Today, Freeman is a member of the class of 2025 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia. He is thriving and beyond grateful he gave college another try. VMI, a small public military college, is known for its academic rigor, dedication to empowering students, and a single-sanction honor system where "a cadet will not lie, cheat, steal, nor tolerate those who do.” The trust built during a cadet’s time at VMI transitions into a powerful alumni network that looks out for one another long after graduation.

“I really transitioned from being sort of a straight C and D student to being an A student, just based on the quality of the professors at the school,” said Freeman, an English major who also is studying Arabic and participating in VMI’s Institute Honors program. After graduation, he hopes to serve his country working for a government agency.

Small classes, close relationships

“I got to know my English professors and my Arabic professor, and I could see them as real humans. I could let them know my doubts, my frustrations and they would just help me win — give me feedback on my work,” he said.

Not only does Freeman excel academically, but he also acts as a mentor to others. VMI has a system in which students help other students — and Freeman’s role in that system is to connect those struggling with the academic resources they need to succeed.

Unmatched support network for students

When he encounters a fellow student experiencing academic challenges, Freeman encourages them to reach out for help, as VMI has a robust support network. “When you ask for assistance, and it’s there, and you realize the support network is behind you, academics can actually be fun and not as challenging as they have to be,” he said.

With an openness to share his past challenges and a willingness to help others, Freeman sees his mentorship role as a natural fit.

“I applied for this position because I knew that I had struggled so much in academics before in my life, and I know what it’s like to be down in the dumps and feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel,” he said. “I could help other students see the light at the end of the tunnel and recognize the value of doing well in classes.”

But a VMI education is far more than sitting in classrooms, writing papers and taking tests — it’s an adventure of a lifetime. With an admitted “wanderlust for travel,” Freeman has studied abroad in England, Taiwan and Morocco.

“VMI has given me so many opportunities that I didn’t know existed before,” he said.

Embrace a legacy of leadership, taking action and making a difference

VMI follows a military structure with mandatory class attendance, uniforms for all students and a regimented daily routine. For Freeman, these nontypical attributes were just the right formula to put him on the path to success.

“I realized that I really need self-control in order to excel,” he said. “This place really gave me the parameters necessary to succeed. It really helped me ground myself and do what I needed to do.”

Freeman’s father and grandfather are both VMI graduates — and today, Freeman is more than grateful that he chose to follow in their footsteps.

“I really want to apply myself and to excel to the greatest of my ability,” he said. “That’s what really keeps me coming back to the school and what makes me appreciate it so much. VMI is about finding the best version of yourself.”

A version of this story was posted on Richmond.com.

Lisa Richards
Brand Ave. Studios Contributing Writer
Brand Ave. Studios