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.