to balance time with others and time alone. “I realized that I am more ambiverted than anything else,” she said. Whether she is walking around campus with friends, sitting by the pond listening to the fountain, painting at Bob Ross Night, or grabbing pork chops at the dining hall, Paige has found joy in simple moments. She encourages new students to explore Longview, talk to their professors, and take advantage of the people around them. Looking back, she would tell her younger self to be more open minded. “Do not be so opinionated about things you do not really know about,” Paige said. “Be willing to look into it. You might be surprised where you end up.”
