Virginia Tech: Synonym For Home
Start writing a post
Student Life

Virginia Tech: Synonym For Home

11
Virginia Tech: Synonym For Home
Kyle Rushton

It's more than just a place to learn. It's a community that transforms you. 

Fall is back. Finally. Nothing makes me happier than the start of a new school year. The combination of new faces, classes and activities, mixed with the familiar feeling of crossing the drill field and sitting at my favorite spot in the library brings a happy sense of nostalgia that is hard to replicate. As I walk around campus for the first time in months, I am reminded of a day when I was supposed to give advice, but ended up coming to a surprising realization.

One day last semester, I was sitting in the library and studying for an upcoming exam when a woman stopped by my table to ask me a question. As I looked up, I saw a concerned mother with one too many pamphlets in her hands, a furrowed brow and desperation in her eyes. Standing next to her was an embarrassed, fidgeting daughter doing everything to avoid eye contact with me. There was no question that this duo was here on one of many college visits during spring. I remember this same feeling of being a young visitor on a college campus and being so unsure of what my future would look like.     

I redirected my attention to the mother, and told her I would be happy to answer her question, assuming that she was just another lost visitor during the busy college tour time on campus. However, she caught me totally off guard when she asked, “Why did you decide to come to Virginia Tech? Are you happy here?”

Still wrapped up in the world of studying, I removed one ear bud still humming music into my ear, and tried to come up with a response. I could feel the color rise to my face as I struggled to find words, any words to give her. How could I explain how remarkable this school was to a stranger? I immediately thought of the cliche responses that every sensible mother wants to hear, but stopped myself. Before I knew what I was saying I said, “I don't even have to explain it in words -- you just have to walk around campus and feel it in the people around you. I know after experiencing the community here, I could never picture myself anywhere else.” I explained to her that the atmosphere of Tech isn’t something you can see or touch. As much as I wanted to give her specific, concrete reasons, I just couldn’t. Sure, we have great academics, delicious food, unforgettable football games and a stunning campus. But these aspects are not the reasons why every student calls Virginia Tech home.     

It was strange to see that girl, so unsure of herself, absorb everything I was saying. As I explained why I chose this amazing school and saw a look of relief fill the girl’s eyes, I realized how much I had transformed as a person as well. This is why I love this school. This is why I love this community. This is why I am so excited to start a new year here. Possibilities are available everywhere if you open your eyes and embrace them. You have the ability to be whomever you decide to be. How often does that chance come along?  Whether it’s the brand new start of college freshman year, or your fourth year back as a senior, the beautiful energy of Virginia Tech continues to shape and mold you into a better person.      

Don’t waste your time holding onto the past, or being too focused on the future that you forget where you are, right now. Embrace this new school year and use it as fuel to become someone who you are proud of. Who knows, maybe this coming semester you might sway a potential Hokie into the best decision of their life, and maybe learn a little something about yourself along the way. 

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

51227
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32836
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955911
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180896
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments