For the average reader, the most infamous line of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” may be “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” But instead, I’ve found myself repeating the question, “What's in a name?” over and over again in my head.
Transportation has evolved to become one of the most important aspects of everyday life. Our society wouldn’t be possible without effective transportation, but over the last few decades, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, statistics verify how detrimental automobiles can …
Federal elections always garner fanfare. Everyone can remember the tumultuous elections of 2016 and 2020; the 2020 presidential election saw the highest voter turnout in a century. Voters were motivated, in part by strong sentiments about the candidates, and came out in droves to vote.
Dear President Sands, Vice President Shushok, Vice President Menah Pratt-Clarke and Dean Hughes,
Bilingualism, the ability to speak more than one language, is a trait shared by between 60% and 75% of all people in the world. In the United States, however, this number is far fewer, with only around 20% of Americans knowing a foreign language, according to the Center for Immigration studi…
Ladies: We can ask for more. With McComas feeling increasingly claustrophobic, many women face intimidating circumstances to stay active, and it's up to the university to make a change. Looking at the growth in popularity of women's-only gyms, McComas should follow suit with a women's-only s…
When preparing to come back to campus this fall, I was so excited to finally have in-person classes — that is, until I realized that I would actually have to commute to class. With online classes last year, I simply rolled out of bed and headed straight onto Zoom. This year, I now had to rol…
The college experience is a privilege that many are the first in their families to have, and it’s common for these students to go through the entire process alone. There are plenty of reasons why higher education isn’t right for everyone, but at the same time, it is celebrated and encouraged…
COVID-19 was a harsh blow to the service industry across the country and small college towns like Blacksburg were dealt one even harsher. Seemingly overnight, Virginia Tech students were returning home, and many restaurants who thrived on their indoor dining had to make do with take out only…
Earlier this summer, Virginia Tech announced that it would allow the sale of alcohol throughout all sections of Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum. This announcement marks the first time in years in which alcohol has been sold throughout the entire stadium, as purchases were previously limite…
The gates opened at Lane Stadium on Sept. 3, and the Hokie faithfuls took no time in enjoying themselves to the fullest.
This year, Virginia Tech made the controversial decision to allow the sale of alcohol in Lane Stadium. Football fans were itching to return to their beloved game after an extended hiatus, so it can be argued that this fact was what caused one of the more chaotic crowds we’ve had in a while. …
If you’ve been on Netflix, you may have come across or even watched the movie “Fatherhood.” The heartwarming film stars Kevin Hart as a single, inexperienced Black father trying to raise his daughter, who finds himself in the pursuit of love. But behind the countless laughs, tear-jerking mom…
After an entire school year of being online, we are slowly and cautiously returning to where we left off in March 2020. Students are figuring out bus routes, navigating campus and adjusting to life beyond the comfort of their own homes. One of the many benefits that came from the online scho…
With the start of the fall semester, Hokies have had their first taste of pre-COVID-19 college normalcy since March of 2020. With in-person classes, football games and other social activities in which to look forward, there is much to be excited about this school year. However, it is importa…
The transition from high school to college is rife with fear and anxiety. We’re suddenly removed from our parents for the first time, far away from friends we’ve known for years and often hundreds of miles away from where we grew up. All of this to say, college is an exercise in discomfort. …
Author's note: I first published this piece in August of 2019 when I was a newly-hired opinions editor. Though I originally wrote this for the class of 2023, I believe my words still hold true today and embody a lesson that we all need to remember. Whether you're a freshman, a senior like me…
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Naomi Osaka’s fast-paced rise to tennis stardom has been one of the more impressive sports feats in some time. She has been a dominating force, racking up four grand slam titles, leading to her current ranking of No. 2 in the world. Her superhuman athleticism combined with her undeniable cha…
Arriving on campus for the first time as a freshman can be stressful for a multitude of reasons, so keeping yourself busy is key to settling into a healthy routine. In order to get into this new college lifestyle, Virginia Tech provides its students with plenty of opportunities outside the c…
Most college students have received sympathy this year for our strange, disrupted COVID-19-induced experiences. Many parents and friends look at us with pity and say, “It’s a shame; college should be the best four years of your life.” This seems to be a common belief — that college is a care…
I was so excited to get my COVID-19 vaccine in mid-April. As a remote student, I was unable to get vaccinated at the clinics on campus and had been scouring local pharmacies for appointments. I finally managed to book an appointment at a grocery store, and I was every bit as nervous as I was…