Throngs of young people are descending on Farmville as Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College open their respective dormitories and classrooms for the fall.

Many of them are from outside the area, perhaps even from out of state. Freshmen, especially, are arriving at the next chapters of their lives, not knowing exactly how the story will turn out as they turn the page. Some will be confident they can take on what comes next. Others may be taking a more “come what may” attitude, moving with the currents of life.

Still others are anxious, perhaps even fearful.

I know a little bit about how they all feel. While I may not be enrolled at either school — I’m not even a professor — I am like the new student coming on campus for the first time.

A freshman’s only experience is high school. The new managing editor’s only experience is the last job he held. If a young person was successful in high school, there’s a good chance they’d be a little ahead of the game when it comes to acclimating to college. If a managing editor was pretty good at his last job, there’s a good chance he’ll be good at his new one … hopefully.

Back in graduate school (many years ago), I served as a graduate assistant teacher. A number of my students were older folk looking to get the degree they never earned as a youngster, or to earn a new one.

Some of them may have moved into student housing, others into a new apartment or house when they returned to school.

Like both new and returning students, I have (finally!) moved into my new digs and am beginning to settle in. Some of these students may even be my neighbors.

So, welcome back, students! And thanks, Farmville, for welcoming me, too!

Martin L. Cahn is managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is martin.cahn@farmvilleherald.com.