Collegiate Times

When I was first chosen to be on Homecoming Court, I was ecstatic, just like everyone else who was selected.

In my mind, being on court was going to be an awesome experience, where I would have the opportunity to represent my fraternity, get to know even more people around campus, and even see myself on the Jumbo-tron as I walked across the 50-yard line during half-time at the Homecoming game.

However, the more time I have spent thinking about what it means to be on Homecoming Court, my desire to earn the title of Homecoming King has grown tremendously. Where it is cool to think about getting a crown and scepter, winning the title of Homecoming King has so much more symbolism than any physical object.

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I know it may sound a little cheesy, but in my eyes, the Homecoming King and Queen represent what Virginia Tech is all about — spirit and tradition — and that is what I love the most about this university.

My favorite VT tradition was actually the inspiration of my campaign slogan, “Enter Sandman. Exit King.” I cannot even begin to explain how thrilled I was to receive permission from the band’s manager to use the song title as part of my slogan.

Seeing everyone at Lane Stadium jumping up and down to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” at every home game gets me so pumped, and it is one of those many instances where you take pride in the fact that you feel like part of such a close community.

There truly is no place like Tech, and one of my greatest accomplishments is attending this institution and being able to call myself a Hokie for life.

Since coming here the fall semester of 2008, I have constantly tried to challenge myself by living up to the university’s motto, “Ut Prosim — that I may serve."

Whether it be serving as a motivated president of the class of 2012, serving as an active brother of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity, or serving as a genuine friend to all of my fellow Hokies, I have truly challenged myself to my utmost potential while here at Tech, and I am so thankful for all of the clubs I have joined, all of the friends I have made, and all of the experiences I have endured.

If I were to win the title of Homecoming King, I would truly take it as an honor, because there is nothing on this planet that I love more than this school, and there is absolutely nothing in the world that would make me happier than to represent this school as your 2011 Homecoming King.

A version of this article appeared in the Oct 18 issue of the Collegiate Times.