Whether you’re part of the Hokie Nation or not, you’re probably aware of how special of a place Virginia Tech is. Not only is it beautiful on campus, but what makes it so phenomenal is the connection between the amazing people here. There’s an understood connection amongst Hokies, I believe, that creates the irreplaceable environment Blacksburg seems to take on every single day. And I think that it comes down to the fact that it takes a certain person to be a Hokie and committing to that lifelong term. Here’s why:

It takes a certain person to want to improve him or herself in an academic sense every single day so that the world is a better place.

It takes a certain person to want to know and to live out a school’s motto, especially when it means “That I May Serve.”

It takes a certain person to yell “Let’s Go Hokies” at a random stranger when the stranger is wearing something Virginia Tech related, no matter where he or she is.

It takes a certain person to say that they are dedicated to the future but are willing to connect to those who have gotten us to where we are. Our future and our past are just as vital to who we are as our present is.

It takes a certain person to know that his or her integrity directly correlates to his/her success and well being in the grand scheme of things.

It takes a certain person to not be afraid by the dark day in our history that defines us to so many and to commit to being a Hokie despite that reputation. And furthermore, it takes a certain person to stand out in the cold at midnight on April 16th to honor the lives of 32 people who were taken too soon from their years here at Virginia Tech, whether that be year one of being a student or year 10 of teaching.

It takes a certain person to accept maroon and orange as a way of life forevermore.

It takes a certain person to actively serve others every day because it’s part of who he or she is.

It takes a certain person to come to a school where our sports teams are more focused on a sense of community and high character than our winning record(s).

It takes a certain person to show service for others in bold and big ways like Big Event and Relay for Life, but also by holding the door for others, being a good friend, being respectful at all times, and so on. 

It takes a certain person to know that his or her college experience is so much greater than him or herself.

It takes a certain person to know that Blacksburg is a little piece of the world but to also make it feel like it encompasses so many other pieces of the world with our diversity, cultural celebrations, and acceptance of other cultures.

It takes a certain person to want to make 30,000+ people feel like a small family.

It takes a certain person to know that your home will always be in Blacksburg, no matter where you are in the world.

It takes a certain person to come to a place for four years that will ultimately make him/her a better person, and to allow that change to happen during his or her time here.

I’m glad that I’ve committed to being this person for my four years here and for the rest of my life. I couldn’t be more proud of Virginia Tech’s strong sense of community, school spirit, respect for each other, and who we are as a family. We really are “VirginiaTechforlife.”