Collegiate Times

On April 17, 2007 I walked into my high school wearing every piece of Virginia Tech clothing I owned — and my younger brother did the same. After watching the tragedy that took place the previous day, representing my pride, respect and sorrow for Tech in my clothing choice was the least I felt I could do. Then, I was a junior in high school in Haslett, Michigan — a small suburb outside of the capital, Lansing.

In my second period class, one of the other students said to me, “Ewwww, Virginia Tech? Why would you support such a dangerous place?” I almost got out of my seat and punched the kid in the nose in the middle of class — that’s how infuriated I was. I did, however, begin immediately yelling at him, defending Blacksburg, Tech and everyone associated with the events on April 16.

At that time I had no intention of attending or even applying to Tech, and I had not been to Blacksburg in years. My connection merely stemmed from the fact that my dad is an alumnus. I was born in Blacksburg and raised there until I was five years old while my father was finishing his doctorate from Tech. However, I still felt a connection and a deep sadness. Because I was even a distant member of the Hokie nation, I felt a deep connection to Tech in the days and months following April 16.

Everyone understands what happened that day was more than awful, but if you look for a positive outcome out of what the Hokie nation experienced it is easy to spot — the further fostered sense of community and togetherness that everyone who is a Hokie now feels, whether or not they were in Blacksburg. We were brought together like no other community before, and we immediately strengthened our bonds, with our members coming closer than ever before. Instead of looking for someone to blame, we asked, “How can we deal with this as a community?” and “how can we help each other, no matter who they are or what they need?”

This speaks to the immense sense of loyalty of Tech that is much a part of being a member of the Hokie nation. The tragedy of April 16 strengthened our loyalty to our school. But this is not always what others see. When those who are not familiar with Tech ask me where I go to school and I tell them, some people reply “Oh, isn’t that the place where the tragedy happened?” as they lower their voice as to not offend something or me. I tell them yes, but I also try and remind them that while we will never forget what happened, April 16 is not what defines Tech — being a Hokie is being a part of one of the best communities there is. It’s being loyal to your school, respectful to all, inventing the future, Ut Prosim, being
the best person you can and much more.

As Hokies, we need to make sure people know this. We need to tell people and accept ourselves that while April 16 is a part of our past, and a part of what defines us as Hokies, it is not what defines us. The events that are scheduled to take place today speak to that attitude. The 3.2 Run in

Remembrance, the vigil, speakers, classes being cancelled and other events speak to the fact that we remember but do not dwell on what happened.

But, more importantly, we need to be loyal to our school and loyal to fellow Hokies. Being part of the Hokie nation is a special privilege and we need to cherish it, and remember that we will always be a part of it.

A version of this article appeared in the Apr 16 issue of the Collegiate Times.