Letter: Thank you to the faculty
Letter to the Editor
April 27, 2007
When I was an undergraduate, I placed my professors on a pedestal. They had an air of certainty and dignity that I could only hope to obtain some day far in the future. Their emotions were limited to pride or disappointment, depending on how successful I was in my studies. They were the adults and I was one of the children. Now I'm a graduate student and the faculty treats me more like a little sister. I've been to their homes, I've met their families, and I've laughed with them over drinks. They are still my mentors and I strive to be like them and learn from them, but they are people, too.
Last week, I witnessed another side of my professors. I saw them cry. I watched hands tremble and heard voices crack with shock and grief. It made me realize that my ties to Virginia Tech would never be quite the same as theirs. The older faculty may remember Dr. Loganathan back when he graduated in 1980. The newer professors probably looked to Dr. Librescu for wisdom and guidance. My tenure here in Blacksburg is incredibly brief compared to theirs. Long after I've moved away and begun my career these people will still be walking past Norris Hall on the way to their offices here in Blacksburg. Just as the general public will never fully understand how it felt to be a Hokie on April 16, 2007, I believe this tragedy must be affecting my mentors on an even more intense level.
This week, the faculty revealed yet another facet of their amazing personalities. The same people that yesterday were struggling to cope with reality are offering their support to us today. They give us hugs, listening ears and crying shoulders. They have turned their personal pain into courage for the students. They are giving us a plethora of options to help us finish this semester, and at the cost of their own time and energy. They have redefined the word "strength" in my mind.
The world has acknowledged the maturity of the Virginia Tech student body with regard to the shooting last Monday. We have been praised for our fortitude during tribulation and for our devotion to our school. I am proud that we have so represented Virginia Tech. However, I do not believe we can take all the credit. We stand tall because we have a solid, dependable rock to stand upon. Our faculty is our rock.
Stephanie Kruep
Graduate Student, Civil Engineering