NOVAdance is all about community. The unity of the dance marathon and unique Hero partnerships facilitate social bonds that extend far past the everyday circles of student life here on campus. It serves as an opportunity to connect with those from all walks of life, whether it be parents or the childhood Heroes themselves. It doesn’t stop there, however, the NOVAdance community allows for Villanova’s students to connect with their own peers in incredibly meaningful ways.
We’ve all heard of Villanova meet cutes in orientation groups, Stanford hallways and Ancients class partnerships: what about NOVAdance? I sat down with seniors Lily Pflaum and Kayla Schmidt to hear about the beautiful beginning of their friendship, and all thanks to NOVAdance.
Both Pflaum and Schmidt began their long careers within the organization as Sidekicks; bushy tailed, bright eyed freshmen ready to make a difference, and forge new friendships in the process.
“When I came to Villanova I didn’t really know anybody, I came from a really small high school in Boston” Pflaum said. “I wanted to get involved with different groups on campus after being at a tight knit high school and having that community.”
Pflaum heard about Sidekicks and immediately applied, completing the written application and interview before being admitted to the program. More than just a sense of purpose on campus, it brought her one of her closest friends, Kayla Schmidt.
Much like Pflaum, Schmidt came to college relatively on her own, travelling across the country from San Francisco to attend Villanova. In her first two weeks, she heard of NOVAdance through the Student Involvement Fair. After the passing of her best friend in high school due to Osteosarcoma, she felt called to join the organization.
“In that moment, I knew that I was finally going to be able to feel like I could do something to help my best friend,” Schmidt said. “Even though she was gone, I would get to spend my time at Villanova doing something so powerful for so many people, like my best friend Charlotte.”
More than just a sense of purpose and a way to honor her beloved friend, Schmidt credits NOVAdance with bringing her new friendships. Both Fedigan residents, the two had seen each other in passing, but became closer after being the only ones admitted to the program from their dorm. What began with getting dinner and walking to meetings turned into a blossoming friendship.
“Slowly we became best friends and started doing everything together,” said Schmidt. “It was so incredible for me to be surrounded by someone like Lily who was so excited to be there to help, and totally understood my story despite not having the same experience.”
After an incredibly memorable and rewarding experience in Sidekicks their freshman year, both Pflaum and Schmidt applied to be on NOVAdance Committee. Pflaum was accepted to the Entertainment Committee, and Schmidtt to the Merch Committee. Another year of memories ensued for the pair.
“I really don’t think we would have the relationship that we have had we not been in Sidekicks together, then been on Committee.”
Pflaum went on to serve on the Campus Recruitment Team her junior year and is ending her tenure as Sidekicks Chair. Schmidt, however, became a part of the Merch Team and is now Merch Chair in her senior year.
“Lily and I grew together throughout our four years of NOVAdance, our Whys grew, they changed, they evolved, and we changed as people,” Schmidt said. “We have never been closer than we are right now.”
While they knew of each other before coming together as Sidekicks, Pflaum credits the depth and strength of their friendship to the organization.
“In the past four years, so much of our friendship has been about our involvement in NOVAdance,” Pflaum said. “It has been a group outside all of our other friends.”
Their friendship has continued to reach new heights throughout their time at Villanova, and outside just the confines of NOVAdance. In addition to attending NOVAdance events in tandem, the pair have even travelled around the world together.
“I feel extremely lucky to have found one of my best friends, among so many others, through an organization that does so much good. NOVAdance has shaped so much of both of our experiences at villanova and I credit so much of our friendship to NOVAdance and our past 4 years being involved, I wouldn’t change it for anything,” Pflaum said.
