Welcome to Virginia Tech. You have finally become a Hokie. I am so excited to see you dressed in Burnt Orange and Chicago Maroon this fall. Virginia Tech is my home away from home. I have met so many wonderful people over the past two years. Now that you’re here, I’m eager to meet you. Even though it might seem a bit scary right now, you are going to have an amazing time in college. With the resources available to you at VT, the next four years are going to fly by while you work hard to achieve your goals and make your dreams come true.
For most of you, this will be the first time you are living away from home. While it can be tough, remember that you are not alone. All the freshmen are going through a transition just like you are, and making friends can take time. Everyone at Virginia Tech is very welcoming and inclusive, so don’t be afraid to make the first move and say ‘hello’ to that girl in the dining hall or that guy sitting next to you in class. The common areas in dorms are always busy and one of the best places to make friends. During my first year, I decided to do my work in the shared lounge area in my dorm instead of my room. By making this small change, I became friends with so many people and made meaningful connections and memories.
Now that you’re on your own, you get to take charge of your own life. So be confident in yourself and go after new opportunities where you can learn more about your major, clubs and internships available in your field. One of the best events during the fall semester is Gobblerfest. It is an annual fair where you can walk around the Drillfield and see all the clubs around campus. The fair hosts more than 800 student organizations, and you can sign up for them as you walk around. I would recommend making a list of organizations that interest you off of the GobblerConnect website, connect with them on social media, and then try to find them during the fair. Joining organizations is a great way to build your network and gain leadership experience early on.
Nobody is perfect, so don’t be afraid of making mistakes. I once tripped and fell outside of Owens Dining Hall on the steps during my first year and thought it was the end of the world. But a few minutes later, everyone had forgotten about it. Life moves fast and your first year is going to go by very quickly, so try to make the most of it. Go to football games and jump in the stadium to “Enter Sandman,” explore new restaurants downtown, and enjoy your time in Blacksburg. Get out of your comfort zone and try new things.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed because college can be a lot to take in. Remember, you can always reach out to your teachers, the Student Success Center, your Residential Student Leaders, or Academic Advisor if you ever need help or advice. They are all here to cheer you on and help you pursue your dreams. Have fun while learning and take advantage of new opportunities that come your way. Don’t be too hard on yourself and take it one day at a time. Your first year is going to go by in the blink of an eye, so take some time to slow down and enjoy the journey.