A is for A Letter for a Freshman

2.34 Directions for a First-year Student, Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Figure 01. The Virginia Tech bush logo right outside the Virginia Tech Baseball field in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

Dear Future Hokie,

I’m not going to lie, freshman year won’t be all smooth sailing. There will be ups and downs, and those downs can be rough. It’s hard being in a new place with new people, and away from your family and everything that you’ve known. It can be hard to know what to do in times of doubt. However, when you ever feel overwhelmed or like you need an escape, places like the Horticulture Garden and the Duck Pond are great for beautiful sights and clearing your mind. (90)

B is for Bench

2.05 A Good Bench, Photograph and text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Figure 02. A bench overlooking the Virginia Tech duck pond in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

The most sentimental location in all of Blacksburg is the duck pond. I think it has some of the most beautiful scenery that I’ve ever seen. This bench, in the middle of the duck pond path, creates the perfect spot to stop and enjoy the nature. Ducks quacking and splashing, even approaching you. The reflections in the water, the smell of autumn in the air. During walks often get caught up in the actual walk, but a good bench like this allows us to slow down and enjoy the scenery. (90)

C is for Consecutive Walks

3.23 Daily Walk List, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 03. Countless birds flock in the sky above McBryde Drive in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

The daily walk I chose to do was my walk through the neighborhood on McBryde Drive from my apartment at Alight to campus. Out of all the things that stood out to me on my walks, this photograph has to be it. I was walking to campus when I looked up and saw what looked like hundreds of birds swarming the skies. I had never seen anything like it before; it was as if they were possessed. I doubt I’d see anything else out of the ordinary if I continued. (90)

D is for Duck Pond

2.19 Duck Pond, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 04. Two ducks swimming on Virginia Tech’s duck pond in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

I love the duck pond. I believe it’s the most beautiful and special place on campus. On this specific trip that I took there, I noticed these two ducks swimming alone. Separate from the rest of the group. I watched them glide across the pond together, never leaving each other’s side. It made me think that maybe these two birds really are in love. I never thought that animals could comprehend complex, human-like emotions like that. However, watching these two made me believe that they really did love each other. (90)

E is for Established Path

2.17 Desire Paths, Video and text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Video 01. Recording of a desire path, forged by the footprints of students, cutting through Virginia Tech’s drillfield in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original video, Davis Woody)

This desire path is one I use every day of the week. I take it on my walk from Johnson Student Center to McComas Hall between 3 and 3:30 to cut through the drillfield. It doesn’t save me much time in the grand scheme of things, but those couple of seconds that it does save me make me feel like it makes a real difference, and clearly, I’m not the only one who thinks so. People will look to save a couple of seconds in any way they can. (90)

F is for Flowers

2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden, Photograph and text; Sunday, Oct.5

Figure 05. Hahn Horticulture Garden as it is seen from its entrance on Washington Street. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

Hahn Horticulture Garden is a spot on campus I frequently visit. I don’t go as much as I would like to anymore, but it provides me with nostalgia from when I went all the time as a comfort place during my freshman year. As I made my way out of McComas Hall on the night this picture was taken, I couldn’t resist a trip to see my old friend. What I saw were flowers, lush beyond belief. Begging for my attention like nothing else I had seen in my life. (90)

G is for Garbage

2.24 A Meditation on Garbage, Photograph and text; Thursday, Oct. 9

Figure 06. A couch that has been flipped and thrown out of an apartment at Alight Blasburg, and is now lying in the grass on the front lawn. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

I’ve come across countless pieces of trash in my existence, but this one is probably the most shocking. As I was walking home one night, I stumbled across this couch that looked like it had been thrown off the balcony of a third-floor apartment. I couldn’t believe that someone would discard furniture like that without considering its impact on others or what would happen to it. I view Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, to some extent, as an incredibly clean location. This, however, is appalling and unlike anything I’d ever seen. (90)

H is for Huckleberry Trail

2.11 Huckleberry Trail, Photograph and text; Monday, Oct.6

Figure 07. Tunnel along the Huckleberry trail that goes underneath Route 460. It’s the more southern of the two tunnels, and this photograph was taken at night to show off the tunnel lighting. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

The Huckleberry Trail is one of my favorite places to walk and clear my head at Virginia Tech. It takes me away from the college vibe and transports me into a world that seems completely disconnected from Virginia Tech. I feel as though I’m actually alone in nature, which is unlike anything I feel on campus. As I traversed the trail one night, this tunnel caught my attention. The way it lit up amid the dark night, it was as if it were some sort of an escape from reality. (90) 

I is for Indoor Walk

2.12 Indoor Walk, Video and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Video 02. Loop around the first floor of my house in Richmond, Virginia. (Original video, Davis Woody)

My indoor walk is simple. So simple that I didn’t even consider it a walk until now. It simply consists of me walking in a loop around the first floor of my house in Richmond. The house is built with a staircase going upstairs in the front of the house and a staircase to the basement in the back, both positioned in the center of the house, which creates freedom to roam through the first floor. This walk is one I constantly repeat, especially when stressed, specifically during football games. (90)

J is for Junk

2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different, Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Figure 08. An empty cigarette packet found in the parking lot of Richmond’s First Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

One of my teachers in college gave us three lessons to remember on the last day of class. The first lesson he said was to recycle. More specifically, we need to take care of the one planet that we have so that our future generations have somewhere to live. This cigarette packet was left in the parking lot of a place I hold sacred: my church. To think that someone would just leave it here sickened me. We need to emphasize to the world the importance of the Earth’s future. (90)

K is for Keepings

2.23 The Things You Carry, Video and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Video 03. Emptied contents of my backpack in my Alight apartment in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original video, Davis Woody)

It’s kind of a pathetic haul for a backpack that I carry around everywhere, but the truth is, I don’t have many necessities for classes. The only items in my bag are a computer, a five-star college ruled spiral notebook, an old folder, a smaller notebook, and a calculator. To be fair, I really don’t even need the calculator anymore. I really only use the five-star for scrap paper. The folder keeps any papers I get, and the smaller notebook is essentially empty. My computer holds just about everything important. (90)

L is for Line

2.16 Waiting in Line, Photograph and text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Figure 09. Waiting in line outside the QDOBA restaurant in Turner Place on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

This infamous line at QDOBA is where I spend around 20 minutes of my day, five days a week. It’s known for being one of the most popular restaurants on campus. Naturally, it comes with one of the longest lines as well. This particular trip features warmth. An escape from the cold outside. The aroma draws me in, reminds me why I’m here. Why I’m waiting in this line. The frustration is shared. No one wants to be here. Everyone is either talking to a friend or on their phone. (90)

M is for Mall

3.16 Non-Commercial Walk, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 10. Right inside the main entrance of Short Pump Mall in Richmond, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

This walk happened at the infamous Short Pump Town Center mall in Richmond, Virginia, on Black Friday. Naturally, there were thousands of shoppers who help revive the mall on this day once every year. The walkways were incredibly crowded, either with people traffic or lines wrapping around the stores. There were absolutely no rules, it seemed. I would argue that the universal rule for walking is that you walk on the right side. On Black Friday, however, people walk wherever they want. I couldn’t walk efficiently at all that day. (90)

N is for Night Sky

3.14 Star Gazing, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 11. View of the stars in the night sky above my neighborhood in Richmond, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

I love walking at night. In fact, I love it more than walking during the day. It feels way more peaceful and alone. For this walk, I slowed down heavily. I took every step carefully. Cautious not to step somewhere dangerous or off course. My only pauses came when I was trying to identify constellations, of which I actually did recognize a few. I can easily get lost on a nighttime walk because I can feel the darkness surrounding me. While others feel danger, I feel safe in the night. (90)

O is for Old Shoes

2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories, Video and text; Thursday, Oct. 30

Video 04. Recording I took of my shoes during a walk in the neighborhood by my apartment in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original video, Davis Woody)

The shoes shown in this video have been with me since freshman year, to be exact. They’ve carried me in the form of walks, car rides, and airplanes. They’ve seen numerous states and all sorts of terrain. From snow to beach, wet to dry, heat to frozen. They’ve carried me through some excellent times, as well as my lowest of lows. These shoes are even responsible for causing me to sprain my ankle during basketball, which is my most serious injury to date. They’re worn down now, but still serviceable. (90)

P is for Premier Walk

2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 12. Graffiti artwork I found underneath a bridge on a walk behind my apartment in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

For this entry, I asked my roommate, and good friend, what walk is his favorite in Blacksburg. He told me he liked to take a walk right behind our house, which I now know is called the Shenandoah Bike Trail. It’s a roughly two-mile loop that goes through a neighborhood. I was a huge fan of this walk, and it had so many unique aspects to it that set it apart from other walks I’ve been on. One of those aspects was this wall of graffiti that caught my eye. (90)

Q is for Quick Walk

2.32 Shortest Walk, Photograph and text; Wednesday, Oct. 8

Figure 13. Doorway to my kitchen as seen from my bedroom at my apartment at Alight Blacksburg. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

This walk again. Every morning. My alarm goes off. I turn it off. I roll over. I’m out of bed. I get up. I open the door. Kitchen stares at me. First walk for today. Just like yesterday. Just like tomorrow. I step out slowly. Feet on cold hardwood. I’m barely awake. One foot after another. The windows are open. I see faint sunlight. I’m all alone. Everyone is asleep. I feel my thirst. Fill my water bottle. Drink it in silence. Start to wake up. Beginning of every day. (90)

R is for Recorded Walk

2.13 Step Counting Metrics, Shoe Memories, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 14. Screenshot of my Strava app where I recorded a walk I took on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

I must admit, I got a little carried away with this entry. What was supposed to be a 10-15 minute walk turned into an hour-long one. That should say how I feel about step-tracking. I was focused on cumulating as many steps as possible. I really wanted to take a walk to see some of my favorite spots on campus, with the hopes of mapping it out and seeing how it looked once I finished. I don’t know anyone devoted to step-tracking, but I can see the fun in it. (90)

S is for Sporting Event

2.08 Sporting Event, Photograph and text; Tuesday, Oct. 7

Figure 15. Worsham Field at Land Stadium in Blacksburg, Virginia, as seen from the west sideline. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

This is a photo I took during my internship I have with the Virginia Tech Athletic Department. We went down to the field and walked around to become familiar with the stadium and what our roles would be during the game. The view was incredible. It was surreal to be up close and personal with the football environment while the teams were warming up. I won’t forget how loud it was either. Music blasting, fans cheering, players yelling, and cadets marching. There was so much going on everywhere I turned. (90)

T is for Trek

2.35 Go For A Hike, Photograph and text; Sunday, Oct. 26

Figure 16. A waterfall at the end of the Cascades Hiking Trail, just outside of Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

The Cascades Trail is an adventure I’ve trekked plenty of times during my time as a student at Virginia Tech. The focal point of the hike is obviously, as pictured above, the waterfall at the end of the trail. It’s a fairly long hike up and back, but it’s absolutely made better with the addition of friends. Sharing this experience and conversing the whole time makes the walking not seem so bad, and makes the time fly by. The cascades are a cliché to bring up, but I love it. (90)

U is for Unique

3.22 Change the Ritual, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 17. Two horses out in a field near Smithfield Road in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

My ritualistic walk is down Smithfield Road by the cow and horse pastures. When I get to the end of the road, I either turn back or I turn left and walk down the Huckleberry Trail if I’m feeling adventurous. This walk is ritualistic because it takes me away from the campus buildings and lights. This time, I turned left at the end and walked all the way to Smith’s Landing Apartments. It took away the rural/ritualistic aspect of the walk, but it took me to an unexplored location. (90)

V is for Various Backgrounds

2.14 Signage, Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 18. A car with an Idaho license plate parked outside the Data and Decision Sciences building in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

Pictured above is an Idaho license plate that I believe is the most captivating sign that I came across. I know this isn’t a Virginia Tech-issued sign, and it isn’t permanently placed, but I’ll explain why. This Idaho license plate symbolises the diverse community created here at Virginia Tech. We have tens of thousands of students, all collected here from different backgrounds in this big University melting pot. We have students from around the country, and even from outside of it, all living in this small city we call home. (90)

W is for Walking for Beauty

3.02 Flânerie, Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Figure 19. A rainbow appears above Owen’s Food Court on Virginia Tech’s campus in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

Flânerie, from what I can gather, is finding beauty through the art of walking. The emphasis is more on the art of walking, or rather, strolling without end. With that said, I’d consider myself a huge fan of Flânerie. There’s nothing better than walking for the fun of it, exploring whatever comes across your path. Throughout my many walks, I believe the above photograph encapsulates the most beautiful representation of Flânerie that I can recall. A rainbow perfectly positioned above campus, something I wouldn’t have experienced without walking for myself. (90)

X is for Xatanitos (Magic Word)

3.27 Epic Walking Story, Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Figure 20. A stray cat approaches on the Shennandoah Bike Trail in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

Centuries ago, kingdoms stood, kings conquered, and magic existed. Magic ruled all. Some even went to dangerous depths to seek it. However, none possessed more magic than Siné the cat. The truth was, no matter how powerful any other magician got, they could never match Siné, for he was the only one who had mastered immortality. With this power, he forged a path between the kingdoms in an attempt to make a lasting connection for years to come. Eventually, the kingdoms fell, and that path became the Shenandoah Bike Trail. (90)

Y is for Yearn to Walk

3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing, Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Figure 21. Parking spot in the Chicken Hill parking lot near the Virginia Tech Intramural fields in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Original photograph, Davis Woody)

I yearn to walk. It is absolutely a need. If I ever feel distraught in any way, whether it’s sadness, stress, or even if I’m happy and nothing’s wrong. I love the feeling of escaping my everyday life and just being able to take some time for myself, undisturbed. I’m a fast walker, at least, in my opinion. The walks I take are either predetermined paths/trails or journeys without an ending. Sometimes I walk without an end in sight. I just walk until I feel satisfied with my distance. (90)

Z is for Zone to Eavesdrop

2.04 Overheard, Less Context, Audio and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Audio track 01. Recorded a piece of conversation overheard in Short Pump Towne Center in Richmond, Virginia. (Original recording, Davis Woody)

I recorded this audio in an extremely busy mall during Black Friday. I believe you can tell from the audio just how many people there were around me. Some voices stick out more than others, but there is clear chatter going on throughout the audio clip. I can pretty clearly make out someone saying, “The onions from Shrek. Oh my gosh!” It just sounds like two friends having a random conversation, referencing a movie they enjoy. I think it speaks to the type of people shopping there that day: teenagers. (90)

A series of appreciations for the home-away from home I have found here at college and beyond.

A is for Animate

a moment of awe, video and text, oct. 1

Video 01. The camera is pointed towards a sunset reflected in a building’s windows. It then pans over to the actual sunset, appearing over the top of nearby buildings. 

It was 7:22pm on Wednesday night in early fall. I was exiting the surge, the building that housed my last class of the day. I hardly noticed what my friend to my right was saying, too busy looking ahead at the sunset. I couldn’t see the real thing yet, blocked by surge’s steadfast walls. Instead the reflection of the scene onto nearby windows had gripped me, and I was oblivious to the world around me. I think I commented on the sight, how beautiful it seemed. I think my friend replied in kind, and revealed that they had commented the same, I simply hadn’t noticed, too distracted by the sight itself. There’s a hope that burrows itself deep in my heart when I see things like this. The windows that reflected the sunset were cold, unfeeling planes, rigid and regimented and set in ugly tan stone. Man-made to the core, more focused on functionality than anything else. But for that moment, during those golden hours, it was beautiful. It was man and nature in a certain kind of peace, harmony, unity. You can look at the grass beside the road and see it half dead and littered with humanities refuse. You can see oil pumps scattering the plains of Texas like so many ticks, sucking more and more blood from the earth, eternally thirsty, never satisfied. And then you can look up at the windows of a building, its eyes, the gateway to whatever works as its soul, and you can see the soothing gradient of the sun relaxing into night, its heaven bound duties done for the day. (270)

B is for building

a chill down the spine, photograph and text, oct. 29

Figure 09. The image shows a distant mountain, blurred almost to obscurity by a thick fog.

The day is October 29, only two days away from Halloween. There is anticipation in the fall air, and an added layer to the crispness of the season. The low fog hanging over the mountains only serves to heighten this oncoming excitement, even nature herself seems to be getting ready for a celebration of the spookiest time of the year. Just as I pass homes with fake cobwebs strewn about and pumpkins carved with little faces, I walk by the mountains and their opaque cloaks. It’s almost funny in a way. The old hunks of rock and stone and dirt don’t move so much as an inch, but their clothes flow and weave through the air in a performance far better than any a human could put on. Even as I get on the bus, there’s still an almost imperceptible buzz to the air, as we all feel the weekend approaching. The bodies back together in the great belly of the beast, and conversations inevitably slide towards who will be what, and what’s going where. Though we can’t see it, the moon is preparing itself too, a bright and perfect half circle, suspended far above. The rising in your chest as something so fun approaches is contagious, delightful, and slightly addictive. (270)

C is for Crickets

A lovely seat, photograph and text, sept 30

Figure 01. A stone wall covered with moss. A small patch on its top has been brushed clean of leaf debris, making a convenient seat to stop and hear the crickets chirp. (Original picture, Claire Smith)

When she exits the front door, it is the serene gray of clouds that greet her, not the sun lying in aching blue. When she walks down the path, it is the smell of softly rotting leaves that greets her, not the fresh summer breeze. When she looks out towards the mountains, it is sprinklings of red that greet her, not young fresh green life carpeting all. When she closes her eyes and listens, crickets greet her, their chirps heralding the season of twilight, of the slow death before sleep. (90)    

D is for Darkness

a moment of comfort, photograph and text, oct. 29

Figure 10. A lamppost stands tall and proud in the somewhat dim light, its head a butter yellow.

Our campus doesn’t really exist all in light or all in dark. Out here, where we are bordered with mountains at every turn, is far different from the flat home I am used to up north. Where I grew up, the cities and streetlamps make it so there’s never true darkness, always a haze of light over all. Tech is very different. The light pollution, though present, is much diminished. At night, there is near total darkness, with small glowing pockets of light around every lamppost. It almost feels like a giant laid down candle after candle to guide your way. They have a warmth to them that is so often lacking in today’s lights. The lamp here is a perfect example. Though I did not take this picture in the darkness, the lamp still has a comforting yellow glow to it, with a bright haze surrounding it. Against the backdrop of the gray gray sky, I can’t help but be grateful for it. The post itself is its own contrast as well, with its inky black body and illuminated head. (180)

E is for Even

a flash of hope, photograph and text, oct.10

Figure 05. The sky is completely cloudy except for a single small gap, through which a clear blue can be seen. The horizon appears dark and foreboding, but it’s clear, even with such ominous clouds, that the sun still shines. 

Even when rain hangs low and heavy, even when the land is cast in shadow, even when the morning drags instead of lifts, even when your sock slips off your heel in your shoe, even when your clothes don’t lay right on your body, even when your food tastes like ash in your mouth, even when your coffee is cold and your tea is watery, even when your bus is late and your umbrella is missing, even when your hands are cold but your head is hot, even when your faucet is leaky and your neighbors are loud, even when your bread is stale and your water is cold, even when your eyes itch and burn and the work still isn’t done, even when you stain your clothes and rip your papers, even when you get no reply, even when your books are overdue and bills aren’t paid, even when your feet ache and your back strains, even when your home is cloaked in the inky shadows of night, even then is the sun waiting to shine on you again. (180)

F is for Future

a delightful shiver, photograph and text, oct. 31

Figure 11. Distant clouds hover above a mountain of patchwork colors.

The clouds above are unmistakably winter clouds, the kind that herald snow, now or later. They have the same white top, the same almost purple bottoms, and float about in patches. Even though its the last day of October, with a whole November to stand between us and true winter, the clouds serve as a reminder, and a warning, and a promise all in one. You can feel it in the air as it sharpens from crisp to bitingly cold. You know winter is coming, foretold in the sky above. (90)

G is for Gift

a fleeting gift, photograph and text, nov. 2

Figure 12. A rather poor picture, taken inside a car, of a corridor of trees that open into a view of the distant horizon.

This picture is not my best, taken in one hand as I paused at a stop sign near my house. The trees in the distance are barely visible and the clouds above aren’t exactly the interesting ones I love to document. But the thing about this picture is that it’s not actually meant for me. When me and my friends all split off for college, our journeys took us all over America. For two of my friends, New York city is their reality, every day, in and out. They both enjoy it, but I could tell from our messages that they wanted more of the fall changing colors, of nature reacting to the colder weather. To me, there are few better ways to view that than cresting the hill that takes me home, where a valley tracing up into a mountain is centered dead ahead, and the trees line the street like a parade. Of course, my phone barely captures the beauty and scope of the scene, but I have a feeling my friend won’t mind. (180)

H is for Heart

a passion in the heart, photograph and text, oct 24.

Figure 08. The blue sky in the background and the green tree in the foreground serve as a perfect contrast for the singularly most vibrantly red tree I have ever seen in my life. The changing of the seasons has done  a number on this particular piece of greenery, to the point that “greenery” couldn’t be a more inaccurate term. 

Hearts are red, everyone knows this. They are the physicalization of love, they are violently alive, they are blood, they are red. Sometimes the leaves themselves appear like little hearts, their flicking in the breeze so akin to that many thousand thready pulses. It’s fitting, in a way, that this is their last hurrah before they all die and fall off. Almost as if they know their fate, and their fear causes their hearts to beat ever faster, blood pumping harder, color coming in stronger. Maybe it isn’t fear, but excitement. It’s called a last “hurrah” for a reason, and perhaps the plants in question are trying all to out do each other in a dazzling last encore before the year’s curtain call. I know my heart began to beat faster when I saw the leaves in question. I was outside a chipotle, awaiting the completion of my order, my eyes skating aimlessly around me. I had to do a double take when I saw the tree in the photo, it was so rich and saturated. A gift from Autumn. (180)

I is for Imagine

a distant friend, photograph and text, oct. 2

Figure 03. The camera is pointed towards a snippet of a distant mountain range. The peaks, though still covered in green at this time, appear in shades of blue. The photographer seems to be ignoring the busy foreground of a college campus, the focus of the camera is above the hubbub of daily life. 

The mountains are a constant presence in Blacksburg. They form the horizon in every direction, a ring of staunch sentinels, silent and steady. They are older than I can comprehend, and “live” on a scale that I cannot grasp in any way that matters. I like to picture them as old men, in line with classic appalachian folk lore, the kind of old men who refuse to move because they know that if they do their front yard, a safe haven for endangered hummingbirds, will be repossessed by the local government and turned into a fast food restaurant. The kind of withered old geezer that fought in a war they don’t teach you about anymore, who’s devoted to his brothers in arms but always willing to make a new friend. The kind of stalwart fogey that snores like a woodchipper on this favorite chair, and refuses to move. There are a lot of things he could be, many names you could give him. Many lives he could have lived. Sometimes you just have to talk to him and find out. (180)

J is for Journey

a moment of excitement, photograph and text, nov. 7

Figure 13. A picture taken at the top of a hill, where a sweeping arm of colorful trees curls around the sidewalk.

This is the first time I have ventured to see my sister at her home in college while we are both at school. This is the first time she has invited me specifically, instead of the open invitation that she offers constantly, a door left ajar and unlocked. I think I would have been too nervous to do this in my freshman year, too worried about falling behind in classes or just too tired with all the homework I would have to do. But today, as I walk away from my last class of the day, a test I have just completed, the world feels spectacularly inviting. I took this photo to show her, as her neighborhood in North Carolina does not have nearly as much color as we do here in the mountains. It feels like all my thoughts are directed towards my trip and my sister like a magnet. Everything I see suddenly seems extremely newsworthy, something I should tell her about right away. The walk to the bus loop is one I take often, and it’s become a muscle memory. The same stop, the same bench, the same few people and the same time. It’s nice in a way, the familiarity. But this time there’s a novelty to it, akin to the feeling of having a field trip instead of school, of the morning before a fun trip, the eve of your birthday. A charge to the air, that speaks of incoming happiness. It snaps and crackles around and in me, little pops in my chest, like bubbles or poppers. My smile is distracted, my gaze distant. (270)

K is for Known

the start of a walk with jane, photograph and text, nov. 8

Figure 14. Another corridor of trees provide a cover for sunbeams peaking through puffy clouds that are almost blue.

Anyone who has a sibling knows that they are one of the strangest relationships you’ll have in your life. Right now I am nowhere near where I usually walk. This is not my neighborhood, not my home. This is my sister’s turf, where she treads daily. We stroll aimlessly, catching up as best we can, trying to bridge the distance that always grows between us when we’re apart for a while. She pauses indulgently to let me take a picture of the clouds as I comment on them for the 5th time. She knows how much I love them, she would not deny me this. We have grown and raised in the same home, i know how she faces adversity, i know how she deals with annoyance, rage, happiness, peace. I know how her favorite color bounced from purple to blue when she was still trying to be different, I know how she used to pour hours into her homework until she could lay down for a 15 minute nap and instantly fall asleep. I know we love each other. (180)

L is for Lull

a view from underneath, photograph and text, sept. 30

Figure 02. The camera is aimed towards the sky, capturing the cloud cover. The pattern of the clouds appears like the underside of water, as if the photographer is in the ocean, looking up.

Sand rests beneath, and the roiling sea above. Sound is muffled, water cradling the head, preventing sharp slices of sound. The air I breathe is set aside for the fantasy, that I lie under the waves. It aches, the symmetry this world provides. Patterns endlessly repeating, a gift that never stops renewing its generous beauty. On land, I drown in work and stress. Ensconced below the frozen and fluffy waves of my own creation, I can breathe. There are so many parallels on this earth, so many little things mirrored over and over. I love trying to find them throughout my day, seeking the comfort they bring. Truly, there is nothing new on this planet, only familiar comforts taking on new shapes. There is a fear of the unknown shared by all humankind, if you keep your eyes open, and try to notice the world around you, is it really unknown at all? If you only have the eyes to see, as a flower unfurls its petals, so too will your own nature, as you gain peace in this world. (180)

M is for Music

a moment of peace, video and text, oct. 12

Video 02. The wind combs through the trees with an absent minded hand, fading in and out. The leaves twitch as they are blown about. The sound is unlike anything else, thousands of paper-thin hands all fluttering against each other, brushing like the turning of so many pages.

Music comes in many forms, even in the natural world. From the sound of babbling brooks, to crashing waterfalls. The calls of coyotes to the chirps of cardinals. Even the silence of the stars spinning in the heavens. But few things can compare to the sound of the wind weaving through the trees. I captured this video on the front stoop of my home, the screen door propped open on my shoulder uncomfortably. I was entranced by the scene, only because I had stopped to watch and listen. On my way to the car, I was struck by the thought that the sound was much louder than usual, and, for reasons both superficial (I needed to record something for this assignment) and inexplicable (something about the noise gripped me, and I recorded far longer than what would be required) I stopped, took out my phone, and started to take a video. I am a musician, I started on piano, I am continuing with violin and bass guitar. Violins specialize in melody, bass handles, understandably, the bass. This is something more. (180)

N is for New

the middle of a walk with jane, photograph and text, nov. 8

Figure 15. The clouds swirl with golden highlights above a peaceful suburban scene.

We continue our walk, the clouds revealing a new aspect of the sky. She pauses again to let me take a picture. The fresh air is so different from the Blacksburg I’ve been experiencing these past few days. The air is warmer, and the sun seems to stay in the sky longer. That, combined with her presence, means I’m happier, more willing to share whatever I can. We talked about our childhood, shared between just the two of us. How she saw things, how I saw things. A new perspective. (90)

O is for Opulent

the end of a walk with jane, photograph and text, nov. 8

Figure 16. The sun sets golden and bright on the horizon, bathing the bottoms of the clouds in gossamer tones.

We’re on the last leg of our walk, the conversation flowing neatly, no need to push it on laboriously. We turn a corner and I see the sun in the corner of a painted canvas sky, golden and covering the rest of the sky in gold. I have always loved the skies around my sister, they have a way of inspiring awe in even the most stoic of hearts. (hers, because she’s heard me talk about clouds enough times to be fed up.) We stop for the final time, and I take as many pictures as I please. She’s telling me about the latest in her life, and I make sure she pauses while I snap my photos. Both these things require my full attention, and the clouds are that much more fleeting. She never begrudges me this, to my relief. She pauses to, and for a second that stretches comfortably, we just stare together at the sky. It really is beautiful, and I can’t help but be overjoyed that I decided to visit. There is so much joy here. (180)

P is for Puzzled

a moment of confusion, photograph and text, nov. 10

Figure 17. A picture taken through a window of a patchy layer of snow on the ground.

When I was a kid, snow was something of legend. Kids would devolve into rituals, passed down from elementary schooler to elementary schooler. everything from leaving your pjs outside to flushing ice down the toilet. Any hint of the stuff was the only news that would be talked about, besides what game to play later. So when I woke up this morning and found a whole (thin) layer of it on the ground I was highly confused. Not only had I received no mention of this, but it’s early november? (90) 

Q is for Quite

a stalwart friend, photograph and text, nov. 14

Figure 18. A single lamppost stands a silent vigil with pink dusted clouds in the background.

The lamppost has become a friendly presence in my daily walks. Right outside my front door, it greets me cheerily in the early morning and late at night. I can’t help but be reminded of the lamppost in “The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe”, and those little British kids that went with it. The lamppost seems more British the more you look at it. Bright and yellow, you could mistake it for gas, thinking it belongs more on the streets of London than a random suburb in southwest Virginia. I should break out my kettle and biscuits, have a, quite lovely i might add, tea just for myself. The lamppost is stalwart like those brits too, doesn’t complain or talk about anything. Perhaps that’s a strange thought to have towards an inanimate piece of civil architecture, but aren’t walks supposed to increase your brainpower, creativity, and overall blood flow? We can hardly help the funny little ideas that flit about our heads when we amble along, and, truly, would we want to? I should give him a British moustache. (180)

R is for Rest

a flash of jealousy, photograph and text, oct. 3

Figure 04 A glimpse of a line of fog is visible through distractions in the foreground. The sky is completely clear, the only cloud around is the one lurking in the valley before the mountain begins.

The mist rests sleepily in the valleys just off the mountain range, cradled by the tree covered crags. It slides through the leaves still adorning the trees, brushing each and every one with its icy breath. It will burn away from the sun soon, and vanish up high where the clouds are wispy and the sky is the kind of clear blue that makes your eyes tear up, it’s so bright. But for now it relaxes in a hammock of branch and stone. Considering how early it is, I’m jealous. (90)

S is for Sassy

who is that diva?, photograph and text, oct. 18

Figure 06. As if framed, part of a tree trunk is encircled by a ring of leaves in. the tree trunk has two branches growing out of it, branches that startlingly resemble a supermodel striking a pose at the end of a runway, one hand on the hip while the other dangles casually, boldly, at the tree’s side. 

Humans-like seeks like- anthropomorphize- we see ourselves in everything- we bestow ourselves upon everything – we take on the likeness of everything – how bold is that? – to be yourself and to make “yourself” something of others – to let yourself feel – to know and be known – to shout to the world that you are unapologetically you – and prove it by taking on pieces of others – the people who achieve this are confident – they greet the world with kindness and open eyes – they make the sidewalk their stage – the individuals around them become a collective – a troupe – cartwheeling – dragging your feet – back straight – back hunched – a grinning mask – a miserable mask – presenting their performance that isn’t a performance -it’s just themselves – the tree puts on no airs – it cannot – its nature is unapologetic – its nature is to be unapologetic – nature does not say sorry – nature does not say goodbye – it has an attitude – it’s apathetic – its multiple things at once – and why not? – no man is an island – no performer can be called such without an audience – we are our audience – we applaud and cheer and heckle and shame – the tree strikes a pose – the tree grew that way naturally – it is unconcerned – we see inspiration in it – ourselves in it – humor in it – a story in it – something to share – and what do we as a species do but share? – our lives, our beings – our habits, our homes – our funny little ways of talking – my sister learned to raise one eyebrow – learned to give the worst side-eye you’ve ever seen – she shared that with me many times – sassy and herself and me. (270)

T is for Tinder

a fire in the heart, photograph and text, oct. 24

Figure 07. Two trees are lit by the rising sun. Their tops are a bright yellow-green, like the wick of a lit candle. The sky is blue and white behind them.

The morning strikes like flint and steel igniting the day ahead. This is not to say, however, that it lights a fire under me, quite the opposite. Mornings are full of drudging, trudging, groaning laments of the lack of a warm bed in the safety of my head. In some ways, the walk from my house to my bus stop, the constant muse for many of the pictures, is a help. I am forced to see the beauty around me, and ponder it. It truly makes the mornings more lovely. (90)

U is for Unlock

a moment for nostalgia, photograph and text, nov. 15

Figure 19. A beige locker sits in a cinderblock wall. It has two lonely stickers adorning it.

My locker is nowhere near my usual route. It’s in squires, by Henderson, completely beyond everywhere else I need to go. It’s also the center of my minor, where everything violin oriented I do is. I only had a combination locker one year, 8th grade, and I had forgotten how nice it feels to have the tumblers fall into place. My walk through squires is one I’ve slowly perfected through use of back stairwells and unused hallways. Sometimes it’s a teensy bit thrilling, to sneak around breaking into such things. (90)

V is for Violent

a moment of anticipation, photograph and text, nov. 19

Figure 20. Half of the sky is still light, while the other has been overtaken by dark gray clouds.

There is a violence brewing on the horizon, a rolling like an avalanche, burying us all under its darkness. I love this part of the storm cycle, when its not yet covered everything and there is still light to see it in all of its entirety. The wind here is much stronger and much more biting than what I’m used to at home. When I travel to the bus stop every morning, I have to be wary of the neck, the same wind that blows in the clouds trying to sneak its cold fingers down my back. My headphones always cover my ears, providing a respite, but there’s only so much my jacket can do. It’s all worth it anyway, to get those great swirls and crests in the clouds above, like some great wave just waiting to break upon the rocks. It tosses the birds around carelessly, throwing them about even as they try to fly. It is as unforgiving as it is uncaring, not a drop of maliciousness to be found. I think we both enjoy these storms. (180)

W is for weight

a shot of my mother, photograph and text, oct. 18

Figure 21. a woman is posed at the base of a large tilted stone, almost appearing as if she is holding it up.

In my family, my father is not the one known for often groan-worthy jokes; that title goes to my mom. We think alike in many ways, and when we both saw this stone on our hike, I could tell almost immediately what she wanted. She was excited, handing me her phone, and I think that’s very visible in the picture. The hike definitely wasn’t part of my every day route, but neither was having my family come to visit. Sometimes you need to step away from that weight of monotony. (90)

X is for Xenogenesis

an attempt, photograph and text, dec. 1

Figure 22. A poorly folded squirrel languishes in a hand. Its tail droops and its its head looks vaguely like an armadillo.

Defined as “the fancied production of an organism altogether and permanently unlike the parent”, I have attempted my own Xenogenesis, in the form of an origami squirrel. I am not very good at origami, though I tried to capture the feeling of a squirrel. I see them everywhere, no matter where I walk, and no matter what time I am walking. They often escape my notice, and are deemed unimportant, so I thought I would produce an animal out of a sheet of paper, to represent these poor neglected fellows. (90)

Y is for Yellow

a familiar sort of sky, photograph and text, dec. 1

Figure 23. A sunset captured above maroon loop, with clouds like wispy trails across the sky.

The sky is a canvas today, not 3d like I normally see it. It appears flat, but no less beautiful for it. The sun is yellow, its harsh white light softened by the horizon. There are strips of white where it touches the blue, blurring it further. It resembles nothing so much as a great fried egg suspended in the sky. To me, it looks like the person trying to flip it has failed miserably, and now has an egg bordering on scrambled. This problem I have faced many times. (90)

Z for Zeitgeist

a moment for thought, photograph and text, dec. 1

Figure 24. A number of colorful murals decorate the walls of the center for the arts.

Zeitgeist, as was defined to me in my first semester at college, is the ghost of the time, or the feeling of a certain era, as prescribed by the (usually young) people living in that era. This mural reminds me of that, of how things have changed throughout the years. Nowadays, public art is much more abstract than it has ever been. I snatched this pic on the outside of the center for the arts, previously known as the Moss arts center. It was far outside my usual walking patterns, and I only saw it because I was making my way to the bus stop with a friend after lunch. It felt like a hidden scene, tucked away for students to find in an otherwise drab area. I couldn’t help but appreciate it, even as I pondered on its style. We live in a world more concerned with showing strict correctness than in our past. This means that, instead of yet another mural of the same type white man, we get pleasing colors and patterns with no particular political leaning. (180)

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.

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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). 

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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) 

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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) 

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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H is for Hike

2.35 Go For A Hike; Photograph and text; Sunday October 26th

As soon as you step foot onto the trail leading to the Cascades, it immediately feels alive, roots clutching at the earth, rocks aged with the passage of time, and a babbling creek moving alongside you that will always guide you. I hiked with friends, all of whom had varying experiences and expectations going into the hike, but all of whom were also in awe of what we found. The trail itself was not physically demanding, but still had our full attention throughout. When we finally saw the waterfall, it appeared like it had been poised for our arrival. The water tumbled in tiers, white against dark rock, dropping into a pool cold enough to make you gasp. We sat on nearby scattered boulders, very little was said, it didn’t feel like a place where you converse, it’s a place to look, to breathe, to be still. I hiked back slightly drenched in sweat and water. While not to sound corny, after the hike, I realized it really was not about the destination, rather the the journey with my friends. (180)

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P is for Path

2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Photograph and text; Monday, Sept. 29

George calls this Blacksburg’s best walk. Interestingly enough, I see why. No matter the season, the scene feels very calm. The trees lean gently toward each other, like old friends meeting halfway. Ahead, laughter drifts from the Prairie Court, with voices softened by distance. The path itself feels very familiar, but I have never walked it. Here, walking this path for the first time, time seemed to slow down. The world feels nicer, the air clearer, and the light posts glare down at me, as if asking me to stay. (90)

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R is for Roundabout

2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photograph and text; Monday, Oct. 6th

At this roundabout of paths, symmetry tries, and fails, to hold. The circle’s center isn’t centered, the tree drifts right slightly off center. Each sidewalk meets the center unevenly, almost as if they are hesitating, uncertain which direction is correct. I walk, wondering if this imperfection was accidental. Maybe it mirrors people, as we have our own off-center movements through life. Still, I imagine smoothing the lines, reshaping the circle, centering the tree. I never noticed this asymmetry, in fact, I loved taking this path. Maybe beauty doesn’t need balance. (90)

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V is for Virginia Tech Football

2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Photograph and text; Saturday Nov 1st

In the center of the bleachers, halfway from the turf to the sky, I realized something was different this game. The score of Louisville winning 28 – 16 likely registered as only another loss for Virginia Tech to most. However, to me, the score held more weight than just that. Louisville is a solid team, everyone around me clearly knew that fact. There were multiple conversations about all the prior events that had transpired to bring Virginia Tech to this point in college football. During the fourth quarter, I listened to the comments of people around me. While disappointment was continuously expressed, there was no mention of anger, no comments about being outraged, but rather acknowledgement that the team had felt off for a while.

Eventually, I overheard an older man sitting in front of me say, “There’s only so much Montgomery (our coach) can do at this point.” And that’s when it clicked why Coach Pry had been fired two months earlier. I never had much understanding as to how much a coach contributes to the success of a football team and how our team’s current state could be attributed to Pry. But seeing everyone’s reaction to this game, although a loss, put into perspective how deeply leadership shapes the direction of a team. It wasn’t just about the score, it was about the feeling that a program is moving somewhere.

Standing there, surrounded by the sighs of students and alumni, I understood that our coach change was a necessity. Football programs at this stage either move forward or fall behind, and the crowd around me sounded ready to move. (270)

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T is for Twig

2.19 Duck Pond; Photograph and text; Monday, November 8th

At first gaze, the duck Pond looks very serene, a large body of water, little foot traffic, and dots of people scattered around like sprinkles on a donut. Today I noticed an object most would overlook, it was a single twig floating in the water in front of me. The twig itself had a bend or two and it drifted slowly across the pond. The ripples created by the twig’s movement caused it to bob up and down but did not disturb the twig’s ability to remain upright. 

While I sat there watching the twig I noticed that there were not many people around me. The only other living thing I saw was one duck, drifting along the pond, leaving a straight ripple trail behind itself. As the duck glided past, the twig continued its slow, intriguing drift, moving across unhurried, guided only by the gentle pull of the water. Its slow pace, although uneventful, felt really calming, and it’s contrast to the duck made me realize how peaceful it can be when something simply moves at its own pace. (180)

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U is for Underpass

2.21 Blacksburg’s Worst Walk; Photograph and text; Thursday, November 13th

I call this Blacksburg’s Worst Walk. To most, this just seems like a nicely placed underpass  But for me, this ruins my Sunday’s. Every week at 9 a.m., in order to do laundry, I have to cross through here and enter the door on the left. Why is this bad? Well, unfortunately, this underpass acts as a wind tunnel, rudely waking me up with a breeze so strong I have to brace myself each time I pass through. While it is sometimes refreshing, during this season, it annoys me. (90)

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W is for War Memorial Chapel

2.28 War Memorial Chapel; Photograph and text; Thursday, Oct. 23rd

From the outside, the chapel looks strong and sturdy, built with gray Hokie Stone and perfect symmetry. It feels calm and grounded. But inside, the space feels extremely soft. The air is quiet and still, almost telling you to sit down, relax, think, and reflect. Plaques cover the walls, each name carved within, yet the room still feels empty. Nothing about it is loud. Details like the dim lighting, the soft steps from above, and the scent polished wood off gassing make it welcoming, but in a very soft way. (90)

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Across this A to Z collection, a network of recurring motifs emerges: movement, memory, routine, and the quiet relationships we form with the spaces around us. What began as a series of small walks, observations, and objects grows into a broader meditation on how place shapes experience. Many entries turn ordinary moments into points of reflection: the elevator ride that signals the start of a day, the weekly laundry walk marked by familiar sounds, the short trip to the fridge that becomes its own micro-journey. These small rituals reveal how walking is not only a means of getting somewhere, but a rhythm that structures daily life.

Another motif is the tension between familiarity and discovery. Buildings like Cowgill and areas beyond the borders of the hand-drawn campus map remind you that even well-traveled places hold surprises. Similarly, the desire path, the overlooked foil trash, and the confusing sign outside the New Classroom Building reveal how people continuously reshape their environment – sometimes consciously, sometimes without noticing.

Nature appears throughout as a grounding presence. The maple tree, the hiking trail, the nighttime Drillfield, and the open sky serve as moments where the world expands, offering stillness, perspective, or quiet companionship. These spaces contrast with the weathered concrete of Derring or the heavily used shoes, both of which bear the marks of time and movement, a reminder that places and objects age alongside their users.

Ultimately, the project traces a portrait of campus life not through grand landmarks, but through accumulated, ordinary moments. The main takeaway is how attentiveness transforms routine into meaning. Every walk, object, or overlooked corner becomes part of a personal geography: one that reveals who you are by how and where you move through the world.

A is for Alumni Mall

Prompt 2.15 Alumni Mall; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 7

Figure 01. A nighttime view beneath an illuminated campus archway, showing the walkway framed by stone architecture and glowing overhead lights. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Under the arch’s warm glow, Alumni Mall feels like a long deliberate pause between destinations. Its boundaries seem to stretch from the quiet lawns to the steady columns of lights guiding each step, creating a corridor shaped as much by movement as by architecture. It’s called a mall perhaps because it invites strolling. I imagine that alumni return here not just to see a place, but to feel a memory: the echo of late walks, shared conversations, and the gentle pull of a campus that once held their daily lives. (90)

B is for Backpack

Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 31

Figure 02. A neatly arranged display of the contents of my backpack. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Spread across my desk are the everyday contents of my backpack: my notebook, pencil, pen, laptop, mouse, gum, and water bottle. These items follow me from class to class, shaping the rhythm of each day. My notebook carries quick thoughts and lecture notes. My pencil and pen mark ideas that come and go. My laptop and mouse form the core of my workspace, steady tools of focus. I also have a pack of gum and the water bottle, small comforts that keep me grounded amid the quiet frenzy of learning. (90)

C is for Cowgill

Prompt 2.07 What Even Goes On In There?; Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 18

Figure 03. Cowgill Hall at Virginia Tech, showing its distinctive concrete facade and modern architecture under a clear blue sky. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

I have always passed Cowgill Hall on my way from classes to the bus loops, and never stepped inside. I only noticed its concrete facade and activity through the windows. Today, I finally entered. Inside, I was struck by the mix of quiet focus and creative energy. The lobby displayed student artwork, and the hallways echoed with soft footsteps and low conversations. The hum of the printers added texture to the overall atmosphere. For once, I could see the collaboration and design work that give this building its lively energy. (90)

D is for Derring

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 18

Figure 04. Streaked concrete walls of Derring Hall, Virginia Tech, showing dark discoloration and weathering. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Walking past Derring Hall, my attention is caught by the streaks of black grime staining the concrete walls, showing marks of age, rain, and neglect. The building is dulled by the weathering, turning what could be clean and modern into something weary and forgotten. I wish the walls could be restored – washed free of residue and sealed against future decay. It would take care, funding, patience, and a community effort to beautify this architecture again, so it could reclaim its beauty, architectural strength, and sense of place within campus life. (90)

E is for Elevator

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and text; Tuesday, Oct. 21

Figure 05. A stainless steel elevator door set within a cinderblock wall, framed by signage and minimal lighting in my apartment building. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

This elevator sits just outside my apartment, a familiar gateway to the day. Every time I leave the building, I press the button, waiting for the quiet hum and the gentle slide of the doors. I do this often, riding  down to the bus stop and to life beyond the building’s walls. Stairs feel unnecessary here, as convenience and ease win each time. Over time, this elevator has become a part of my daily routine, a small pause between comfort and motion, between home and the busy world around me. (90)

F is for Fridge

Prompt 2.32 Shortest Walk; Video and text; Friday, Oct. 31

Video 01. A video of the indoor walk from my room to the apartment refrigerator. (Original Video, Samarth Jain)

The walk begins as I leave my room. My roommate’s door is nearby, closed. The kitchen island stands still, solid. The apartment door is distant, untouched. The path curves sharply leftward. Light spills across smooth surfaces. I pass the counters on my right. Cabinets line the wall above. The fridge waits just up ahead, humming softly. Finally, I reach my destination and stop the video. The shortest walk exists, and takes only seconds to complete. I heat up my cold food in the microwave and walk back to my room. (90)

G is for Grass

Prompt 2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 7

Figure 06. A wide, dimly lit expanse of the Drillfield at night, with scattered lights outlining the field’s perimeter and faint silhouettes in the distance. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Walking back across the Drillfield with my friends, the night felt wide and open, the grass stretching into darkness broken only by a ring of steady lights. We saw a few scattered figures crossing the field, their silhouettes small against so much space. Nothing seemed unusual, except how quiet everything felt – like the campus had paused. We didn’t choose a route so much as we drifted toward the easiest line across. I always associate the Drillfield with transition, friendship, and the strange comfort of an open clearing holding our conversations. (90)

H is for Hiking

Prompt 2.35 Go For A Hike; Photograph and text; Friday, Sep. 21

Figure 07. A forest scene along the Cascades trail, featuring dense greenery, layered rocks, and flowing water partially hidden beneath foliage. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

I went on a hike to Virginia’s Cascade Falls, and the trail felt like stepping into a quieter world. The trees arched overhead, filtering the light into shifting patches across the rocks. Water moved somewhere just out of sight, its sound guiding me forward. Moss softened the edges of everything, as if time slowed here. I stopped often, not only because I was tired, but because the scene kept asking me to look again. Each turn felt like discovering a new pocket of calm, tucked gently into the giant mountains. (90)

I is for In the Night

Prompt 3.14 Star Gazing; Photograph and text; Monday, Dec. 1

Figure 08. A nighttime photograph showing a completely black sky, capturing the stillness of stargazing conditions. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Walking at night made everything feel different. I kept looking up at the sky, hoping to see stars, but the darkness was so deep that almost nothing was visible. Because I wasn’t watching the ground as much, I walked more slowly and carefully. I tended to pause in brighter or more open spots where I felt safe. The darkness made familiar places feel unfamiliar, quieter, and more serious. Without daylight, the whole walk became about noticing small sounds, gentle movement, and how much the night changes the world around me. (90)

J is for Journey Through VT

Prompt 2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Illustration and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 09. A hand-drawn map of the VT campus, from my memory. (Original Illustration, Samarth Jain)

My hand-drawn campus map captured only the parts of Virginia Tech I moved through most – on-campus dorms, dining halls, the Drillfield, familiar academic buildings. But when I walked with the map in hand, I reached an area I hadn’t drawn at all: a small pathway tucked between buildings, lined with trees I’d never really noticed. It reminded me how much of campus lives beyond my usual routes. The map showed my habits more than the place itself. What lay beyond its edges was everything I’d overlooked, waiting to be discovered. (90)

K is for Keeping on the Trail

Prompt 3.06 Draw a Map by Hand; Illustration and text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Figure 10. A hand-drawn map of my neighborhood trail that I frequently walk on. (Original Illustration, Samarth Jain)

Mapping my favorite home trail by hand made me notice the life it holds. The path winds through woods and crosses a stream on concrete stepping stones, where I often spot fish darting beneath the water and turtles basking on logs. Snakes slither quietly along the banks, while foxes and deer occasionally appear in the underbrush. I sketched bends, benches, and sunlit clearings, trying to capture both the route and the creatures that share it. Each line and symbol reflects not just the trail’s shape, but the living rhythm of this familiar path. (90)

L is for Laundry

Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Illustration and text; Tuesday, Oct. 21

Figure 11. A hand-drawn floor plan of my apartment showing the path of the indoor walk from my bedroom entrance to the laundry room. (Original Illustration, Samarth Jain)

Every Sunday, I go on an indoor walk from my room to the laundry room – an unnoticed ritual. The path curves gently near the kitchen island, its smooth marble surface reflecting daylight. On my journey, I see the kitchen cabinets and counters, lined with half-forgotten dishes and the faint smell of food. Each step feels familiar, steady, and quietly meditative. Inside the laundry room hums the washing machine and dryer, their rhythm steady and comforting. This short journey, repeated weekly, anchors my routine in the quiet pulse of my apartment. (90)

M is for Maple Tree

Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 11

Figure 12. A large mature maple tree stands in front of the back entrance of Williams Hall at Virginia Tech. Its branches stretch wide across the walkway. The afternoon sunlight filters through the leaves, casting shadows across the path below. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Dear Maple Tree,
Your sprawling branches and vibrant leaves brighten the path to Williams Hall, creating a canopy that welcomes all who pass beneath. In autumn, your leaves shift from bright green to warm orange and red, reminding me of change and resilience. You stand tall and steady, a quiet guardian on campus, sheltering students and visitors. Among countless trees, you feel special – both strong and graceful. Thank you for your shade, your colors, and your silent companionship through every season’s turn. You make this place feel alive.
Sincerely,
Samarth (90)

N is for New Classroom Building

Prompt 2.14 Signage; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 10

Figure 13. The New Classroom Building at Virginia Tech, showing its modern architecture with stone walls and reflective glass windows. This photo captures the numerous seating areas and vegetation at the front of the building. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

On my walk, I noticed that the sign outside New Classroom Building read “Classroom Building.” The mismatch struck me each time I passed it – was the “new” informally tacked on by students who remember when the building was built? The plain white letters on a dark background tried to project clarity, yet the missing “New” made the message seem oddly incomplete. It felt like the sign had not caught up with the building’s identity, or maybe the building itself hadn’t yet earned its “newness,” still waiting to define itself fully. (90)

P is for Passing Clouds

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

Figure 14. A clear-sky scene framed by evergreen and leafless trees, with bright clouds drifting across an open expanse of blue. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

I stop on the path and look up, letting the sky fill my view. For thirty seconds, I focus on its wide, bright blue. The sky feels close but also huge, stretching far beyond what I can see. The soft white clouds move slowly, like they are floating on a calm sea. The blue light shifts gently, reminding me that the troposphere is always changing. Just like in language, one shape becomes another. This photograph helps me hold onto the brief moment when the sky seemed both peaceful and alive. (90)

R is for Reflection

Prompt 3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Photograph and text; Saturday, Oct. 11

Figure 15. A balcony view overlooking a busy street, framed by building walls and a bicycle in the foreground. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

I walk because it calms my mind and helps me feel present. Stepping outside feels like opening a window inward, letting in clarity I rarely find indoors. I usually walk through familiar streets like the one below – cars moving steadily, trees shifting color, and people following their own routines. I hope to explore quieter, wider paths someday, places where I can hear my footsteps clearly. My pace shifts with my mood, slow when reflecting and faster when seeking energy. I usually walk alone, guided by steady footsteps through each day. (90)

S is for Shoes

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and text; Monday, Oct. 20

Figure 16. A pair of well-worn waterproof hiking shoes, showing creases, dust, and the marks of many miles walked and environments traveled. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

The pictured shoes have carried me through countless days – up steep campus hills, across damp sidewalks after sudden rain, and through deep Alaskan snow that once soaked the laces stiff. The soles are worn thin in familiar places, a quiet record of movement and routine. Each scuff tells a story: early morning walks, late-night excursions, and everything in between. They have traveled more miles than I can count, steady companions molded to my pace, my rhythm, and my daily journey through work, reflection, and the shifting seasons of student life. (90)

T is for Trek to Wellness

Prompt 2.13 Step Counting Metrics; Photograph and text; Tuesday, Nov. 25

Figure 17. A Fitbit step counter displaying time, date, and a total of 2,051 steps. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

For this walk, I used my Fitbit step-tracker and set out for a short, focused route. I watched the numbers climb slowly, each vibration reminding me the device was counting even when I wasn’t consciously thinking about it. I feel neutral toward step-tracking. It can be motivating, but sometimes it feels like pressure. My walk was simple, though the tracker lagged once or twice. I know people who treat their daily step goals like a sport, but I prefer using mine gently, as a loose guide rather than a rule. (90)

U is for Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building

Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 10

Figure 18. The Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building at Virginia Tech, showing its modern architecture with stone walls and reflective glass windows. This photo captures the back of this building, revealing an outdoor seating area on a bright sunny day. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Sitting on the benches outside the Undergraduate Science Laboratory Building invites a brief moment of calm during a busy walk. The smooth metal benches have gentle curves that provide comfortable support but face away from the building and towards the parking lot and the road beyond. This orientation creates a different kind of view – cars, pedestrians, and campus activity – inviting quiet reflection on movement and transition rather than architecture. A good bench balances comfort, accessibility, and connection, even when the surroundings are utilitarian, making rest both practical and thoughtfully refreshing. (90)

V is for Virginia Tech Hoodie

Prompt 2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

Figure 19. A maroon Virginia Tech hoodie featuring the university’s name in orange lettering. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

Dear Future Hokie,
Welcome to Blacksburg! One of your first treasures should be a piece of VT merch – like the maroon hoodie every Hokie seems to own. It’s more than clothing; it becomes your armor against windy Drillfield days and your badge of belonging. Start your campus journey there, where every path crosses. Go to Newman Library when you need focus and to Dietrick Hall when you need fuel. And don’t miss a sunset from the pylons. Wrapped in Hokie colors, campus will start to feel like home.
Sincerely,
Samarth (90)

W is for War Memorial Chapel

Prompt 2.28 War Memorial Chapel; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 7

Figure 20. The Pylons at Virginia Tech illuminated at night, framed by autumn foliage and campus lights. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

When I was coming back from an event, I approached War Memorial Chapel from the Drillfield. Its lower doors set quietly into the stone as though inviting you to step down. Inside, I’ve wandered only briefly – enough to feel the hush of the space and its intention for reflection, remembrance, and ceremony. The rooftop, crowned by the pylons, feels completely different: open, elevated, a place where values are etched into the wind. Each visit reminds me that the building holds both memory and perspective, grounding and lifting you at once. (90)

Y is for Your Path

Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and text; Monday, Dec. 1

Figure 21. A lightly worn desire path cutting across a grassy area beside a sidewalk, marked by bare gravel where repeated foot traffic has carved an informal route. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

The desire path shown curves off the sidewalk as if impatience itself had etched it into the earth. Students clearly decided the official route wasn’t the most efficient – maybe they were rushing back to their apartments and didn’t want to take the elevator, avoiding crowds, or simply choosing the shortest line between two points. Over time, their choices merged into this shared trail, a quiet record of collective preference. It reveals something simple but true. People will always shape their environment to fit their movement, not the other way around. (90)

Z is for Zero Excuse

Prompt 2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and text; Monday, Dec. 1

Figure 22. A small piece of crumpled foil lying beside a metal post and drainage grate, partially surrounded by fallen autumn leaves on a concrete walkway. (Original Photograph, Samarth Jain)

The small piece of foil tucked against the metal post seemed almost swallowed by the pile of autumn leaves around it. It likely drifted there – carried by wind, rain, or hurried footsteps – rather than being intentionally discarded. Its presence made me reflect on how Virginia Tech generally maintains clean, orderly outdoor spaces, yet small bits of trash still gather in overlooked corners. Most Hokies appear mindful of keeping campus tidy, but moments like this remind me that environmental stewardship depends on constant, shared attention, even in the smallest, low-stakes places. (90)

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I’ve always lived in the same place: the same house, the same district, and the same people. When I came to Virginia Tech, it was like a whole new world had opened up. Since coming to Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, I have never felt the need to venture past what was known to me. Once I set a path to go to a class, I would not stray from it, even if the other path was shorter.  Even when I went for a nightly stroll to get some fresh air, I took the same paths because they were familiar. 

Before this semester, I was truly missing out on a myriad of places to see in Blacksburg, whether it be something small like the Blacksburg Library, or something rooted in school spirit like a football game.  With this class, I was able to look at Blacksburg in a new light. Rather than it being a place where I focused solely on my academics, it is a place to talk to new people and explore what I can relish in not just now, but also later in life. 

This semester, I took a step toward exploration. I prided myself on going through and trying to find new places in Blacksburg and connecting them to back home, a place where I’ve always felt the most comfortable. I used this to stray away from something I’ve always held dear to me, familiarity. I explored places that I would have never thought I would have enjoyed, for example, Huckleberry Trail,  and encountered places I’ve grown to love and have now frequented multiple times. Although all the things I have done weren’t as enjoyable as others, I have found places that I will continue to visit after this class comes to an end. 

Figure 05. My hair was blowing across the streets of Chinatown in DC, a bow clipped into my hair to match the hundreds of others in the line, waiting to see Laufey for her ‘A Matter of Time’ concert. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

The weather was extremely frigid outside. My glasses were no longer protecting me from the winds, as I wore contact lenses. The girl behind me was whispering to her boyfriend, her distress hitting my ears. The fear of not being able to enter the venue in time discouraged me from getting the artist’s merch. The girls I had found while walking over from the parking garage talked to me about how everyone was dressed impeccably. Their outfits covered the streets of D.C in a sea of blue and white. (90)

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B is for Beaver 

3.16 Non-Commercial Walk, Photo and text, Thursday, Oct. 23rd

Figure 06. As I entered the giant gas station, the commemorative beaver was perched outside the store. Before I took my own photo of it, I aided two different elderly women in figuring out how to use their phones and take pictures next to it. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

As I was on my drive to DC, the boredom of driving had finally gotten to me. Whilst I was driving, I came across a Buc-ee’s, the first ever in Virginia. I felt compelled to visit, taking in the large establishment. I walked through every aisle, taking in their assortment of products from freshly made burritos to dog toys. As I walked, the urge to purchase an item never crossed my mind. Although each item had the commemorative beaver on everything in the store, I was content with just looking. (90)

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C is for Carter’s Mountain 

3.12 Five Senses, Video and text, Friday, Oct. 29th

Video 02. A video of the Fuji apple trees, each one higher than the last. According to the people working, they were the perfect amount of sweet and tart. (Original Video, Gunjan Rekhi)

As I walked across the rocky pathway, trees covering my eyeline, I could hear families laughing across the orchard. My arms began to hurt as I carried the bushel of apples back up the hill, the bag ripping under the weight of them. The smell of apple cider wafted through the air, salivating my mouth. As I stood in line, the smell of donuts getting stronger, my patience began to wear off, but when the sweet taste of them hit my tongue, it was all I could ever dream of. (90)

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D is for Dying My Hair

2.32 Shortest Walk, Photo and text, Wednesday, Nov. 19th

Figure 09. A picture of my hair after I dyed it pink in my apartment bathroom. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

Change is temporary. Hair can be long. Hair can be short. It’s subject to change. The developer is strong. The bleach is stronger. Mix them and apply. Wait for a while. Watch the color lift. The color turns orange. My hair is brittle. I wash it out. Time to dry. I apply the color. Color mixed with conditioner. I apply and wait. Pink stains my shirt. I clean my sink. Praying pink doesn’t stain. I rewash my hair. The tub turns pink. I redry my hair. Looks a little different. (90)

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E is for Eavesdropping 

2.04 Overheard, Less Context, Audio Recording, Friday, Nov. 28th

Audio track 01. A 13 second audio of my friend listening to a little boy getting yelled at by his mom and she found my hair in her clothes. (Original recording, Gunjan Rekhi)

I was walking around an outdoor plaza with my friend when we came across a boba shop. The inside, frequently bustling with people, was filled with people talking. Some are discussing work, others are listening to their screaming kids as they jump across the store. I pull out my phone to listen to this mother ever so slightly scold her kid. His face shifts from one of glee to a pout. I began to reminisce about my own mom and how she would do the same when I was younger. (90)

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F is for Flickering Stars

Prompt 3.14 Star Gazing, Photograph and text, Thursday, Oct. 9

Figure 03. The Big Dipper, taken in the night sky of suburban Virginia, shines brighter than ever. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

The song “In a Sentimental Mood” by Ella Fitzgerald played through my wired headphones as I watched the stars flicker above me. The Big Dipper was prominent in my eyeline as I almost tripped over the root of a tree at my feet. I watched as the stars I once wished upon as a kid waltzed across the night. The sight of my childhood park brought me back to a place of serenity, unlike the bustling nightlife of Blacksburg, where you could hear students no matter the time of day. (90)

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G is for Gazebo

Prompt 2.19 Duck Pond, Photograph and text, Thursday, Oct. 2

Figure 01. My friend and I are taking in the view of the duck pond from the gazebo, trying to decipher how long it has been since it was a part of the pond that has become ever so popular in the grounds. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

As my friend and I walked towards the gazebo, I began to recognize my surroundings. It had been months since I had visited the familiar area. The evening air was crisp, the scent of fall wafting through my nose as I began smelling the leaves churning. Around Duck Pond, most creatures had gone still, yet the noises of the ducks quacking lingered across the water’s surface. The fresh air was a tender blanket that covered me after being confined to my room for days on end, after fighting an illness. (90)

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H is for Heckler  

3.08 Bird Watching Walk, Saturday, Oct. 18th.

Figure 08. I came across a duck on a nightly stroll across the duck pond. While the other ducks were in the lake, he was sitting far away, watching everything unfold. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

Walking across Duck Pond so late at night was a slightly terrifying feat. Although most birds had begun to migrate south, there were still a few chirping around. The first being a crow, sitting perched on the tree, his cawing being heard for miles on end. The second being a Greater Scaup; his quacking sounded almost like a heckle, ricocheting off the trees and across the pond. The last bird that was spotted was on the way back, a Hermit Thrush, its small body barely noticeable in the night sky. (90)

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I is for In Need Of A Meal 

2.12 Indoor Walk, Illustrations, Sunday, November 9th

Illustration 03. A drawing of the path I take from my room every time I feel hungry, thirsty, or am just plain bored. (Original Illustration, Gunjan Rekhi)

I began my venture from my room to my kitchen, and I could overhear my roommate’s laugh. Her giggles pierce through my headphones. I ventured into our kitchen in hopes of getting something to eat, and I stepped on a melted piece of ice. Annoyance was radiating off of me. I felt as if I would never eat again after these circumstances, but I persisted. I rummaged around the fridge, trying to find something that appealed to me. After careful consideration, I decided to heat the leftover food I had. (90)

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J is for Juna

2.16 Waiting in Line, Photo and text, Friday, Nov. 28th

Figure 10. Me waiting in the carpeted electronics section of Target with my headphones blaring so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

In hopes of beating the Black Friday lines, I went to the electronics section. Alas, my attempt was proven futile. As I waited in line, I was so thankful that I had brought my AirPods. I played the song ‘Juna’ by Clairo, praying that the line would move faster.  I began to feel more and more impatient as someone cut me in line. Since I was too afraid to say anything, my frustration was not evident on my face, but in the way I tapped my foot on the carpet. (90)

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Kindred Spirits 

2.25 Micro-Interview with a Being at Windows, Audio Recording, Thursday, Nov. 13th

Audio 02. A voice memo of me awkwardly walking up to a girl in the park and asking her what she uses her phone for. (Original Audio, Gunjan Rekhi)

Seeing as the weather wasn’t too windy or chilly, I decided to walk around the park near my apartment complex. After a while, I decided to sit on the grass and listen to music and just watch the people around me. One person was playing with their dog, while another group was just talking on the grass. It wasn’t until I saw someone just walking scrolling through their phone that I got up. I went up to them and asked what they were using their phone for while walking outside. (90)

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L is for Leaves

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different, Photograph and text, Tuesday, Oct. 7

Figure 02. The tree resting right outside my apartment window, which whistles through the air at night, has finally begun to shed its leaves, signifying that autumn has finally begun.  (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

The day itself felt like a juxtaposition pulled straight from a novel. While walking back to my apartment from the bus stop, I thought the air would be slightly frigid as the seasons had begun to change, wishing to feel the crisp air against my face, causing my nose to run ever so slightly. Alas, the weather was still warm, the humid air causing my hair to frizz up as I walked along the street. What struck me was that the leaves were still changing, giving the illusion of autumn. (90)

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M is My Daily Path 

2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination, Illustrations, Wednesday, November 12th

Illustration 01. My usual daily path that I take to go to my classes on Monday and Wednesday. (Original Illustration, Gunjan Rekhi)

On my usual path to classes, I keep my headphones on and my head down. I don’t take in the infrastructure around me; I just stare at the ground and pray I don’t accidentally run into anyone. On my walk, I decided to look up and take in the scenery, so I left for class earlier than I usually would. Without my headphones, I could hear how many people were talking with their friends, birds chirping above me, and even ran into one of my friends while going to class. (90)

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N is for New World

2.07 What Even Goes On In There?, Photo and Text, Friday, Nov. 7th

Figure 11. A screenshot of me texting my friend on how I thought that the DDS building is very nice and somewhere I would study often. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

Things in my room distracted me from the task at hand, and as the night passed, my urge to study waned. My roommate, noticing my struggle as she heard me let out a heavy sigh, suggested a change of scenery. We ventured on campus and went to DDS, as she suggested. It was my first time walking into the building. Since it was 11 at night, only a few people were roaming the halls. I took in the building in awe; the bathrooms were sparkling clean, and there were study rooms galore. Each one was filled with TVs and whiteboards. I decided to venture out without her, set up my stuff in the study room, and explore. The ceilings were ever so high, and everything in the building looked brand new. I was so fascinated that I started texting my friends about how nice the building was. I would have never suspected that the building was so modern and sleek. A giant screen covered one of the walls on the second floor, showing multiple different languages and colors played ahead. (180)

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O is for Out of It 

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator, Audio Recording, Tuesday, Nov. 3rd

Audio 03. The sound of the elevator taking me up to the third floor of the building for my 9:30 class. (Original Audio, Gunjan Rekhi)

Every Tuesday and Thursday, I had to choose between walking up three flights of stairs at 9:12 in the morning or taking the elevator. At the beginning of the semester, I would walk up a hill to my class in the ‘Corps Leadership and Military Science Building.’ At first, I would take the stairs, but as time went on, I gave up. There was no point in walking up all those stairs when an elevator, filled with people from class, was right there, conveniently placed next to the entrance. (90)

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P is for Pecking

2.11 Huckleberry Trail, Photograph and text, Wednesday, October 8th

Figure 04. A rooster pecking across the grounds of the Huckleberry Trail in attempts to find its morning meal. I guess he did not wake up early enough to get the worm. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

I continued along the trail; the smell of manure filled my senses, my nose twitching. I took a sip of my water, trying to distract myself from the scent as I came across a stream hidden on the outskirts of the trail. The water covered the rocks with a brown hue due to the mud surrounding them. It wasn’t until I heard a slight crowing that I noticed a rooster pecking into the ground behind me. I jumped back slightly and watched as his black eyes looked directly into mine. (90)

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Q is for Quiet at Last 

2.29 Public Library, Photo and Text, Saturday, Nov. 1st

Figure 12. A picture that I took of me reading a book in the library. I brought my own book seeing as I had just started reading “A Three-Body Problem” and wanted to continue it somewhere peaceful (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

I have grown up around libraries, the closest one to me being Twin Hickory Library. Whenever I was bored as a kid, my mom would take me and read a myriad of books. It was to the point where we would max out the number of checkouts on both of our cards. Libraries have always been a solace to me, helping me not only expand my vocabulary but also offering an escape. It was the place I would go with my friends after high school to talk and study. (90)

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R is for Running 

Prompt 2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Video and text; Friday, Oct. 10

Video 1. A slightly chunky Bichon Frise, Buddy, begins to run across the Glen Allen lake, taking a slight break to take in the grass being mowed around him. (Original Video, Gunjan Rekhi)

What seemed to be a normal walk to get my 7-year-old dog’s daily exercise turned into a wild goose chase. Buddy has never been one to chase after different sounds, only reacting when someone says “ice cream”, his ears perking up at the thought. As we ventured on our walk, my heels digging in to try and get him to turn back, the sound of an industrial lawn mower interested him. He ran towards and sniffed around for a few seconds until he began rolling into the bladed strands, causing his freshly groomed fur to get dirty, with green hues covering him slightly. Bringing him home was nothing short of a hassle, as I once dug my heels into the ground, so did he, his body tired after our mile-long walk. He looked at me with distaste, his whine echoing throughout the lake, begging me to pick him up and carry him home. How could I reject such a plea? The sounds of him panting echoed through my ears, and my body felt fatigued carrying him back to my car. (180)

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S is for Sweet Treat 

2.32 Shortest Walk, Photo and text, Tuesday, Oct. 14th

Figure 07. I made an apple crumble for my roommates, and as the weather began to turn, I felt the need to make something using cinnamon. But apple crumble is never complete without ice cream, so I ventured to my freezer to get some. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)  

Sweets are essential. They bring me joy. A warm, crisp apple. Covered in cinnamon. The crumble coating it. Fresh out the oven. It still needs more. The freezer steps ahead. Retrieving the cold sweet. The bucket thuds. The tabletop colder. The bowl still warm. The apple crumble waiting. A la mode. The only acceptable way. Two steps more. I grab a spoon. I scoop it in. The dessert is perfection. The ice cream cold. The crumble hot. They mix perfectly together. A symphony. My mouth was overjoyed. A perfect treat. (90)

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T is for Tattered 

2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories, Photo and Text, Tuesday, Oct. 21st

Figure 13. A picture I took of my shoe, that even though I’ve worn it everywhere, it’s still in good condition because I cherish my shoes. (Original Photo, Gunjan Rekhi)

Since I was a kid, I’ve hated getting new shoes. I didn’t understand the appeal; it wasn’t until my shoes were quite literally tearing at the seams that I felt the urge to get new ones. As I started my freshman year of high school, my dad decided to buy me a new pair, something I could use to mark a fresh start. Since then, I’ve worn these shoes daily. Whether it be a quick walk to the grocery store or walking almost 5 miles in Chicago on a whim. (90)

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U is for Unbelievably short 

2.12 Indoor Walk, Illustrations, Sunday, November 9th

Illustration 02. A drawing of my room going to my bathroom, it’s an extremely short drawing, seeing as my bathroom is directly in front of my room. (Original Illustration, Gunjan Rekhi)

Every morning, the first thing I have to do, no matter what, is brush my teeth and floss. It is something I must do before I even make my bed. Because the sun starts shining in my room around 7:30 in the morning, that’s usually when I get up to brush my teeth. The walk from my room to my bathroom can’t even be more than three feet, but it’s become a part of my daily routine. One that I cherish as I turn on my early morning playlist. (90)

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W is for White Out 

2.08 Sporting Event, Photo and Text, Saturday, Sept. 20th

Figure 14. The Hokie bird dancing on the field next to all the cheerleaders, showing his hokie pride! (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

My first-ever football game was an experience. Due to the heat, the walk from the Maroon bus loop to the stadium was one full of sweat. You could hear people yelling across the drill field, their voices carrying even as my friends and I ventured past. As we got to our seats, you could hear the roaring from students and guests as ‘Enter Sandman’ by Metallica played. Throughout the game, you could hear people’s keys jangling as they shook them, or the smell of the concessions coming to the bleachers. (90)

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Y is for Youthful
2.23 The Things You Carry, Video and Text, Monday, December 1st

Video 03. A video of me showing off all the contents that reside in my to go bag. It’s things that I find essential to whenever I go for a walk. (Original Video, Gunjan Rekhi)

Usually, before I go on longer walks, I love taking a Miffy themed tote bag of things with me. It makes me feel at peace knowing I have things that are non-essential as well as essential in case of any emergencies. In my bag, I have a portable charger and my Kindle, in case I get bored or my phone dies. I also keep a pair of wired headphones at all times if my wireless headphones die on my walk. For emergencies, I have a plastic water bottle and Band-Aids. (90)

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Z is for Zapped out of Reality

2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different, Photo and Text, Monday, Nov. 10th

Figure 15. The trash can outside of West End filled to the brim and expelling with trash. (Original Photograph, Gunjan Rekhi)

I was walking back from West End at night, when I turned to my left and saw that the trash can outside the dining hall was filled to the brim. It didn’t stop people from coming over and piling more and more trash on top of the trash can and even around it. Another trash can was only a few steps away, but people didn’t want to take the extra ten steps, which really frustrated me because they kept littering and making custodial staff’s lives harder through their own laziness. (90)

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Introduction

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Welcome to the Wonders of Virginia Tech! Here, I talk about the things that I experienced and noticed during my time in the university. My first intention to be on campus was to learn and graduate with the diploma of my profession without the care and importance of my surroundings and just move on to the next step of my life, but I realized that Virginia Tech has so much to offer which made me feel how much I should’ve appreciated it more. In these 26 entries from A-Z, I write down things that I saw in clear detail that I didn’t pay attention to at first. I also talk about things that I feel like it connects to my personal life. I try to be humorous sometimes so you might hear me exaggerating a bit or making funny comparisons during my discoveries. During my journey, I noticed how connected the community is and how much everyone appreciates the scenery of campus. It makes me feel like I made the right decision to come here and to become a contributing member to that community. Everyone has shown so much energy, support, and loyalty to the university that it made me want to know the main source that encourages this motivation. I’ve missed a lot of things and I’m now coming back brighter as I find new places, experience things that reflect my personality, and makes me question its purpose. I’m glad to be part of the Virginia Tech community and it is something that won’t be forgotten throughout my life. Hope you enjoy coming with me to explore the wonders that make this campus a really great place to be.

A is for Arts!

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3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct 16;

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Figure 1. Image of Moss Art Center. The entrance is on the left side. All of the windows contain a hexagonal shape design. The tree on the right is slightly obscuring a small portion of the building.  (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez) 

Passing by the Moss Arts Center, I’m being reminded that there are talented students in the field of arts on this campus. Seeing those hexagonal-shaped windows shows how art can not only be expressed from the inside but as well as the outside. Just by looking at the building gives out a sense of inspiration as it opens its doors to many forms of creativity. I always think about how these students carry this motivation to be expressive and how art can be open to a wide range of possibilities. (90)

B is for Bridge

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Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30;

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Figure 2. Image of the Torgersen bridge, arch gateway where people can drive or walk to campus. The building is constructed using Hokie stone. The bridge is connected to Torgersen Hall and Newman Library. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez) 

Walking beneath the Torgersen bridge gives out the feeling of the university welcoming you to its campus. The stone arch that stretches across Newman Library to Torgersen Hall reminds me of an entrance to all the knowledge and opportunities that the university has to offer. The stone walls and the arching windows give out a deep representation of its history. Each time that I pass through here, it gives me the motivation to not only come to class and learn but to explore around the main campus and know more. (90)

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C is for Community

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Prompt 2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Video and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 11

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Figure 3. Video of Drillfield where students are shown walking around to their next class. The leaves on the trees around the area appears to be orange, indicating the change of season. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

Drillfield has always felt like the center of everything on campus. However, the area represents a place where all of us can join together and socialize. Normally, I’d see other students heading to their next class or some chilling under the trees. But once in a while when I’m with my friends heading to the gym, this calm space would flip. On some days, there will be community events related to politics, music, clubs, and more. It feels like a great way for everyone to gather and unite as one. (90)

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D is for Ducks!

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Prompt 2.19 Duck Pond; Video and Text; Thursday, Oct. 16

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Figure 4. From the distance on the right, a pavilion can be seen where people can sit and watch the pond. The pond is surrounded by trees. Stone and branches can be seen poking out of the lake. The pond is also near a small road. Ducks or birds can be seen on the left side of the pond. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

There’s always something about Duck Pond that makes me think of all of the things I’ve done to get here. The water acts like a mirror where I can see the trees and the deep blue sky, but I can also see a reflection of myself. It really made me feel like “Wow… who am I to make it this far in life?” As I look further into the distance I see ducks gliding from one end of the pond to the other, reminding me that life is a journey. (90)

E is for Engineering

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3.02 Flânerie; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 7

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Figure 5. Image of the Transit Center where buses enter and exit. The right side of the image shows fences placed to surround the area under construction. Far in the distance shows Goodwin Hall, the building where many of the rising engineers go during their first year of college. (Original photograph, Evan Sanchez)

The buildings around here, especially Goodwin, give out a sense of purpose. With its tall rectangular design and the endless rows of windows, the buildings are calling for all rising engineers to “innovate for the future”. I normally walk around this area as I wait for my bus to arrive, but taking a quick glimpse at Goodwin I can imagine the innovative things that these students are inventing. Most of the area may be under construction as it’s blocked by excavators, construction workers, and fences, but so is the future. (90)

F is for Fountain

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3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 16

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Figure 6. Image of the Holtzman Alumni Center where a fountain can be seen in front of the building. The building contains a clock tower and the sun appears to be bleeding out from the left side of the image. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Right at the other side of Classroom Building I stumbled upon a building that I never knew existed called the Holtzman Alumni Center. This building was surrounded by open fields of plain grass, providing a sense of freedom. However, my attention was drawn to this fountain, watching the water sprout from the top as it fell down to the bottom made it feel refreshing and calm. The area around was quiet, letting me focus solely on the water falling as the soothing sound wipes out that negative energy within me. (90)

G is for Garden

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Prompt 2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Video and Text; Thursday, Oct. 9

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Figure 7. Image of the wooden bridge where a small waterfall can be seen flowing beneath the bridge. (Original photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Walking through Hahn Horticulture garden as I hear the buses and the students fade away, a sense of tranquility flows through my body as I hear the sounds of leaves rustling and a small waterfall flowing around the area. The garden pulls me out from the weight of my assignments and classes, giving me a moment to breathe during a time of intensity. Stepping into this sanctuary feels like entering a new world where time stops for a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that this garden has to offer.

H is for Home

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Prompt 3.25 Memory Walk in Pairs; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28

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Figure 8. Red brick walkway near Squires Student Center with trees and black lamps lined up on the right side. A bit further to the right, a one way road for vehicles to enter campus. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Walking down Squires with a friend, we realized that the red bricks and black lamps remind us of the city we grew up in, Herndon. Each step we take on this walkway brings us a sense of nostalgia, carrying us across time like a trip down memory lane. If we ever want to experience what home feels like, this is the place we want to come back as it has the resemblance. This may be the present, but the past of the city that we had memories of still lingers. (90)

I is for Inventory

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2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Nov. 30

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Figure 9. This image shows the things I carry. I carry a black backpack, an iPad Air with an apple pencil and a blue case, A Type-C charger and brick, a water bottle, and my MacBook Pro. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Ever wonder what I carry in my backpack? Not much, really.

1. My Computer – the important thing I carry in my bag is this as everything that I do is assigned online: My projects, presentations, documents, pdfs, and homework.
2. My iPad – It’s such a great way to take notes during class digitally. It saves a lot of resources and money by not using paper. Since both my computer and iPad are from Apple, they can sync together.
3. A Charger – Keep things always charged.
4. A water bottle – Always need to stay hydrated

(90)

J is to get Jacked!

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Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 18th

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Figure 10. Image of Mccomas Hall, People are seen walking into the building. The building is divided into two section: Health Center and Mccomas Gym. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Between my class times, I usually prefer to head to the Mccomas to do my workouts since it’s at the edge of campus where it’s not densely crowded unlike the War Memorial. I’d put on my airpods, blast loud angry electronic music, and hop into the grind hoping one day I would be jacked up with muscles and a clean physique. The aggressiveness of the track helps me get the kick I need, pushing me to lift heavier weights, as the music screams into my ear like a drill sergeant. (90)

K is for Knowledge

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2.29 Public Library; Illustration and Text;

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Figure 11. An illustration that demonstrates a vision of what I saw. Shelves of books are seen surrounding the stick figure that set the environment to appear that the books are coming closer to the figure. The figure is showing an expression of confusion as the area is a maze. (Original illustration, Evan Sanchez)

A friend and I were scouting for a spot to work on our math homework. We headed to Newman’s to see if there were any, however, we took a detour to the third floor thinking it was the study lounge floor. I was not expecting shelves after shelves of books covering us at all angles. I questioned myself, “Did I step into a school library? Or, did I teleport into a world full of knowledge?” It felt like a maze as it took us a while to find the exit. (90)

L is for Lunch

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Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Photograph and Text; Friday, Nov 7th

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Figure 12. An Image of Perry Place that shows students walking to get their foods. People sitting at their counters. Neon lights shown around the food court such as the logos, neon design on the left pillar wall, and neon circles on top (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

I stopped by Perry’s place to grab my Chick-Fil-A salad for lunch. It was busy since it was lunchtime for all of us. I decided to explore around the food court for details that I didn’t notice when I arrived for the first time. I noticed the design of the food court resembled the diners back in the 80s, with aluminum tables and neon lights. It reminded me of those times when my dad and I watched old movies like “The Terminator”, “Rocky”, “Back To The Future”, and “Star Wars”. (90)

M is for Melody

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Prompt 3.09 Sound Archive; Illustration and Text; Monday, Nov 17th

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Figure 13. An Illustration of Burruss Hall, music notes are shown to demonstrate a jingle playing across campus. The waves also demonstrates the sound echoing. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)

I walk down the Drillfield for my communications class and every hour I hear the clock tower at Burruss hall play a cheerful melody, letting us know that the next hour has begun. The song comes to life as the bells hit each note in a sequence to create a soothing symphony. Everyone can hear it echo across campus as if the sound itself is trying to spread its message that even during chaotic days filled with upcoming exams and assignments, there is always time. So no need to stress! (90)

N is for Noise

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Prompt 3.02 Flânerie; Video and Text; Monday, Nov 17th

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Figure 14. Video shows the construction happening at Smith Career center. Scaffolds, Fences, and machines are shown working on a portion on the building. You can hear hammers banging on the construction. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

Walking to the bus stop after my doctor’s appointment and I see parts of Virginia Tech are still under construction. The construction at the Smith Career Center building was extremely noisy as I heard the workers bang their hammers which made the metallic sound echo. It kind of reminds me that here, at this university, noise is part of campus life. We experience noise in many ways whether it is people chatting, buses passing by, community events, or people screaming at the top of their lungs during a football game. (90)

O is for Outskirts

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Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Video and Text; Tuesday, Nov 4th

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Figure 15. A video showing cows at the livestock eating hay. The cows are also tagged. Music can also be heard in the background. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

A friend of mine invited me to explore the outskirts of campus. We came across a livestock called Alphin-Stuart livestock that not a lot of people would notice due to it being a stretch as it was located at the other side of the highway. Luckily for me, it was walking distance from my apartment. We chilled for a bit to look at the animals around. My parents would have enjoyed looking at them since they prefer the peaceful open fields rather than the noisy city they’re currently in. (90)

P is for Power Plant

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Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Video and Text; Friday, Nov 7th

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Figure 16. A video that shows the power plant. Walking on side where it is not prohibited. The area can be seen surrounded by fences and the sign shows no trespassing. The bushes covers the bottom portion of the building where the power plant is maintain. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

The big and tall power plant located next to Gilbert Place that provides power through renewable energy to the entire university stands right in front of me as I walk around the restricted area. I’m interested in knowing how reliable this thing is considering that it shut down on us last winter. Everyone got out of their dorms to finally experience a moment where technology wasn’t a distraction, a time to look at our environment and the stars. Or, unless you were unfortunate enough to get stuck inside an elevator. (90)

Q is for Quiet

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3.09 Sound Archive; Video and Text; Tuesday, Oct 21st

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Figure 17. A video that shows a small walk through Torgersen Hall. Students are seen sitting at the tables whispering or focusing on their assignment. The audio is quiet to the point clicks from the computer keyboards can be heard. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

It was noon when I was heading to my only class at Torgersen Hall and I noticed how there were a lot of students sitting at the tables, locked in on their computers and grinding their assignments. Usually I’d hear them socializing about their day, their assignments, or their plans for the week. Now as I walked past them, it was dead silent to the point that I could only hear the clicks of their keyboard. Was this the calm before the storm of due dates and upcoming midterm exams? (90)

R is for Rocks

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2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Video and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30th

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Figure 18. A video of the inside of the Geoscience Museum as Derring Hall. Artifacts and Geos are being displayed. Many sophisticated elements are displayed in glass cases. Further in the walk displays a fossil of a dinosaur head. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

A couple of my friends suggested exploring the wonders of the Geoscience Museum, and I was astounded by what I saw. The moment I stepped inside, I felt that I was rediscovering the history of Earth as I saw the minerals and artifacts being displayed on the glass shelves. What really gave me the feeling of history was when I came across the remains of a dinosaur head. I got close to the fossil and felt goosebumps crawl through my body as if it was alive, breathing in my face. (90)

S is for Stadium

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Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 1st

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Figure 19. Image of Lane stadium empty, trees and bushes that surround the area. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

On my way to Mccomas to do my workout, I decided to take a detour around the athletic area and I found myself in front of Lane Stadium. Standing there made me imagine the heat and energy that radiated during game days. Despite being empty, I could still hear the echoes of “Enter Sandman” and the chant from the crowd. Every time that we have a home game I can already expect people wearing  VT striped orange overalls, hats, and shirts. It shows how supportive the Virginia Tech community is. (90)

T is for Tunnel

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Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Video and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28th

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Figure 20. A video of the path below Burruss Hall. The entrance contains gates and the whole tunnel is brightened by wall lights. People are seen taking this shortcut to their next class. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

As I walked to my next class, I decided to take a shortcut through Burruss Hall. It looks like a tunnel from the outside, but as I walk inside, something feels different. The tunnel is still dark despite being lit up by the surrounding lights and my phone adjusting its camera brightness as I record my journey. It was a windy day as I felt the wind sweep from one end to the other, pushing me back to the light like it was telling me, “keep going, you’re almost there.” (90)

U is for Unexpected

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3.03 Absurdist Tour; Illustration and Text; Thursday, Oct. 30th

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Figure 21. This an illustration that shows a reaction of surprised as we never thought a room like this was offered in VT. Located in the 4th floor in Newman Library. Rows of computers stretches across the room and people are currently using them to play games. At the other side there is a locked cabinet where all the consoles are stored. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)

I never knew that Virginia Tech had a gaming studio. I always thought this university was made for students to connect, socialize, educate, and prepare us for the real world. But to come across a hidden space at Newman’s where it’s full of tech goodies? I was not expecting them to set us up with rows of gaming computers, up-to-date consoles, and so many board games. Is VT helping us grind for our exams or grind for XP in our games? It’s so unexpected, it made my eyes roll out. (90)

V is for Vending Machine

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3.27 Epic Walking Story; Image and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29th

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Image 22. The image shows one of the few vending machines in McBryde. The left vending machine provides the snacks while the one at the right provides the drinks. (Original Photgraph, Evan Sanchez)

Let me tell you my story in a similar way to an epic video game. I woke up at 8 in the morning to get ready for my first class. I went to the bathroom to do my daily routine; showering, shaving, and brushing my teeth. By the time it was 8:40 AM, I was out of the door to catch the bus. I usually take a snack with me since I don’t have time to batch up a quick breakfast meal, however, one day I realized that I forgot to bring my protein bar and the bus was right in front of me. That’s when I realized that an imaginary HP bar appeared in front of me. I questioned myself, “should I walk back, catch up with the next bus, and be late for class? Or, should I just face it and starve until I come back home in the afternoon for lunch?” I decided to do the latter by going through the day without any food since I was not risking my grade since attendance could also reflect. I was not having fun at all. My stomach was in pain as it was screaming at me to get something to eat. I had to push through the entire morning feeling sick as my stomach tried to feed itself with air. It was similar to how Minecraft does it when you’re low on hunger. Once your bar drops to zero, your HP slowly deteriorates. My main quest was to get through the day alive and complete my assignments as they were missions on the main story up to the final exam. However due to my hunger depleting my HP, I had no choice but to go on a side quest for a snack. I headed out of my first class to find the vending machine closest to my next class. It took me a while to get there as I was dodging students left and right as if they were obstacles, swept through campus using shortcuts and parkour. There was no time to waste as I was at one HP and any moment that I slowed down would lead me closer to passing out. It felt like it was sudden death as all it takes was one hit and you are gone. I finally made it to the vending machine at McBryde and now it was time for me to spend my virtual coins to receive my item. I swiped my credit card instead of my Hokie Passport card since I had no balance and purchased a blue powerade and a couple of chips which I munched on in less than two minutes. The side quest was complete. (450)

W is for War Memorial

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2.28 War Memorial Chapel; Video and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30th

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Figure 23. This is a video that I believe that is above the War Memorial Chapel. Statues and Pillars can be seen. At the edge, you can take a view of Drillfield (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)

As I stood here, I sensed the feeling of resilience and strength as I took a look at the statues in front of me. I walked closer to the edge of the war memorial to come across the grand view of the drillfield where once in a while I would see cadets on their training and practicing their formation. I also felt the wind blowing behind my head as if it was telling me to “remember those who have fallen, but also look ahead to the bright future that awaits.” (90)

X is for XS Walk

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2.28 Map Drawn by Hand; Illustration and Text; Thursday, Nov 6th

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Figure 24. A quick sketch of the map from McBryde to Torgersen and the red line mark is the path I took to get there (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)

I was at Mcbryde at noon for office hours with my math professor. He was on his way out since the session was done and I decided it was time to head to my class at Torgersen. My path was short, but it was flooded with students, buses, and cars. Was this Virginia Tech or downtown NYC? As I tried to “swim” my way to the other side of the road, I was bumping into students, my backpack hitting their backpack, and hearing voices and engines. It was absolutely chaotic. (90)

Y is for Y-Toss it?

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2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Image and Text; Monday, Dec. 1st

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Figure 25. An image that shows the living room coffee table that was bought from YMCA’s. The coffee table is made out of wood with two ceramic tiles at each end. The right tile has a visible crack. The table is used to place snacks, controllers and other stuff. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)

Some would say it would be better to throw away things that are broken or some would be kind enough to donate it. Me and my roommates went out to buy furniture at a YMCA shop since we moved in a few days back. We all decided it would be great to buy a coffee table for our living room so we can have it to place our popcorn bowls and snacks during Friday Movie Nights. We found one made out of wood with two ceramic tiles at each end of the table for $45 and it works exactly as intended. I was in the living room one day watching a commander’s football game. I looked at the giant crack that was on the right tile and it made me start wondering about the Hokies who used it before us. This table has been a part of many journeys and soon will be part of mine once it’s time for us to move out. And who knows? It might be picked up by another Hokie. The cycle will never end. (180)

Z is for Zoom

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Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Illustration and Text; Monday Nov. 3rd

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Figure 26. The illustration depicts two possible situation whether you use an elevator or the stairs. The stairs are shown on the left where it demonstrates no waiting and going down. The elevator on the right shows the person trying to open the elevator before the elevator reaches the third floor as they have no time. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)

Ah yes. I enjoy the feeling of ragebait as I see the bus right in front of me packing students in, only for it to zoom away the second I arrive just because I felt lazy and took the elevator. Might just put on my airpods and listen to music, hoping that time can also zoom quickly as well. I was waiting for my class to end early since it usually ends at 9:55 AM and I was located at Pamplin Hall. The only problem is that the bus that takes me back home leaves every 15 minutes which means the next departure will be at 10:00 AM, leaving me with five minutes to spare. The moment the teacher dismissed us, I zoomed out as fast as I could, sprinting three floors down the stairs since I always knew that the elevator would never arrive on time. I bet there’s students being picked from the first floor, then the second, then up to the third. There was no time. If I took the elevator, it would never come. (180)

Introduction

As this project began, I was unsure of what I wanted it to be. Should I have an overarching story or a clear theme? I knew it would be less exploratory as I had already been here for four years now, so that approach would not make much sense. I wrote a couple of entries before it hit me. What if I used the experience here as a basis on which I write the remaining entries? With that out of the way, it was time to decide just how I would frame my walks. It ended up being a sort of “where I am and where I have been” as some of my entries are about looking back, some in the present, and some looking forward. Many of my entries for this project did not use the prompts that were provided to us in the Walkings Stepbook. While some of the prompts were helpful in giving me ideas, trying to fit my walks and experiences into them left me struggling to write or provide multimodal elements. As I progressed, I found that just taking a picture of what I was seeing that day helped me tremendously in shaping up my entries. The ones I am most proud of are those that were unprompted. A couple times I took a picture on a walk and immediately sat down to write about it. For me, that is very strange as I have historically struggled with writing papers and have never delved into creative writing. I actually enjoyed this though and did not experience the same issues that I do when writing lab reports. Even as I am writing this introduction, it just comes out. I think the Walkings Project has opened me up to writing some and I am glad it was assigned and pushed as something to enjoy. So as you read this, it is an ABCDEary format where each entry is titled a letter of the alphabet. They aren’t in chronological order as I think it conveys how my thoughts jump around as I walk, which can probably be gleaned from the entries. Each entry also adheres to strict 90 word multiples to enforce the thought of doing this on the go.

A is for Animals

Unprompted, Video and text, Wednesday, Nov. 19th

Video 1. A video of a squirrel scurrying up a tree in the rain to meet its friend on a branch. (Original video, Alex Jenkins)

The Virginia Tech campus is home to all kinds of wildlife. The most notable are probably the ducks around Duck Pond, but one can see squirrels anywhere they go. I see these little guys on a daily basis running from tree to tree or just sitting next to the paths with no cares in the world. They must be so used to all of the students passing them by that they are totally unfazed by them now. I sometimes wonder how they perceive us. Probably just creatures that offer food. (90)

B is for Bench

Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench, Photograph and text, Thursday, Oct. 9th

Figure 1. One of the benches in the area behind Johnson Student Center surrounded by fallen leaves. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

A bench in a park is my preferred break during a walk. I got out of class early today and took a walk specifically to visit the benches behind Johnson Student Center. It’s like a miniature wooded area that is beautiful in the fall. As I sit on one of the wooden benches, I look up at the sun shining through the still green maple leaves and look down to see the brown and yellow fallen leaves littering the mulch below my feet. It is a beautiful and peaceful place. (90)

C is for Cars

Unprompted, Photograph and text, Friday, Oct. 10th

Figure 2. A picture of a well cared for white 2-door E30 BMW with Alpina wheels. It is one of my favorite cars I have spotted while walking on campus. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

Though this is a series about walking, I find it hard not to discuss cars when a large portion of the paths we take when walking are along roads. As a car guy I spend my time walking by roads as an opportunity to watch out for interesting vehicles. Virginia Tech has a lot of students, with some awesome cars driving alongside us as we walk. For people interested in cars, their car is a way to express themselves, which is one of the reasons I like them so much. (90)

D is for Desire

Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths, Photograph and text, Friday, Nov. 21st

Figure 3. A desire path leading from Orange Loop to the back entrance of New Classroom Building that gets used very frequently by the patrons of the HWA and HWB busses. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

Something I always wonder when I pass by these desire paths is if they were accounted for when the layout of the building and surrounding sidewalks was thought of. Surely some desire paths have been expected by planners, right? This one in particular puzzles me though. One reason it may not have been expected as a desire path at conception is that it goes right through a divot clearly meant for water drainage as you can see from the large grate to the path’s left. The grass is thinning where people have walked through here, but there isn’t evidence of there being a muddy mess. However, the railing for the ramp in the left side of the image could have easily been extended to meet the corner of the building and block off this path and in my opinion, would probably look nicer. Some desire paths don’t look visually unappealing, like the one that leads to and away from Davidson Hall. The one here is becoming a bigger eyesore, so I wonder if anything will be done about it soon. (180)

E is for Experiences

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories, Photograph and text, Thursday, Oct. 30th

Figure 4. My favorite pair of shoes that have lasted me a very lone time, complete with stretched laces! (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

These shoes have carried me a very long way. Having purchased them in high school, they have made it through five long years of walks through the halls of John S. Battle high school in Bristol, VA and many buildings and paths here at Virginia Tech. Our journey extends to other states as well! An industrial paint facility for an internship in Texas, several concerts in Atlanta, Georgia and vacations in Florida. Surprisingly, through all this, they have held up extremely well, better than any other shoes I have owned. (90)

F is for Fall

Unprompted, Audio and text, Thursday, Oct. 16

Audio Track 1. A 9-second recording of the sound of walking through grass covered in leaves. (Original recording, Alex Jenkins)

Walking in the fall is one of the best times to do so in my opinion. The colors on the trees are visually pleasing and the crunch of leaves are satisfying to hear. Everyone likes getting a perfect crunch out of a lone leaf lying on the sidewalk! The temperature finally gets into the high 50’s and low 60’s so you can wear a warm, cozy sweater and feel a cool, crisp breeze on your face as you stroll. It simply feels more peaceful than walking in the summer heat. (90)

G is for Golden

Unprompted, Photograph and text, Friday, Oct. 17

Figure 5. A picture of looking down the road at a beautiful sunset from the outside of McBryde. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

October has had some truly amazing sunsets this year. While walking to the bus stop with some friends from work, I couldn’t help but stop and look at the sunset for a moment. The way the sunlight lights up the clouds in rolling orange and reflects off of the wet concrete is breathtaking. The sight does remind me of my limited time remaining in Blacksburg though. Soon I will graduate and move on to somewhere else. Maybe the sunsets there will be just as vibrant as the ones found here. (90)

H is for How?

Prompt 3.20 Observing Accessibility, Photograph and text, Tuesday, Nov. 18th

Figure 6. An accessible Orange Loop complete with bumps along edges of the sidewalk, ramps to get to buildings, railings and no stairs. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

Lots of accessibility features are present within orange loop, but if you walk down the left side of this image, past the parking garage, then Bishop-Favrao Hall, you end up at two sets of stairs that do not have immediately wheelchair accessible solutions. Someone new to campus would likely ask: “How do you navigate this?” For the first set there is an elevator attached to Derring Hall that can take you up. From there, you would continue to the right side of Johnson Student Center up to Burruss Hall where there are ramps. That means you would have to go all the way there to double back to visit say, the Pyramids. I imagine this area is frustrating to navigate for those who cannot take the stairs. The elevation difference between the Pyramids atop Burchard Hall and the area around Hitt Hall is just too large for an elegant solution. They could redo the area and to to add a system of gradual inclines that lead up so to avoid the random elevator stuck on the outside of Derring Hall. (180)

I is for Insect

Unprompted, Photograph and text, Wednesday, Oct. 15th

Figure 7. A picture of a praying mantis on the side of a bus stop at FoxRidge. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

Finding an interesting bug when outside is always a treat. I had just walked to my bus stop, something I do every day, when I saw this bug. For such a routine, uninteresting walk from my apartment to the bus stop taking no more than 5 minutes, this was an amazing find. I have never seen a praying mantis that wasn’t green and it almost blended in with the darker paint below it. I wonder what it was doing there? Maybe searching for a juicy meal in the roof above? (90)

L is for Lab

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Audio and text; Friday, Oct. 3rd

Figure 8. An image of one of USLB’s stairwells from the exterior. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

In the Undergraduate Science Lab Building (USLB) I always take the stairs. If I remember correctly, the first time I had class in the building, the elevator door on the first floor was blocked by a cleaning cart. I decided to just take the stairs. For the past year and a half since the blockage, I have done just that. It is actually a good workout, as I visit at least four days a week and climb up four stories. That is 32 stories counting going up and back down! (90)

M is for Memory

Prompt 3.06 Draw a Map by Hand, Illustration and text, Friday, Oct. 31st

Figure 9. A drawing of a map of the path beside the Duck Pond. (Original drawing, Alex Jenkins)

I drew this map of my favorite walk on campus. It was always nice to end my day walking back to my car to go home and getting a nice view. I showed this map to my sister with the disclaimer that I was pretty bad at drawing and was experimenting with using the highlighter tool to draw and it was rated as not that bad. In spending the time to draw this though, it made me reminisce on the kinds of days I’ve had throughout college on my walks. (90)

O is for Overhead

Unprompted, Video and text, Saturday, Nov. 22nd

Video 2. A video of a military aircraft (C17 Cargo?) roaring by as it flies low under a cloudy sky. (Original video, Alex Jenkins)

I had made a commitment earlier on my walks to not miss a single home football game, but unfortunately I could not convince anyone else to attend the one game during Thanksgiving break given our depressing record recently. However, the spectacle of Virginia Tech football games reaches far outside of the stadium. The legendary hype of Enter Sandman penetrates through home TVs and gets living room viewers excited. The flyovers from cool aircraft are not to be missed either. I was headed to my car to go home for the long holiday break and I got to see two of these hulking planes fly just overhead, one after the other. They shook the flimsy walls of my Foxridge apartment as they roared by, no doubt having just made their pass over Lane Stadium. It was almost as if I was being forgiven for skipping a game, with the two planes sending me off. Though a short walk to my car, it was a long drive home as I kept track of the score of the game we were losing badly. (180)

P is for Pyramids

Prompt 3.23 Daily Walk List, Photograph and text, Thursday, Oct. 2nd

Figure 10. An image of one of the four Burchard Hall skylights, known as the pyramids, with a crane in the background. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

My routine consists of a walk from the orange loop bus stop to Owens Hall every afternoon. I typically walk by the other side of Johnson Student Center to get there, but I walked this way to observe the crane for five days. On my daily lists, some of the things I notice that change on this route are the crane’s position and what happens down in the pyramids. Sometimes the crane is moving, but every time I pass by it is facing a different direction and if you peer down into the pyramids, sometimes the blinds are closed and sometimes they are open, allowing you to see into the rooms below. If I continued this route for five more days, my list would incorporate the change in people eating outside of the Student Center, as there is a different crowd every day. I may also notice people skateboarding around the pyramids as I have heard that people do that at night. Now that fall has arrived, the changing leaves will begin standing out with their colors and crunches underfoot. (180)

R is for Reflect

Unprompted, Photograph and text, Thursday, Nov. 6th

Figure 11. Burruss Hall illuminated in Virginia Tech’s colors at night. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

I stopped to take this picture as I was walking back from work close to midnight on a completely bland day. We closed later than usual and I was tired, but I looked up to see this as I was crossing the Drill Field. I have come so far on my journey through college, and on a cold November night I see the “capitol” of the university lit up before me. It seemed kind of poetic and the word reflection popped up in my head, like I was being invited to look back at all of the times I have seen this building before, and how few times I will see it again. My time here at Virginia Tech has had its ups and downs as I imagine is a common experience for many students here and in other places. Looking back though it is crazy to me just how many things I have done here and the people I have met in the same span of time as going though high school. Now, it is about time to find a job and start the next chapter of my life. (180)

S is for Stadium

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event, Photograph and text, Saturday, Sept. 20th

Figure 12. An image of a Virginia Tech football game at night time from the student section. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

A goal for my final semester is attending every home football game. I used to only go to a select few, but I want to make sure that I don’t miss anything this last season. For my friends and I, a huge amount of walking takes place on game day. We walk from Tech Terrace to the tailgates by the stadium woods, to German Club, maybe some other places, and finally to Lane Stadium. Along the way we smell burgers on the grill, hear laughter and see people having fun. (90)

T is for Trash

Prompt 2.24 A Meditation on Garbage, Photograph and text, Monday Dec. 1st

Figure 13. An empty can of beer lying not too far away from a dumpster that has been abandoned by someone who remained in Blacksburg for Thanksgiving break. (Original photograph, Alex Jenkins)

Ah, the ever present can of beer in the life of a partying college student. This poor can was probably left here when it was dropped by a group going to watch a football game at their friend’s apartment. It is a shame that trash ends up scattered mere feet away from trash receptacles. If any small insects are left roaming around as it gets colder out they may have briefly enjoyed the shelter of the can and its tasty contents before I disposed of it in the correct place. (90)

W is for Wind

Unprompted, Video and text, Wednesday, Oct. 29th

Video 3. A video of a small tree swaying in the wind beside the busy bus loop. (Original video, Alex Jenkins)

The campus is notorious for its windy days. The wind has become a part of my daily routine since the first few weeks of my Freshman year. Needing an extra layer of clothes crossing the wind tunnel that is the Drill Field, or accounting for what it will do to my hair, has always been a consideration while living here. Now, while on walks, I have grown accustomed to watching the trees and bushes sway in the wind as I walk by like they are waving to people that pass. (90)

A is for Advice

Prompt 2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photograph and text; Thursday, Oct. 24

Dear Future Hokie,

Welcome to Virginia Tech! The campus might seem big at first, but don’t be afraid to explore. Take the buses; they’re free, reliable, and can take you almost anywhere on campus. Every corner here is worth sightseeing at least once. My favorite spot is the Torgesen Bridge, quiet and calm, perfect for studying or just sitting. Walk across the Drillfield on a sunny day and feel the wind. Visit Hahn Horticulture Garden when you need peace. Enjoy it all; these small walks make Tech feel like home. (90)

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B is for Bend

Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 3

The path up the hill beside Durham Hall is where I walk every day. Instead of following the paved walkway, I take the dirt line across the grass because the designated route is always crowded when classes end. Too many students choose the same shortcut, and over time, it has carved a visible strip through the lawn. I think desire paths exist because people prefer what feels direct and simple, even when the grass is wet, even if it means stepping off the official route for just a few seconds. (90)

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C for Campus

Prompt 2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Sketch and text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

This imagined campus map represents how I see Virginia Tech. The routes drawn in red mark the familiar paths between classrooms, bus stops, and buildings I visit weekly. The crosshatched areas are places I have never been. These halls are places that remain unfamiliar,  with no personal connection or story yet attached to them. In my mind, campus forms a rectangle centered on the Drillfield, surrounded by buildings, parking lots, and bus loops. Beyond the edge lies uncertainty and curiosity, the parts of campus that still wait to be explored. (90)

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D is for Duck Pond

Prompt 2.19 Duck Pond; Photograph and text; Friday, Sept. 26

One Friday afternoon, after a heavy rain, I wandered to the Duck Pond, where a wooden bridge spanned a narrow stream flowing into the lake. The water was choppy, constantly rippling, interrupted by fishing lines and the padding of ducks softly. Damp air hung over wet grass, and reeds along the bank swayed softly in the breeze. I noticed how the water seemed alive, reflecting both sky and motion. There were fewer people than usual, perhaps deterred by the gray light. The pond lived up to its quiet, reflective reputation. (90)

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E is for Evolution

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 14

Taking a walk from Duck Pond toward the Mining and Minerals Engineering Research Facility, I passed people biking, running, and walking just like me. The view was incredible, quiet and peaceful, especially the sunset settling behind the farm. But the road itself was far from perfect. The pavement was uneven, scattered with holes that made each step feel uncertain. Halfway through the walk, the path disappeared entirely, forcing everyone onto rough ground. I wished the route matched its beautiful surroundings, smooth and safe for anyone who wanted to enjoy it. (90)

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F is for Flânerie

Prompt 3.02 Flânerie; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Nov. 9

I walked alone around my neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon, following the idea of the flâneur — the quiet observer who wanders without rushing and notices whatever appears. I did not know how long I had been walking until I saw the sun beginning to set. I realized that almost every time I walk, every time I stop to take a photo, it always seems to be during sunset, that soft moment where everything turns warm and beautiful. Leaves fell in spirals, brushing the sidewalk. A bus passed me again and again, looping through its usual route. I put on my headphones, letting the music fade into the background of my steps. The slower I walked, the more details surfaced: the color of the sky shifting, the houses, the rhythm of distant traffic. It reminded me of tản bộ in Vietnamese culture, an aimless stroll. I used to walk like that with my friends, wandering around the park at night after extra classes, then sitting on a hill to talk until late. Wandering without purpose made the familiar feel strangely new. (180)

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G for Gym

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 31

The gym is always one of the most popular places on campus, right beside clubs or parties, especially in college, where staying active feels more like a lifestyle choice than a class requirement. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech’s gyms are among my least favorite places because of how crowded they are. Sometimes, I just want to work out and end up waiting fifteen minutes for each machine. The growing student population makes it harder to find space. Spring 2025 was my first semester here, and I could still manage to find a spot at McComas or War Memorial. By fall, it became impossible with too many students and little room. I started noticing how much busier the campus has become with crowded roads, slower buses, and my favorite study spot at Torgersen Bridge filled with people. I wish the university would slow its expansion and focus on improving existing facilities before adding more students. Expanding the gyms or opening new ones could make a big difference. There are days when I just want to exercise without waiting in line or feeling rushed. (180)

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H is for Hahn Horticulture Garden

Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Photograph, video, and text; Wednesday, Oct. 1

Among all the corners of campus, Hahn Horticulture Garden was the most recommended place by my friends and teaching assistants. Perhaps because I visited during the rainy season, the garden was more muted than expected; gray clouds rolled overhead, and cool winds blew across, carrying the smell of wet soil. Like at the Duck Pond, I was drawn to a small wooden bridge crossing a narrow stream. I cannot say exactly why, but the bridges there were poetic, subtle colors against the wider garden landscape. Water flowing over stones added to the tranquility, a gentle rhythm that washed away the exhaustion of a long Wednesday of classes. I sat in a lounge chair and watched rabbits stare at me, then hop into the grass. Their brief appearance added a sense of liveliness, as if the garden itself welcomed visitors in fleeting, quiet ways. Yet the garden was colored with sadness. In October, its palette was subdued, and the tulips—my favorite flower—were absent. The scene, hushed and reflective, felt restorative and wistful, a reminder that beauty often carries silence with it. (180)

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I is for Illuminance

Prompt 3.14 Star Gazing; Photograph and text; Monday, Nov. 17

Walking at night feels different from any daytime walk. I moved slowly under the open sky, looking upward more than ahead, letting the stars guide my pace. The darkness made everything quieter, softer, almost suspended, while the faint glow above brightened the cold air. Streetlights faded behind me, and I paused near an open patch of grass where the sky felt widest. With my eyes lifted toward the stars, familiar paths looked new, changed by the simple illuminance of night. (90)

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J is for Journey

Prompt 3.21 Design Your Own Walking Ritual; Photograph and text; Monday, Sept. 15

For this ritual, I decided to walk through buildings I already knew, not rushing to class but moving slowly, looking carefully for things I had missed all semester. I treated each hallway as a familiar path made new by attention. I passed classrooms, labs, and open spaces without finding anything unusual until I reached Goodwin Hall. When I stepped into the atrium and looked up, I finally saw it, the massive machine overhead, housing a Rolls-Royce jet engine. This small ritual just reminded me to notice what has always been there. (90)

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K is for Kinetic

Prompt 3.09 Sound Archive; Photograph and text; Monday, Dec. 01

During a ten-minute walk around the NCB building, I focused only on sound. The space feels open and airy, with its central staircase and glass-walled classrooms. I couldn’t hear what was happening inside the rooms, but voices from the hall echoed clearly from the upper floors. Footsteps overlapped, blending with quiet conversations and the soft hum of ventilation. Even without stopping, I could hear how sound traveled lightly through the building, drifting in layered patterns, steady like distant breaths surrounding me, creating a shifting, kinetic rhythm that shaped the walk. (90)

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L is for Layers

Prompt 3.12 Five Senses; Photograph and text; Saturday, Nov. 22

During Thanksgiving break, I walked through downtown Charlotte. Night had settled, yet the sky was still a deep blue instead of black. Around me, the city felt ready for Christmas: lights glowing, music drifting from shops, the smell of food in the cool air. I noticed a banner for the Thanksgiving Eve Parade, still hanging above the street. If I do this walk again, I would go before sunset for a brighter view or later when the sky is fully dark, to feel the city more clearly in another layer. (90)

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M is for Morning

Prompt 2.32 Shortest Walk; Photograph and text; Friday, Oct. 4

Alarm rings.

Wake up, reach phone.

Scroll messages, check time.

Pull blanket aside slowly.

Finally rise from bed.

Feet touch cold floor.

Walk to bathroom quietly.

Wash face, brush teeth.

Grab towel, dry quickly.

Turn toward bedroom door.

Door creaks as opened.

Shuffle forward, slow steps.

Walk to kitchen softly.

Open cupboard, take tumbler.

Pour water, make coffee.

Kitchen smells warm, inviting.

Sip coffee, morning calm.

Return back to room.

Change clothes for day.

Apply makeup, adjust hair.

Decide school or home.

No class? Stay inside.

Start studying, focus now. (90)

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N for Nightfall

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photographs and text; Friday, Oct. 4

Walking from the Data and Decision Sciences Building towards McComas during my favorite time of day—sunset—I paused to watch the sky. The sun slipped behind trees, buildings, and the far end of the road and sank steadily out of sight. The sky changed gradually, its color vivid and warm, shifting from bright daytime blue into glowing ribbons of yellow and orange stretched long across the horizon. The rooftops and branches caught the light, softening into shadow. The scene marked both the day’s quiet farewell and the calm arrival of evening. (90)

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O is for Organize

Prompt 2.23 The things you carry; Photograph and text; Tuesday, Oct. 7

Unpacking my backpack reveals a map of student life: iPad and MacBook for class notes and assignments, their charging cords beside them; a water bottle, calculator, and wallet; pens, pencils, and a highlighter for quick annotations; AirPods and headphones for focus; and small comforts like hand wipes and lipstick, or sometimes an umbrella for rainy days. Together, they outline the routines that build each day, from classes to study sessions. These items travel with me constantly, collecting the weight of hours and habits, carrying small pieces of each day’s story. (90)

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P is for Pause

Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Photograph and text; Thursday, Nov. 6

Stressful weeks, tons of homework, multiple tests, too many events. I took a walk around Duck Pond on a Thursday when everything was finally done. I felt tired, empty, and drained; I kept walking and found a bench to sit on. What a relief to just sit there and let my mind wander without worrying about anything. The weather was nice, the air cool, the wind blowing gently as if carrying my stress away. The sky was so blue, soft clouds drifting slowly, peaceful, quiet, and full of calm energy. (90)

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Q is for Quickness

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 17

Every Monday and Wednesday morning, I have an 8 a.m. class in Whittemore Hall, and I usually arrive on campus at 7:55. I am always rushing, so waiting for the elevator feels impossible. Instead, I take the stairs every time. I run up them while checking the time, breathing heavily by the second floor but still pushing through. This habit came from pure urgency, not fitness. One day, I tried the elevator instead, and it made me so frustrated. The stairs, at least, let me control the pace. (90)

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R for Raising

Prompt 2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Audio and text; Monday, Nov. 10

I cannot tell how long this construction has been here. This is my second semester, and it has never stopped. The noise is constant: excavators grinding, cranes shifting, engines vibrating. Sometimes it becomes inconvenient when trucks enter and workers block the road while I am trying to hurry to class. Even without seeing it, I can hear and guess what is happening. The sounds of clanking metal and the sound of the engine moving create a strange chorus, meaning nothing until context makes it clear they are simply slowly building. (90)

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S for Shoes

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Video and text; Thu, Oct. 16

One of my favorite shoes ever—Nike Air Force 1s. I have owned three pairs so far, and I had to throw away two because the soles were completely worn out. I can’t even count how many miles they’ve carried me, but each pair lasted about four years. I wore them every single day to class, to hangouts, to walks around campus. They were part of almost everything I did. I love how they look: basic, comfortable, and timeless. My first pair was a mid-top; I liked how sporty it felt, even if it took longer to put on. The second pair was a low-top, easier to slip into and match with anything. I have been wearing Nike AF1s since high school, almost seven years now. My third pair was a birthday gift from a friend back in my home country. We don’t keep in touch anymore. I kept the shoes in my closet for three years and only decided to wear them recently after my old pair was ruined. They still look clean and feel just as comfortable as ever. (180)

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T is for Trail

Prompt 2.35 Go For A Hike; Video and text; Saturday, Oct. 25

Tallulah Gorge State Park was a long, beautiful hike surrounded by trees glowing yellow, orange, and red. The trail led to a tall waterfall, its sound soft against the cool mountain air. From the top, the view was incredible, wide and peaceful. Later that day, I visited Anna Ruby Falls Trail for a shorter, peaceful walk. It was shaded and calm, and the air felt cooler and fresher than before. Fall is my favorite season, when the weather feels perfect, peaceful, and everything seems calm, colorful, and beautifully alive everywhere. (90)

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U is for Unbend

Prompt 2.05 A Good Bench; Photograph and text; Thursday, Nov. 6

I used to spend hours at Torgersen Bridge, but this semester, it is always crowded, and finding a seat feels impossible. After moving to a new apartment and taking a different bus route, I realized the Data and Decision Sciences Building fit me best. It has multiple study rooms that are almost always full, but there will always be a bench for me to rest. It is quiet here, and the sunset view through the windows is incredible. Sitting there helps me slow down, unbend my thoughts, and simply breathe. (90)

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V is for Vision

Prompt 2.33 Campus Reimagined; Sketch and text; Saturday, Nov 29.

In imagining a future Virginia Tech, I pictured wider walking paths across the Drillfield, so students no longer crowd into narrow lanes during class transitions. I added shaded seating areas under solar-paneled canopies and rooftop gardens where people could study or rest. The bus stops have larger shelters, and the bike lanes are separated from pedestrian paths to keep everyone safer. In my sketch, campus feels calmer and more connected, designed for people who walk every day. A futurescape like this makes walking easier and encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy the place we share. (90)

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W for Walk

Prompt 3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Oct. 23

I usually take the bus to school and walk around campus between classes, mostly because I have to. When the weather is nice and I have extra time, I walk just to relax and clear my thoughts. Hiking feels different; it makes me feel productive and gives me a reason to move, especially in beautiful places. I often walk alone to think, but sometimes with friends to chat and express feelings. I walk fast on campus or when heading home, but slow down elsewhere to enjoy the surroundings and quiet. (90)

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X is for Xmas

Prompt 3.16 Non-Commercial Walk; Photograph and text; Friday, Nov. 28

Online shopping has replaced most of my in-person trips, but Black Friday still carries its own energy. Everyone seemed to be preparing for Christmas, and the mall was packed, maybe because it was the weekend after Thanksgiving. I did not expect so many people, especially since everything is on sale online. As I walked, just to look and suddenly feel the holiday mood, I noticed something funny: it was 6 p.m., someone had parked their car in the tree-planting area. The chaos and excitement made the season feel real. (90)

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Y is for Yonder

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and text; Wednesday, Nov. 19

A long day at school. On the walk home from the bus stop, I stopped to look at the sky and take in the scene in quiet, thoughtful silence that evening. At that moment, I realized how fast time has passed. Blacksburg always feels calm yet slightly sad at the end of the day, maybe because of its weather. I first arrived here in February when everything was dark and cold. I left for the summer and returned in September to a brief warmth that faded quickly into fall again. (90)

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Z is for Zero Waste

Prompt 2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Reading the prompt, I wondered whether I had ever really noticed trash on campus, so I started walking and paying closer attention. I began at McBryde, passed Newman Library, continued toward Owens, crossed the Drillfield, and ended at Hitt Hall. I expected to find litter near the food courts, but surprisingly, I did not see any trash along the way.  The campus seemed clean, neat, and the seating areas all looked clean. Next time, I will try another route through the dorm areas to see if there is any difference. (90)