Intro:

This Walkings project is written in an ABCDary format to explore how walking shapes my day to day life around campus, or other surrounding areas. I took an extra challenge to make sure that for each walking entry, the the first letter used for the first word of the entry matched the letter of the entry, while keeping each entry in the word count of nineties. These entries were written through spontaneous occasions, or more planned out walks, each entry revealing something I’ve seen or something about me, showing how physical walks overlap with emotions and senses. Across the 26 entries, walking becomes more than just a way to get to places, turning into journeys of remembrance, imagination, and making connections.

Through thinking about my walking habits I realized my body leads before my mind. Drawing the mental map of campus I realized how much smaller it was than the actual campus and how I only focused on where I walked through, built more from habits than memory. It made me look at familiar spots on campus like the Drillfield and looking at the simple things I don’t usually think about like the American Beech tree. Other entries show how each walk has its own purpose, finding a bench to sit at leads to finding missing headphones, looking at the stars at night becoming a moment of peace, or going to a soccer field in anticipation of the upcoming game.

These entries look at walking in different angles, giving birth to different themes or motifs in them. The entries mention senses, imagination, reflections, or just silly moments. A theme or motif seen is of humans with worn grass paths and how people choose their own paths. Nature is a major focus, mentioning plants or the outside through mountain trails. I used my imagination in many of these to think of different futures for campus and how walking changes them, or how jogging through the Drillfield can be a quest with a calming end. Enjoying peace and clearing my mind from classes, focusing on mental states is covered multiple times in the entries. The entries don’t just mention where I walked, but shows what walking itself really is.

This project shows how walking has emotions, memories, and endless possibilities, if you pay attention to see it.

T is for Turkey Leg

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and text; Sep 13th   

Tenaciously, I walked slowly through the crowded area of Lane Stadium to watch VT Vs ODU, my first time watching a home game in person. The rumors from my roommate about a turkey leg so big it could feed three people, along with the rich smoky aroma in the air, drew me to the concession stands. Each bite of the leg filled me with hope even after every bad play and opposition touchdown. Down to the bone, the crowd was silent, the stadium left bare, emptied of energy and hope. (90) 

S is for Shoes

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and text; Sep 28th

Strolling near Owens court, looking down from my ten minute walk, I see my gym shoes. Hand me downs from my dad, they were worn through years, each scuff mark telling a story. Bending the sole when doing calf extensions at the gym, rolling my ankle from slipping during basketball games with friends, or even just taking walks such as this one. Giving a measurement for how many miles were walked is hard, but the feel of the shoes and the visible wear gives proof of the effort they gave. (90)

D is for Desk To Fridge

Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Sketch and text; Oct 3rd

_{Sketch 01. Poor sketch of the 25 step walk from my desk to the fridge, showing interesting features of the walk (Original Drawing, Tasnim Sheikh)}

Duration of 25 steps, a perfect square that takes me from desk to fridge. The carpeted floor of my room to the hallway, heading down the stairs, the 3rd step always having the same loud creak I have grown used to. I reach the bottom, now switching to cool wood floors, making a sharp right. I go into the kitchen, ready to battle any cave crickets that could get in my way. I see my reflection passing the microwave, the hum of the fridge enchanting me, I open the door. (90)

R is for Real Football

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event (2); Photograph and text; Sep 14th

Ready to forget the horrific loss to ODU the hokie football team experienced the day before, I decided to attend the hokie soccer game against Boston College. Most of the world considers this sport as the “real football”, and after the game I attended yesterday, I was ready to do the same. Going from the gym to Thompson field, I remember looking at the housing buildings, remembering moments from when I used to live in the dorms, reminiscing about my first year.  I was expecting an empty crowd with soccer not being as popular, but was surprised to see the benches were packed with hokies ready to cheer on their team. Although this was probably due to the free entrance, walking through the wave of students, hopeful to see a win after such a bad loss, filled me with anticipation. The buttery smell of popcorn filled the air as I found a seat, the chanting and stomping surrounding me with each close opportunity to a goal.  The match ended 0-1, another loss, but a much closer fight gave me hope. (180)  

G is for Grubhub

Prompt 2.16 Waiting in Line; Sketch and text; Oct 7th

Grumbling stomachs surrounded me as I waited for my GrubHub order to be ready, a sub from Franks at Owens Hall. I noticed one student frantically pacing back and forth, looking for his food, whispering “dang it!” to himself as he could not find it. His frustration created a funny contrast with the others patiently waiting, scrolling their phones or speaking to people near them. Although the walk of the line was short, the slow rhythm of it, each second standing still, felt like ages went by, hunger consuming me. (90)

P is for Preferred Path

Prompt 2.17 Desired Path; Video and text; Oct 16th

People can choose their own path in life, both figuratively and literally. On the way from my house to the bus stop, there are pathways of concrete paved from one side to another, but the worn slices of grass cutting across the field reveal people taking their own preferred path, choosing what to do themselves. I walk it often, choosing a straight line of speed instead of keeping my shoes clean. This desired path shows my want of practicality, choosing what’s best for me rather than what was picked out. (90)

L is for Little Lake

Prompt 2.18 A Wish For Something Different; Sketch and text; Oct 20th

Last year, going to and from my dorm to classes, I always took the same path, going down a stairway. Every time after it rained, the bottom would be left with a puddle of murky water, blocking off the whole path. I went to check it this year after some heavy rainfall the day before, and was saddened to see the same situation as last year, a little lake over the path. This path is used by many students and could be easily fixed, with a little well deserved effort. (90)

N is for Nice View

_{^{Prompt 2.22 Stairs vs Elevator; Video and text; Oct 22th}}

Nowadays, I have long breaks between classes and often visit Pamplin Hall, finding a place to sit and do work. I usually walk the spiral staircase in the center, its open design letting me overlook the place as I climb. This time I took the elevator, a pure glass window giving me a nice view as  I rose up. It was different than the stairs, the gliding motion letting me see people slowly shrink below, a much slower and calmer rhythm. Stairs give speed, while the elevator gives nice views. (90)

I is for Important Items

_{^{Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photo and text; Oct 30th}}

I carry things based on where I am in life, and I am currently a student. I ranked these items based on what I would hate to lose the most. My laptop is a core part of me as a student, especially one in CS, losing it would make it hard for me to get anything done. My Ipad is where I take notes, not needing to drag around heavy books makes it very helpful. The small green notebook is where I write thoughts and ideas, giving my brain release. (90)

H is for Horrible Walk

_{^{Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk (Alternative version); Sketch and text; Oct 31st}}

Halloween night, and the scariest thing I saw was the physics test I took. The walk from the testing area to the bus stop was horrible, not from physical conditions like the cold air or the dark surroundings, but more because of the mental strain of the test and thinking back to how bad I performed on it. Seeing everyone dressed up having fun, was a stark contrast to myself and many others who walked out of the test, not being able to join in the celebration of Halloween spirits. (90) 

C is for Campus Map

_{^{Prompt 2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Sketch and text; Nov 24th}}

Considering how to draw this map, I had a lot of trouble figuring out where to begin. I focused on the Drillfield, it being the center, but while sketching I realized most of the places I remember were no where near. I could only give a general sense of buildings I visited the most, realizing my walks were my body moving on its own, not me remembering where to go. Going on my walk, I realized how small my mental version of campus is, forgetting to sketch the bus loop. (90)

O is for Overhead Skies

_{^{Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photo and text; Oct 11th}}

Overhead I stopped to stare during my walk, seeing an endless sky. The thin clouds create a gradient from blue to the gray, almost looking like a fog covering what was above me. The distance was impossible to measure, although feeling close, looking at it deeply revealed how out of reach it was. The sky looked calm and clear, but there was a sense of slight movements, the fog slowly clearing away revealing more of the blue. It was slowly changing, the eye not being able to catch its transformation. (90)

W is for Waterfall

_{^{Prompt 2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Sketch and text; Nov 13th}}

Water from the small waterfall splashes into the pond, a calming noise I enjoy most while deep in the Hahn Garden. The fragrant smell of the hydrangea that fill my nose while I stare at my reflection on the ponds surface let me feel in my own world, allowing nature to overtake me. The less appealing entrance that seemed like a basic building was forgotten when it transitioned into the garden. This garden is important to Tech because it allows students to have a place to connect to nature, resetting. (90)

U is for Unknown Building

_{^{2.07 What Even Goes On In There?; Photo and text; Nov 6th}}

Under the arch, passed the stairs, the sign on the door reads “LIBERAL ARTS and HUMAN SCIENCES BUILDING.” It had a more homey than professional design, and walking in I was greeted by a comforting aura, not common in the other academic buildings. The warm lighting was enough to put me at ease and the staircase tucked into the side spiraling up reminded me of my own home. I heard a lady behind a wall, seemingly taking on a phone answering questions. This building lets liberal arts students socialize together. (90)

A is for American Beech

_{^{2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photo and text; Sep 30th}}

After a long day of classes, or a tiring session at the gym, rainfall or strong harsh sunlight is the last thing I want to experience. Dragging myself across the Drillfield, I saw you, an isolated place to hide myself from the sky and take a break. Your strong stature gave me comfort, feeling your presence while walking across the Drillfield. I knew if I ever needed shade from the sun or blockade from what else may fall out of the sky, I could rely on you.

With appreciation,

Tasnim. (90)

B is for Basketball

_{^{Prompt 2.18 A Wish For Something Different (2); Sketch and text; Sep 7th}}

Basketball has been an obsession of mine. While walking around my new neighborhood in Blacksburg, I was surprised to see a clearing of asphalt on the ground, happy to have a near by court to play and practice. Then I looked up and noticed, there were no actual hoops. It felt strange seeing this, like giving people a part of something but leaving out the most important part, almost giving a false sense of hope. Adding hoops is all it takes to turn into an actual court people could use. (90)

M is for Missing

_{^{Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Photo and text; Nov 14th}}

Maybe I only noticed the bench from tiredness of walking around my neighborhood searching from my roommates missing headphones. I sat down for a second, more out of frustration than a break, then I saw them. Sitting on the bench next to me as if they were waiting for my arrival were the headphones. Sitting changed the whole walk, changing stress to relief. A good bench is not just something of comfort, the timing and purpose is important to. It leaves behind a story, one that comes when most unexpected. (90)

E is for Exit

_{^{2.32 Shortest Walk; Sketch and text; Nov 10th}}

Eight in the morning. Alarm jolts me up. Struggle to leave covers. Finally out of bed. Feet touch the ground. Up now I stand. Room feels slightly cold. I stretch my arms. Blink away sleep lingering. Morning light hits me. Hair sits half awake. I check the time. Class soon to come. I must get ready. I hate Mondays. Morning classes to attend. Drag myself across room. A short walk needed. To the bedroom door. I stand, doorknob ready. The hallway close. I turn the knob. The room I exit. (90)

F is for Future Hokie

_{^{2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Video and text; Nov 26th}}

Future Hokie,

Being a second year student, I can say the transition from high school to college can be rough. The first semester will feel overwhelming at times, but you’ll find your place quickly. One place you will have to visit is the Duck Pond. It’s peaceful and easy to find, letting you escape from campus. Let yourself get lost in its nature. Explore the campus and meet other people, you can make lifelong relationships from any random encounter. Make sure you enjoy your time, you’ll do great at tech. (90)

X is for Xenacious

_{^{2.35 Go For A Hike; Photo and text; Nov 22nd}}

Xenacious means to have an eagerness to experience new things, according to Google. That is how I felt when standing at the trailhead of the Chestnut Ridge trail. I’ve explored woods before, but have never gone on a full fledge hike on a mountain range, and I was excited that the Blue Ridge was my first. I followed the trail going deeper into the mountains, enjoying the journey and formations of nature. The soreness of my feet and burning of my legs were silenced from the quietness of the mountains. (90)

K is for Kinetic

_{^{2.33 Campus Reimagined; Sketch and text; Nov 28th}}

Kinetic energy is a concept I studied deeply in Physics this year. I believe a sustainable future campus would be one where walking is what actually powers everything. Like how a hamster wheel can generate electricity when moved, some sort of kinetic tiles could be placed on the campus paths so whenever students walk on them, the kinetic energy can be turned into electricity, powering the entire campus. The Drillfield would become essentially become a powerplant with people many people walking back and forth on it multiple times a day. (90)

V is for Vertical Walkways

_{^{2.33 Campus Reimagined (2); Sketch and text; Nov 28th}}

Virginia Tech has many buildings close together. I feel having a elevated path directly connecting some buildings is a future campus that is not too unrealistic to think of. The main walking routes would still be available, but having a quick path inside the buildings could be helpful, creating less crowded areas outdoors, opening up campus. The library and Torgerson already has something like this, and I am thinking of a similar concept. A more open walkway with windows that allow for people to look outdoors while walking through buildings. (90)

Y is for Yearning

_{^{3.14 Star Gazing; Photo and text; Nov 28th}}

Yearning for a new experience, I went for a walk when dusk hit. Walking at night feels different, calm and quiet, having its own type of beauty to it. Looking up made everything else disappear, the stars illuminating the sky as I slowed my pace, counting each individual light. The darkness on the path was more soft and comforting, pausing mid path to keep looking at the sky. The more I concentrated on the stars, the less I thought of my surroundings. They seemed to stretch endlessly through the sky. (90)

Q is for Quiet Entry

_{^{2.07 What Even Goes On In There? (2); Photo and text; Oct 28th}}

Quietly exploring Torgerson after having a class there, I looked through the window of a door and saw an empty room that caught my interest. Quickly but silently walking in, glowing RGB lights was all that lit up the room before I flipped the switched to turn the light on. Rows of high end PC’s were sitting at the desks, lined up waiting to be used. I wondered who would need this much power for classwork. It felt more like a room for Esports players than people looking to work. (90)

J is for Journey

_{^{3.27 Epic Walking Story; Sketch and text; Nov 8th}}

Jogging around campus, I imagined myself on a journey. The cement path of the Drillfield became a road guiding me, the small street laps lighting the path to complete my quest. My backpack was heavy, but necessary, like armor protecting me from the unknown. I passed by others, each with their own journey to find knowledge or other treasures. The wind pushed my back, urging me to go on. The firepits near Dietrick hall was my final destination, allowing me catch my breath from the days troubles, my journey ending. (90)

Z is for Zealous

_{^{Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk (Second iteration (2)) ; Photo and text; Nov 18th}}

Zealous is how I feel when my friends ask to play soccer. I think the walk to the field is Blacksburg’s best walk. Stepping outside ready to go, knowing a match is waiting after we reach the field energizes me. Joking with my friends as we get closer makes the walk even more enjoyable, filling me with anticipation. The path is different depending on the weather, warm sunlight tiring me out or cold wind pushing me faster, but every time we reach the field its the same, I feel alive. (90)