As we enter this summer period at Virginia Tech, we are certainly enjoying the nice weather - even though we had to endure several rainstorms over the past weeks.
For some, there is the sense of relief that the spring semester is over, for some it is the start of summer vacations, and for others it is a time to take that last course needed so that they can graduate, while some are finally able to catch up on projects. However, summer at Virginia Tech is also so much more, as it is an essential time for the campus on many levels.
My first experience at Virginia Tech actually took place in summer 1995, as I was a student delegate from the University of Florida attending the National Association of College University Residence Halls conference that was being held in Blacksburg.
I can still remember the bus ride as we accessed I-81 and entered the New River Valley. My group stayed in Pritchard Hall, and we walked all over the campus for three days from places like Squires to Cassell to McBryde to the Field House. I never imagined that three years later, I would be starting my professional career at Tech in July 1998 and, coincidently, being in charge of Pritchard Hall. If it had not been for that earlier experience and exposure to Tech, I might not have even considered the opportunity and would not be here today.
Right now, we have individuals on the campus going through similar conference experiences as they participate in various sport camps, educational conferences, or training institutes.
Participants vary in age levels, backgrounds, and where they're from. Here at Tech, they'll experience programs such as College Bound for students with disabilities, additional certification training for foreign language instructors, or the annual FFA and 4-H conferences, where students from the Commonwealth attend and participate in a wide variety of competitions.
These and other experiences not only have a short-term impact, but also a long-term impact, as they help introduce the campus to prospective students, future employees, and future allies/supporters of the university.
Even now, you may come across these individuals in the dining hall, see them walking around in groups, or bump into them in the library or in Squires. It is important to know that these individuals are here for a reason and that it is impacting them, as well as the university.
It is crucial for us as students, faculty, and staff to be ambassadors of the university for these individuals and to treat them accordingly.
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you might have a better summer atmosphere if it didn't cost 1000 dollars for one lousy class
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