My walking entries began first with simple trips of my daily commute from my off-campus apartment to my classes. As I began completing more specific prompts, I became more observant of my surroundings. Internally, I realized my own mood and thoughts were also being influenced by my walk. Something as simple and changeable as pollution was a topic I pondered about as I walked. What was first a routine trip to places such as Bollo’s, a Virginia Tech sports game, or even the bus stop became an archive of my sensory details, reflections, and small discoveries. Through these simple walks, I began noticing a shift in what I previously considered to be ordinary paths. The same hill could feel stressful with heavy groceries, peaceful on a sunny morning, or nostalgic after weeks of distance.
One major theme was the coexistence of movement and my emotions. I tied walks to my memories in that area; stress from walk backs from study rooms, excitement from winning a basketball game, and facing unexpected harsh weather. Another idea I repeatedly found myself thinking about was the contrast from man-made environments and the natural world. Some days, my walk focused on the sky and trees, while other days, I was surrounded by Hokie stone.
On each walk, I aimed to diversify my multimodal elements. I used videos and audio recordings to capture my surroundings that weren’t clear by a mere photo. They gave more detail when I had been walking through dead leaves in the grass on a late autumn day or when I was waiting in line at my favorite bakery. The combination of the mixed media and writing helped define walking through gathering, interpreting, and understanding the experience from different perspectives.
Overall, the alphabetical entries forced me to think about each walk at Virginia Tech from various viewpoints. Each entry is a memory of my journey through this college and I am excited to continue to use walking as a way to broaden my viewpoints.
A is for Apartment
Prompt 2.32 Shortest Walk; Photograph and text; Sunday, Oct. 5
The car was nearby. Groceries were in hand. My palms felt sweaty. Bags had sharp objects. The bags began ripping. Walk. Faster. Run if you can. But I couldn’t run. The groceries were heavy. Stress muddled my mind. I couldn’t drop food. I spent $75. My palms began hurting. Each step felt extensive. Would I make it? I climbed the hill. It wasn’t over though. Now, there were stairs. Twelve lengthy steps. Just do one. Another one more. Just one more. I finally finished climbing. Just ten more feet. Home. (90)
B is for Basketball Game
Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event, Photograph and text; Wednesday, Oct. 19
The evening air didn’t feel cold as I walked from near the Blacksburg library to Cassell Coliseum. Instead of going alone again, I was with my friend. I could hear other Hokies also talking excitedly as they walked towards Cassell. This was my second time at a Virginia Tech basketball game, and I immediately knew it would be more enjoyable than the first time. I felt calm and safe as I chatted with my friend. When we entered the arena, I could smell the concession stand foods. I was excited. (90)
C is for Camera
Prompt 2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden, Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 5
On the rare occasions I go to this garden, my feet immediately take me to the bridge. My mind goes quiet when I’m sitting above the stream, whose only voice is the trickling water moving past. My ears focus on the birds chirping and fish splashing. It’s peaceful today. If I move to the other side of the bridge, it wouldn’t be though. The ongoing construction and talking take away from the bridge’s beauty. Two sides of the same bridge yield contrasting reactions from me. On one, where my bench is a yard away from the construction fences, the human sounds make me want to leave. The noise is no better than home. On the other side, I can close my eyes peacefully and feel my worries leaving me. This garden is essential to Virginia Tech. In a place bustling with students and everyone moving quickly to reach their next destination, no one stops to enjoy the scenery. Hahn Horticultural Garden gives me a break, though. I’m removed from humanity’s struggles. Instead, all I have are my thoughts and nature. (180)
D is for Drillfield
Prompt 2.34 Directions for a First Year Student; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Sept. 24
Dear Future Hokie, these next four years will fly by. It’s hard to take it all in, there’s always so much happening. In Blacksburg, there’s so many things that you could simply walk to. The Farmer’s Market is open on Saturday’s from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Squire’s has an affordable breakzone where you can meet friends to go bowling, play pool, play darts, and so much more. I know it’s freeing to not have parental control 24/7. However, just make sure to stay true to your values. (90)
E is for Emotions in Line
Prompt 2.16 Waiting in Line; Audio and text; Monday, Nov. 10
Audio track 01. A 9 second audio recording of me in line with 6 people ahead while waiting to buy a pastry at Bollo’s bakery. (Original recording, Nitya Ganta)
I’m at my favorite bakery again. Bollo’s. It’s almost a second home and the long lines are almost comforting. After parking in Squire’s the line is the slowest part of the walk. But no one’s frustrated or bored. They’re all conversing and excited for their treat. It feels like the bakery unites us. Instead of uneasiness or impatience, we’re all just excited to be here. The warmth and background chatter make it all worth it. And so I’ll wait. It’s the least I can do for a bakery that’s home. (90).
F is for Finding the Right Pair
Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph, audio, and text; Saturday, Nov. 22
Audio track 02. A 17 second audio recording of me in my daily Brooks walking shoes while walking through leaves on grass. (Original recording, Nitya Ganta)
I’ve had my current pair of shoes for over a year now. I didn’t plan on buying them, but my Nike Air Force’s began peeling, leaving the inside of the shoe to cut my ankle. Living without a car in college, I didn’t have many shoe options to buy without trying them on. So, I bought a pair of Brooks – a company I already used for running. The pair fit me perfectly and have carried me hundreds of miles. I’ve had no issues with pain or with deterioration.
Today, I decided to wear this same pair of black and white Glycerin GTS 21 as I walked around my community. I walked through dirt paths, crossed pavement, and stepped on crunchy fall leaves to get to my destination. This was a normal day for these shoes. While I tried to keep them clean, I want to put them to good use. They’ve taken me through rainy walks home from the bus, trips through cities, and have even gone skydiving with me last year; these shoes are a part of my home. (180)
G is for Gradient Sky
Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Sept. 24
The sun is slowly setting at 6:50pm on this autumn Thursday. I can see the illuminating moon and I know it’s about 240,000 miles away. It looks magnificent in the pastel sky. Around it, the colors shift from blue to a mix of pink and purple. As I’m walking downtown, the sky looks surreal. There isn’t a cloud in sight and the buildings pale in comparison with their bland colors. I could stare at this sky forever and it feels like the sky is holding a breadth, watching. (90)
H is for Hilly Path
Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 10
There’s a desired path that starts at the Maroon loop, wraps around the side of Durham Hall, and ends at Barger St. I’ve used this path to get from Turner’s to the bus. It’s hillier than the sidewalk that lies 10 feet from it. Yet, I, like so many other Hokies, use this downhill path to not miss my bus and get home just a little faster. It was driven by desires and goals to make a bus, and it will only get more prominent as the winter cold starts. (90)
I is for In My Backpack
Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Nov. 22
In my backpack, there are 5 items I always carry: headphones, pencil case, folder, laptop, planner. My laptop is the most essential. The one time I left it at my apartment, I went home to bring it back to campus. Secondly, I need my headphones. The constant chattering in work spaces is distracting if I don’t have them. The next most important item is my planner. I easily feel lost in my tasks if it’s not next to me. I forget what to prioritize and how much work I have to do that day. The folder and pencil case have equal importance to me. Without one, the other one is useless. In my folder, are my exam notes and blank papers to study for classes.
However, this has no correlation to how old they are. I’ve had my Yoobi pink pencil case since I was 11. My headphones, hand-me-downs from my brother, and my laptop are 4 years old. My folder was given by my dorm hall mate freshman year. These five items alone have shaped my academics in college. (180)
J is for Just Another Step
Prompt 2.32 Shortest Walk; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 19
I’m leaving Virginia Tech. Not permanently, of course. Just for Thanksgiving break. My left hand hurt. It gripped a cooler. I had a suitcase, too. Held on my right. Needed to descend steps. So. Heavy. Would I be sore? Maybe. I’ll know tomorrow. Hands were turning red. I felt weighed down. My friend’s car waited. The trunk was open. Thank goodness. Just 8 more steps. My friend saw me. She walked towards me. Then, grabbed my cooler. My hand felt lighter. I lifted the suitcase. Placed in the trunk. Victory. (90)
K is for Keepers of the Fallen
Prompt 2.27 4/16 Memorial; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 19
Even in the busy drillfield, this memorial feels quiet and peaceful. Unrelated thoughts cease to exist in my mind as I look at the names of the fallen. Many of them were younger than me, and it’s fitting that their names are engraved in the center of Virginia Tech. Even as the seasons change and the grass loses its color, this memorial will stand to remind us of the precious people we have lost. We were unable to protect them on April 16th, so we will keep them for eternity. (90)
L is for Looking Around
Prompt 3.16 Non-Commercial Walk; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 18
Off an exit of South Main St, two mini shopping complexes exist: one with B&B Theatres and one with Kroger. As I walked near B&B Theatres, I felt calm on the familiar path. Today was different, though. I wasn’t purchasing anything from Talbots, Ashley’s Store, or even Kroger. On this November night, I was still excited to browse the stores. I had to be careful not to damage anything. I could imagine myself in those clothes or cooking with Kroger ingredients. But today, I was only looking around. (90)
M is for Midterm
Prompt 3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 1
The walk back to my apartment became unusually quiet whenever I stared ahead at the place I spent countless hours studying for my systems midterm. Laughter from sitting in random, empty classrooms echoes through my brain, along with the stress that was once felt in my chest. I felt repelled by the memories of stress, but drawn into the quiet strength I’ve gained. I see more than Hokie stone now. I see a map of who I’ve become. I think back to moments where I felt like I wasn’t enough, how imposter syndrome overtook my mind. Yet now, the Data and Decision Science building shows me my strength, that I too can excel. I wonder if this suffocating feeling is common to others when they look at places that once tested them. Even on cold, windy days, I know I’ll think back to the early autumn breeze I felt on Wednesday, October 1st when exhaustion softened into reflection. As the leaves fall and the air turns cold, I’ll be back in those same empty rooms, preparing even harder for exams. (180)
N is for Night Game
Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 23
My second game this season. My first year buying the season pass. I had to make the most out of the experience – including all the walking. By the end, I had 13,000 steps. The walk from the Hub to the UCB bus stop; the trek from Orange loop to Lane Stadium. The air smelt fresh with the prominent autumn breeze. As we walked, I heard other Hokies talking excitedly. The noise only increased the closer we got. My heart raced with the anticipation to come. I could taste victory. (90)
O is for Oak Tree
Prompt 2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photograph and text; Tuesday, Oct. 21
Dear Old Oak Tree,
I’ve had my eyes on you since I first transferred here. As the seasons changed and your leaves fell, I’ve seen you adapt. You’ve been here for decades, maybe even a century. How has this felt? Are you upset about the constant construction? Or excited for the growing changes? Does the increase of students feel overwhelming? Or are you excited to see even more faces? Last spring, I was constantly around you. I’m a mentor at an elementary school club, and my mentee loved you. She would search around you for growing flowers. She even tried climbing you but I had to stop her. I couldn’t risk her getting hurt. Sometimes, I would let her take a couple of your leaves home. As a little souvenir of her visits to Virginia Tech. When I look at you, I think of those fond memories and how much I’ve grown since. You’re always in the corner of those moments, steady and watching the world change. Thank you for staying strong and know I’m rooting for you.
Love,
Nitya (180)
P is for Plastic Pollution
Prompt 2.24 Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and text; Tuesday, Sept. 30
On my walk to class, a plastic cup was deep into the brushes. It was on Main Street, and I think of how I’ve seen people walking downtown polluting the environment on weekend nights. Maybe this cup has a similar story. On campus, nature is often untouched as Hokies focus more on academics. Near Torgensen Hall and Gilbert Place, the streets are clean and well-kept. However, busier places, like downtown, have trash and pollution on weekends. Why do Hokies care less when they’re off campus? Our campus is so clean. (90)
Q is for Quiet Routine
Prompt 3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Photograph and text; Monday, Oct. 27
Another day as a VT student. Another morning of the downhill trek on Main St. to get to class. I had 2 options: bus or walk. I decided to walk. In the gloomy autumn air, my choice is deliberate. I walk slowly, my mind crowded with other responsibilities. My feet move just as slow and I am alone with my thoughts. It’s like clockwork every weekday. Through this routine, I’m forced to reconnect with nature. In a world of distractions and tasks, I am alone for the next 20 minutes. (90)
R is for Regional Demographics
Prompt 3.18 Centering Data; Photograph and text; Monday, Oct. 17
The regional demographics of Montgomery County, Virginia is public information. In 2023, the median age was 30, which is heavily influenced by the age of students. The 3 largest ethnic groups are White (81.5%), Asian (6.15%), and Black (3.87%). The walking in my area is safe, and I attribute this to Blacksburg being a college town. Last year, I would walk back to my apartment around midnight after studying for exams. I am fortunate that safety isn’t a concern for me as I pursue my college degree. (90)
S is for Sunset
Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 11
I had been staring down, only at the ground below. As I reached my apartment, I looked up and saw the view I almost missed. The sky’s gradient shifted from yellow to orange to pink, then to pastel purple and a darkening blue. The colors felt alive, yet impossibly unreachable. The clouds blended into the sky as one entity. Under this beauty, I become a small being, one with trivial problems. All my past worries seem to disappear for a second. How easy it is to forget the world’s beauty. (90)
T is for Tread Carefully
Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Video and text; Sunday, Nov. 23
Video 01. A 23 second video of a desired path starting from a community sidewalk as a shortcut from a neighborhood to the commercial area (Original video, Nitya Ganta)
I found a new neighborhood path to follow around some community woods. The shape was similar to a C. Yet, in the middle of it, was a desired path to get to the commercial plaza. It shortened the walking time by only a minute, but the path was so apparent. As I began walking it, I realized a creek split the desired path in two. But still, there were footsteps on the rocks and bicycle tire treads on streambank.
I wanted to cross too. I couldn’t merely step across the creek. Instead, I needed to walk across the pointy rocks to ensure I wouldn’t slip into the water or injure myself. It felt like a challenge. At first, I planned where to keep my feet. I waited a while in silence, where I told myself I was trying to find better foot placements but was actually second guessing myself. I had to just go for it. In two swift steps on the rocks, I was across. I guess I’m another one to leave the paved route when curiosity outweighs caution. (180)
U is for Unnecessary Benches
Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Video and text; Saturday, Nov. 6
Video 02. A 10 second recording of two benches less than 50 feet apart on Drillfield Dr. (Original video, Nitya Ganta)
There are two benches next to each other. On Virginia Tech’s campus, near the drill field, this is where buses stop to pick up students. Sitting there, with another bench just 10 feet away, it feels unnecessary. In the 5 minutes I sat at one, I watched as people hurried to their classes or chatted with their friends. It showed me why people walked, and why people could prefer the bus. I wanted to join them. Now, I felt more motivated to continue my walk to also get to class. (90)
V is for the Voices Surrounding Me
2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Audio and text; Sunday, Nov. 7
Audio track 03. A 10-second audio recording of me walking through Turners to get to class on a Friday afternoon. (Original recording, Nitya Ganta)
There’s voices everywhere. Wherever I turn, another student is speaking. They’re all so separate, but I process them as one, unable to tune everything out. One sticks out. They say “I knew we’d win the game”. There’s so many games he could be referring to. The Louisville football game from 6 days prior. His own sports match. Maybe he’s in an intramural league? Or maybe it’s not a physical game at all. Maybe it’s a video game. But he seems satisfied and proud. After all, he knew they would win. (90)
W is for Winter Peek
3.13 Seven-Day Walk; Video and text; Saturday, Nov. 15
Video 03. A 19 second video recording of the snow on November 10th as I was reaching Newman library after starting from Bookholders (Original video, Nitya Ganta)
My seven day walk was from Bookholders to Newman Library.
November 9th: The weather is warm. The air smells fresh and it doesn’t feel like winter is starting. I hear the birds and the kind breeze.
November 10th: It’s snowing. My hands are numb and I’m shivering. It feels impossible to reach Newman Library and all I can hear is my own breathing as I walk. I don’t think I’m prepared for winter.
November 11th: It snowed again? The wind is harsh as I start from Bookholders. I see people hurrying to their destinations and it is silent. The snow seemed to wash away the existing scents.
November 12th: The weather is getting better. My hands don’t feel cold when I go outside and I don’t see any snow. I can smell the bakery scents again and I no longer hear the harsh wind.
November 13th: The snow almost felt like a fever dream. It’s warm and sunny again. I don’t feel my winter jacket on me as it’s now at home. I hear people talking as they walk the same way as me.
November 14th: I hear someone playing classical music on the piano today. Oh, how I miss the piano. I see them as I walk past that alley. I can smell coffee as I stop for a second to watch. I want this 65 degree weather to stay.
November 15th: I’m with my friend this time. We see people playing instruments outside of Milk Parlor. Their soft, melodious music sounds lovely. This time, we stop by Bollo’s and get apple cinnamon muffins. What a beautiful last walk. (270)
X is for Xylograph
2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Video and text; Sunday, Nov. 9
Video 04. A 13 second video of the public found downtown near Bollo’s and Coffeeholics (Original video, Nitya Ganta)
A xylograph could look beautiful on the piano. Downtown, near Coffeeholics, art exists on the walls and roads. What if it was added to the wood on the piano that sits in the center of it all as well? Intricate engravings on a complex instrument that’s played both on warm Saturday mornings during the farmers market and also near midnight on Friday nights. The piano’s witnessed the harsh winter winds and the humid summer afternoons. One artist would be all that’s needed for this change. Just someone talented in woodwork. (90)
Y is for Yellow Leaves
Prompt 2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 7
Dear Yellow Tree,
I’ve never seen one like you. With leaves so vibrant and bright like the sun in late autumn where others are already bare. On my walk to you, I saw red and brown leaves flood the ground, another sign of this beautiful season coming to an end. You, however, stay bright. Thank you for holding on for longer. The winters here are brutal, and it was a comfort to feel fall for just a little longer. I’ll think of your leaves in the coming cold.
Love,
Nitya (90)
Z is for Zen Finish
Prompt 2.16 Waiting in Line; Photograph and text; Monday, Nov. 10
Finally, I’m at the front. It’s my turn to order. I get the same pumpkin chocolate chip muffin. Almost as a celebration, I hear the Something in the Orange by Zach Bryan begin to play overhead. Another favorite of mine. I feel peaceful, full of zen. Grabbing the brown paper bag with my treat, I leave. Walking out, I thought I’d feel cathartic. Instead, I’m sad to leave my cozy bakery. But I have a piece of the place in my hand. Ready to be eaten when I reach home. (90)