Collegiate Times

This is an exciting time at Virginia Tech because each one of you plays an essential role in that process. College isn't just about sitting in a classroom, but rather tackling real world issues. Yesterday, I was on the Mall in Washington, D.C., staring at the Lumenhaus, Tech's Solar House entry in the Department of Energy's Solar Decathlon contest. It is one of the many examples where Tech students are solving real world problems. This week is about raising awareness, but it's up to each of you to be aware and conscious in every decision you make here at Tech, so we can solve our problems as well. So take the little actions: Turn off your lights, choose the more eco-friendly product, and you will be part of the change.

Many of us will leave Tech and Blacksburg someday. While we will leave behind the orange and maroon leaves of an autumn tree, the all too familiar Blacksburg rain, and the clearest view to the summer stars, we will not leave a negative impact. Each one of you is here today, because you understand that this moment in time is your moment to be one of the many maroon and orange leaves on a tree, a single rain drop from a spring shower, or the North Star among constellations. When we all contribute our individual actions they add up to a massive, collective effort.

We have all heard the phrase, "Think globally, act locally." Local leaders like Mayor Ron Rordam and the 1,000 other mayors across the country who have signed the Mayors Climate Protection Agreement, have come to see that our individual and collective actions at the community level are both powerful and positive. Tech is also a community like the town of Blacksburg where we can do more to promote sustainability. President Charles Steger signed into action a personalized sustainability plan, known as the Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment, to lead our school and Hokie community for a better future.

Each one of us has an impact like a leaf, a rain drop and a star, and just like those elements of nature, our consequence becomes visible when we look at the big picture: the whole tree, a torrential down pour, or the cluster of stars. This team is among you today, with our occupations, educational background and values aside, each one of us has the exact same opportunity to leave an impact. But why aim for "no impact" when we can all leave a positive one?

I have never been so honored to be part of such a special team of students, administrators and staff, faculty members, elected officials, nonprofit leaders and citizens, because together, this team can raise our ecological intelligence and invent the right future.

Shane McCarty is vice president of SGA.

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