Harriet Dawson has spent her life saying “yes” to new opportunities.
Whether it was moving to Virginia for a new career, taking on leadership roles in education, traveling across the country alone for an entire year, or recently trying parasailing, Harriet has discovered that some of life’s greatest rewards come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.
“I don’t think I was a risk taker when I was younger,” Harriet reflected. “But if you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, a lot of doors will open for you. You may not always be 100% ready for that next door opening, but if you’ll have some confidence in yourself and be willing to do the work, it’s really amazing what will happen.”
Originally from a small town in North Carolina, Harriet earned a business education degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro before pursuing her master’s degree in counselor education at the University of Virginia. A job opportunity brought her to Lancaster County in 1976, where she immediately felt at home.
“I came here in August of ’76 and absolutely fell in love with it,” she said. “I’ve never left Lancaster County.”
Over the next several decades, Harriet built an impressive career in education, serving as a guidance counselor, educational consultant, interim superintendent, workforce development leader, and trainer for educators across Virginia. Although each position was different, they all centered on helping others succeed.
“I’ve enjoyed every job I’ve had,” Harriet said. “I’ve been blessed by my work.”
One of her proudest accomplishments came while working with Rappahannock Community College, where she organized professional development programs that brought nationally recognized educational leaders to rural Virginia.
“That was my ‘wow’ moment,” Harriet said. “To see my friends and our local school leaders learning from national experts right here in their own backyard it was just awesome.”
Retirement, however, didn’t slow Harriet down. In fact, it inspired one of her greatest adventures.
Four years ago, she packed up her car and spent an entire year traveling around the United States, staying for several weeks in communities across the country instead of simply passing through.
“It almost feels surreal now that it ever happened,” she said.
Rather than visiting tourist attractions, Harriet wanted to experience everyday life. She visited churches, explored libraries, walked local streets, and met people everywhere she went.
“The people I met were incredible.”
One unexpected travel companions a handmade mink teddy bear given to her by a close friend became the perfect conversation starter.
“People weren’t asking me about me,” Harriet laughed. “They were asking me about the bear.”
Those conversations reminded her of something she had always believed.
“I love people. I just like seeing people smile.”
Adventure has always been part of Harriet’s story. She rode horses from the seventh grade, spent years water skiing, and recently crossed parasailing off her bucket list.
“I’ve become a bit more adventurous in my older age,” she said with a smile.
When it came time to think about the future, Harriet’s experience caring for her mother helped shape one of the biggest decisions of her life.
“My mother was terribly ill for two years,” Harriet recalled. “I told myself, ‘I don’t want my children going through this.’ I wanted to be safe. I wanted to be cared for.”
Through her work with Rappahannock Community College, Harriet frequently partnered with Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury for educational programs and community initiatives. Those experiences allowed her to spend time on campus and see firsthand the welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, and engaged community.
“I liked what I saw every time I visited,” she said.
After returning from her year-long journey, she decided it was time for a new chapter.
“I remember putting my head on the pillow that first night and thinking, ‘This feels okay.'”
That feeling has only grown stronger.
“My very first impression was, ‘I am safe here.'”
Harriet originally planned to keep to herself after moving in.
“I thought I’d just say no to everything,” she laughed.
That plan quickly changed after she signed up for Tai Chi. Soon she was pulled into chair volleyball, then line dancing, Bible studies, educational programs, community trips, and countless other activities.
“I got pulled into chair volleyball and never laughed so hard in my life,” Harriet said. “Now I’m just busy all the time.”
What surprised Harriet most wasn’t just the number of activities it was the people.
“Everything surprised me here,” she said. “The people who live here have the most incredible backgrounds, and you’re totally unaware of it until you sit down for a meal and hear their stories.”
Those conversations have become one of her favorite parts of life at RWC.
“Everybody has a story.”
She says every day offers an opportunity to learn something new, whether it’s discovering a neighbor’s remarkable career, hearing about travels around the world, or simply sharing a meal with someone new.
“The kindnesses that are exhibited here absolutely blow me away,” Harriet said. “If you need anything, people are just so helpful.”
She remembers sitting alone in the dining room shortly after moving in when another resident walked over and asked a simple question.
“‘Anybody sitting with you?’ Before you know it, you’ve made a new friend.”
Harriet believes that genuine sense of community is something that can’t be captured during a tour.
“They can’t tell you that during your marketing interview,” she said with a smile. “You just discover it.”
While she appreciates the beautiful campus, maintenance-free living, and peace of mind that comes with knowing that future care is available if she ever needs it, Harriet says the greatest gift RWC has given her is the freedom to truly enjoy life.
“I wanted my brain to do something else,” she said. “RWC allows my brain to do something else.”
Instead of worrying about maintaining a home, Harriet spends her days staying active, exploring new interests, volunteering, strengthening her faith, traveling, and building meaningful friendships.
Harriet laughs that these days, staying healthy has become less about obligation and more about making sure she doesn’t miss out on everything happening around her.
“I’ve never been so active or so focused on taking care of myself because I don’t want to miss everything that’s happening here,” she said. “There’s always an event to attend, a trip to go on, a game to play, or friends to spend time with. Life is so full that I want to be able to say “yes” to it all.”
Between chair volleyball matches, line dancing, educational programs, community outings, Bible studies, concerts, and spontaneous dinners with friends, her calendar is rarely empty. Every week brings another opportunity to laugh, learn something new, or make another memory.
“There’s always something happening,” Harriet said. “I don’t want to miss the next event, the next trip, or the chance to spend time with the people here. Life is just too much fun.”
Looking back, Harriet says moving to RWC didn’t mean giving up the life she loved it gave her something even better.
“I thought I was living before,” she said. “But when I came here, I’m now living well.”
She describes RWC as more than just a retirement community.
“It’s a chance to experience another level of living,” Harriet said. “I don’t feel like I’ve given up anything. My gosh, I’ve gotten so much more than I ever thought about.”
When friends tell her they’ll consider moving “someday,” Harriet doesn’t hesitate with her response.
“What are you waiting for?” she said with a laugh. “Move now. Stop putting it off.”
For Harriet, the decision to move wasn’t about slowing down, it was about embracing a new chapter filled with purpose, friendship, and joy.
Looking back, Harriet says choosing RWC is one of the best decisions she has ever made.
“I’m so thankful this became my home,” she said. “It has given me wonderful friendships, new experiences, peace of mind, and more opportunities than I ever imagined. Every day brings something to enjoy and someone new to connect with. I truly feel like I’m living life to the fullest.”
For someone who has spent a lifetime saying “yes” to new opportunities, Harriet believes this chapter has been one of the most rewarding yet. At RWC, saying “yes” once again opened the door to a life richer, fuller, and more joyful than she ever expected.
