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Introduction

Welcome to the paths I pass through. Through my different environments, I encounter many different and interesting things that caught my attention. I was forced to pay attention to many things that I would typically pass by on my normal routines.I started off taking notice to random things I saw along my walks, but as the project went on, I started to notice patterns. Somewhere along the way, I realized how much my everyday routines shape my sense of surroundings, whether that is in Blacksburg, or any other environments. Small details I used to overlook, I began to take notice to, like a small curb I use as a bench while waiting for the bus or an alternate path created over time. Through my entries, some of my themes that I noticed include my routines. The short walks around the house, walks to the bus stop, and the stairs I climb to my apartment are all examples of this. Another theme is peace, shown through my entries of looking at the sunset, the rippling in the water, or even just sitting on a bench to regather myself before my next class. A third theme is my movements and memory, shown through me reminiscing about my half marathon accomplishment and journey to D2, reminding me of what it was like to be a freshman student. Most of these installments were simple and ordinary, but the deep meaning found in them is what makes them special. This project taught me that if you slow down and look closely, even little things are a lot bigger than they seem.

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A is for Alternative path

Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Everyday, students bypass the curved sidewalk and opt for an alternative path. Carving their own shortcut through the grass along Durham hall, they save about 5 seconds on their journey to class. It’s not the route that campus planned, but it’s one that people created together, a trail of shared impatience and rush. The slight curvature and faded grass show how people chose comfort and practicality over design. Even on a gloomy day, the path still stays visible, showing how humans always find ways to innovate and make life easier. (90)

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B is for Backpack

Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Inside my backpack: My rose gold Macbook, where most of my life is, and where my assignments begin and end; A black folder that holds my resumes, still in my backpack from the career fair; A spiral notebook used for taking notes in class or doing any other type of writing; 3 mechanical pencils and 1 pen used to write whatever is needed throughout the day; Comm 2004 Course Guide, essential to my public speaking class, where my classwork is completed; Yellow folder holding my most recent public speaking grades. (90)

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C is for Class

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something Different; Illustration and Text; Friday Oct. 10

Getting off the bus at the maroon loop and seeing hundreds of other students biking up and down the street, knowing I have a steep uphill walk to my class at McBryde is something I hate. Although it is very short, it is quite difficult and a hike that leaves me gasping for air. Along with the difficulty, the urge to skip class and get food at Turners is something I always have to fight. However, I know Bruegger’s Bagels is waiting for me on the other side of class. (90)

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D is for Dessert

Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct. 10

Although we try our hardest not to, most weeks, my roommates and I can’t resist the urge to hop on the bus and treat ourselves to Sweet Frog. Just the thought of frozen yogurt makes me salivate, and the moment the bus stops, our eyes brighten and fill with excitement. We happily skip across the parking lot, ready to pile our cups high with frozen yogurt and toppings. The evening lightens up as this marks the beginning of the weekend and is a tradition I look forward to every week. (90)

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E is for Enter Sandman

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Audio and Text; Saturday, Nov. 22

Screaming from the top of my lungs, “HOKIES!” After hearing “Lets Go” from the other side of Lane Stadium, my eyes start to light up as I hear the drums start to play. I begin jumping up and down while screaming even louder alongside the thousands of other people in the stadium. This is my favorite thing about being a Virginia Tech Hokie. Getting to participate in this amazing tradition every home football game is something I will always look forward to and something I’ll definitely miss after I graduate. (90)

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F is for Friend

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 9

As the sun begins to set, I look at the beautiful sky every Thursday as I walk down the street to my friends house to watch Thursday Night Football. As the weeks progress and the air starts to get colder, I feel the breeze and chilliness against my skin. The cars swiftly passing along me as I look down at the cracks on the sidewalk hopping over each one, hoping my AirPods don’t fall out as I land. A peaceful walk before we enjoy an exciting night of football together. (90)

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G is for Groceries

Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 9

The walk I make to the grocery store each week is relaxing and exciting because of my love for food. I listen to music as I pass the familiar trees and smell the fresh air. The breeze feels calming, and I think about what I’ll cook later that night. Sometimes I carry a small list in my pocket, folded and worn out from the week before. When a friend tags along, the walk feels easier and goes by faster. It’s a simple routine that I look forward to every week. (90)

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H is for Home

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Nov. 29

At home, stairs are something I use many times a day without thought. Unfortunately, I do not have an elevator in my house, but these carpeted stairs work just fine. As a kid I used to use my hands and crawl up the stairs like a monkey, and to this day, I still do when I’m in a rush. Even on campus, I prefer stairs over the elevator as they’ve turned into muscle memory, they’re a simple, comfortable, and familiar path that takes me to where I need to go. (90)

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I is for Indoor Slides

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Video and Text; Saturday, Nov. 29

On my walks around my apartment, I stopped to take a photograph of the slides I wear around the house every day. They are not meant to see the outside world, or the bed, but they’ve assisted me on hundreds of short walks around the apartment. From walking to the kitchen in the middle of the night for water, to going from the living room couch to the bathroom, they have done it all and not only formed a deep connection with the laminated floor, but my feet as well. (90)

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J is for Journey

Prompt 2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Illustration and Text; Friday, Nov. 28

Dear Future Hokie,
Your most memorable journey won’t be to class or downtown, but instead to D2 every night. Follow the map from whatever dorm you’re in and make your way to D2. No matter the day of the week, D2 will be packed with hungry freshmen looking to socialize and make friends. Although the food isn’t fancy, it is the only dining hall open at 2am and it will more than get the job done. I preferred the fries, but regardless, you’ll be leaving full and with new friends. (90)

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K is for Knowledge

Prompt 2.29 Public Library; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

My walk to my local library is very nostalgic and meaningful. The library was a popular hangout spot amongst my friends in middle school, and to this day, it serves an important purpose of giving me a quiet environment to do work when I am at home. My use for this library has changed throughout the years, but the peaceful, beautiful walk has not. Libraries hold communities together as they allow all ages and types of people the ability to learn and gain knowledge, while asking for nothing in return. (90)

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L is for Leaves

Prompt 2.10 Favorite Tree, A note of Appreciation; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Dear Sugar Maple,
You catch my eye everyday as I walk back to the maroon bus loop after class. Especially recently, the way your top branches stand bare while your lower ones hold their leaves, waiting to fall off as the weather gets colder and colder. It feels like a slow surrender as the fall season progresses. It’s as if you’re showing me that change occurs in stages, not all at once. Even half bare, you prove beauty doesn’t go away, instead it just changes as the seasons go on. (90)

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M is for Marathon Shoes

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Before my weekly runs, I stopped to take a photograph of my running shoes that helped me through my hardest run ever. 13.1 miles of pure pain, torture and regret. However, these shoes helped me push through and allowed me to feel one of the most rewarding feelings of my life. These shoes are not worn out from distance, but rather hard work, dedication and sweat. They hold memories that remind me of what I persevered through, and that I can always do what I put my mind to. (90)

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N is for Neighborhood Bench

Prompt 2.05 A good Bench; Photograph and Text; Monday, Dec. 1

Waiting at the bus stop can be tiring on the legs, especially when there is not a conventional bench. However, this little stone wall comes in very handy when I am waiting for PRG. Although it is nothing fancy, it’s always there for me when I need it, and I think that is what makes up a good bench. This little curb makes waiting feel calmer, and it reminds me that a good bench doesn’t have to look the part, it just has to give you a place to rest. (90)

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O is for Oasis

Prompt 2.19 Duck Pond; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Nov. 29

On my walk around my neighborhood, I stop to look at the beautiful oasis that has stood the test of time. Although the things around it have changed plenty, it remains strong in the middle of the neighborhood, bringing the community together with its blissful fountain spewing water into the air causing a ripple effect in the pond. Looking closely when standing on top of the bridge, you can see little fish quickly squirming around, making the pond seem alive. Makes you realize, sometimes peace comes from the smallest movements. (90)

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P is for Peaceful

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 11

On my walk home from campus, I was given no choice but to admire the breathtaking sunset above me. The sky streaked with an orange and pink haze causing many others to stop, stare and take photographs. The clouds felt close to touch, yet still so far away as they brushed across the troposphere. The only word to describe this was peaceful as the colors slowly faded to night in the best way possible. It felt as if the sky was letting out a big exhale getting ready for bed. (90)

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Q is for Quiet

Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Photograph and Text; Friday, Nov. 28

My favorite walk at home is the quiet, peaceful route I take with my dog. Not only is this my favorite walk, but it is also his. He gets the opportunity to discover and smell new things around him, and more importantly, go number 1 and 2. There’s nothing dramatic about this walk, but that is the reason I enjoy it so much. The calmness slows everything down, no rush, no loud noises, just quality time with my dog. I’m reminded that such a simple walk is still the best. (90)

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R is for Resting

Prompt 2.05 A good Bench; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 17

To pass the time between my classes, I like to sit on this bench. Resting on this bench slows everything down and allows me to gather myself before the next part of my day. I even enjoy people watching, seeing how people act and go about their day. A good bench is nothing special, as long as it gives you a place to take a break from the difficult parts of life, it is doing its job. And as long as it isn’t too cold, this spot does exactly that. (90)

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S is for Spiky Tree

Prompt 2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Dear Spiky Tree,
You’ve been a part of this house, standing by the garage for as long as I have been alive. As I have grown up throughout the years, you have been there with me growing yourself. Your exterior is sharp to the touch, but beyond those pointed leaves, you have a smooth loving surface. You’ve watched me go from playing basketball on the driveway, to coming home from college. The many memories you hold will never be forgotten as long as your roots stay planted in the ground. (90)

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T is for Trash

Prompt 2.24 A Mediation on Garbage; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28

On my way to the bus stop this morning, I noticed a Dasani water bottle laying in the grass by the curb. Its bright turquoise labeling caught the corner of my eye as it almost camouflaged in. I wondered how long it had been sitting there, and who dropped it there. The Virginia Tech campus is overall very clean as that’s one of my favorite things about it, but acts like this irritate me because of how easy it is to pick up after yourself. So don’t be that person. (90)

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U is for UCB

Prompt 2.32 Shortest Walk; Illustration and Text; Sunday, Nov. 30

The trip is short. From apartment to stop. Yet I often rush. First a right. Then another one. Then straight ahead. I’m running behind. But I speed up. The bus approaches. I start running. UCB pulls up. I made it. I deeply exhale. I won’t miss class. This walk is simple. Yet it’s always important. Take me to class. Good or bad? What will today be? This sets my pace. It starts my day. A routine path. I’ll never forget. Short, quick, but necessary. My shortest walk. I still despise. (90)

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V is for Vast

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Video and Text; Thursday, Nov. 27

On my short, post-dinner walk, I stopped to admire the dark night sky above me. The sky felt endless as it stretched far into the yonder. Although the stars were not visible, the clouded sky gave the black night some contrast. The air was cool and still with the breeze brushing along my face and through my thick clothing. The galaxy seemed so vast above me, making me feel so small and insignificant is this huge world of people and ideas, allowing me to catch myself when things are spiraling. (90)

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W is for Workout

Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 8

My daily downhill trek to the Terrace View gym is loud yet peaceful at the same time. Rap music blasts through my headphones, muting the world around me but sharpening my focus for the workout ahead. Leaves fall constantly, layering the path more and more as the weeks progress until I can barely see the concrete. Each step creates a crisp crunch that never gets old. Squirrels dart across the walkway, vanishing into trees as I pass. It’s a simple, yet familiar routine that clears my head before every lift. (90)

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X is for eXhale

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Monday, Dec. 1

Coming home everyday, I have to walk up multiple of these flights of stairs. Although they look harmless, they quickly add up, and when I finally get to the top, I always take a second to let out a big exhale. There’s no elevator, and I think this routine of climbing these stairs subconsciously is the reason I choose stairs over elevators in other scenarios. Everyday I wish I lived on the first floor so I could bypass this entire routine. But at least I am getting my steps in. (90)

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Y is for Yogurt

Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Photograph and Text; Friday, Nov. 14

Almost every night, I make the short trip from either the couch or my room to the kitchen and grab a Chobani yogurt from the refrigerator. This sweet treat satisfies my taste buds, and also gives me protein. This short routine is one that I look forward to almost every night. This walk is at most 15 steps, but it feels like a special moment to celebrate the day. I open the fridge, grab the yogurt, then head back the same way. This walk is simple, predictable, yet so comforting. (90)

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Z is for Zzzzzz

Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Illustration and Text; Tuesday Oct. 28

Every night, after watching whatever sports game is on or movie with my roommates, I make the short, but sluggish walk from my living room to my bedroom before passing out. This walk only takes about 5 seconds, yet it oftentimes is a challenge to lift myself off of the couch and into my room. The floor boards creek softly beneath me as I take one slow step after another. I finally sink into my bed, wrapping myself in blankets before turning off the lights, ready to drift into sleep. (90)

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Introduction

Walking has always and will continue to be one of the simplest things a person can do, however through this project I’ve been able to recognize how that simplicity is able to hide a lot of the small details of the world around us. Before starting this project, I didn’t think much of my walks, just transitions between classes, errands, or whatever other kinds of tasks. But the more I slowed down to analyze certain areas or activities, the more I realized how much more there is to see when you choose to pay attention. Each of the following prompts has asked me to look at a familiar spaces with a different view, whether that meant simply noticing a tossed Fireball bottle by McComas, listening to crows gathering outside my apartment, or paying attention to how the sunlight shifts across campus in evening. As I moved through these spaces, I found myself learning something new about my environment.

Additionally, I believe that writing these entries has forced me to turn walking into something reflective as well. Instead of treating my steps as something in the background, having them be the focus has allowed for opportunities to observe, think, and especially reconnect with routines that I didn’t know I relied upon. Sometimes these opportunities were calming, like stargazing outside my apartment. Other times they revealed overlooked problems, like overflowing trash cans or some people’s general negligence for the world around them.

Ultimately though, I think this project has become less of completing an alphabetical list and more about building awareness, with each letter and subsequent entry being evocative of a particular feeling or thought tied to movement.

A is for Alcohol

Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to Be Different; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Oct. 25

Figure 01. A photograph of a small bottle of Fireball, tossed onto the dirt and underneath a shrub, between McComas Hall and a nearby bus stop. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

Heading out of the gym, I stumbled upon this bottle lying on the ground. It seemed odd to me that somebody would be drinking before or after working out, or maybe they just so happened to toss it while they were walking by. Either way, it felt careless, especially with a trash can so close—a small disruption to a place meant for self-improvement and health. I wish people would treat these public spaces how they would treat their own areas, though it seems it would take more empathy than effort. (90)

B is for Blacksburg

Prompt 2.14 Signage; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

Figure 02. A photograph of a directional sign depicting a map of downtown Blacksburg, located relative to the Squires Student Center. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

This sign stands at the threshold between campus, and the wider town of Blacksburg, blending Virginia Tech landmarks with the surrounding community. As a map, it mirrors the unknown aspects of the college experience, featuring paths I’m still learning about, and spaces I didn’t even knew existed. Additionally, it also makes campus feel less isolated. Instead of showing Virginia Tech as a closed-off environment, the sign maps it directly onto the streets and neighborhoods, giving off the impression that the college experience stretches into the everyday rhythms of Blacksburg itself. (90)

C is for Caw

Prompt 2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Video and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28

Video 01. A video of a group of crows around some tall trees outside of my apartment, chasing and calling to each other while flying in the air. (Original Video, Jordan Nguyen)

Like clockwork, the crows outside my apartment begin to call to each other, their voices echoing like an out-of-sync choir. While not being human chatter, I like to think there’s still a rhythm to it: bursts of sounds overlapping, almost as if they are responding to each other. This, alongside their patterned and following movements, gives off a playful energy, caught in a game that only makes sense to them, with the morning air carrying that energy across the trees. It’s oddly reminiscent of children playing together, free of responsibility. (90)

D is for Distraction

Prompt 2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct. 10

Figure 03. A photograph of my basketball shoes while standing still on a sidewalk near downtown Blacksburg (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

When I moved out to head to Virginia Tech in my freshman year, these shoes were the first thing I bought with my own money. During this time, I was obsessed with basketball and spent over $200 on them. Near the end of that year, college stress weighed heavily on me, and playing basketball became an escape. I wore these shoes almost every day, and they went from a clear white to a dirtied, faded gray. However, despite their visual flaws, these shoes represent escape and distraction from troubling times. (90)

E is for Enduring

Prompt 2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Wednesday, Sept. 11

Figure 04. A photograph of a sugar maple tree, standing at 36 inches tall, located directly outside of the Architecture Annex. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

Dear Tree, I would always pass by you whenever I was walking back from classes in the Armory, and somewhere along the way you became a reminder that my day was finally winding down. After being in lectures for hours on end, seeing you felt like a breath of fresh air whenever you came into view. Maybe it’s strange to find comfort in something so simple, but you’re a part of my routine. In days filled with stress and constant noise, you’re one of the few things that stay steady. (90)

F is for Few

Prompt 2.31 Shortest Walk; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Oct. 5

Figure 05. A photograph of my car, the silver Subaru, taken directly from the front door of my apartment. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

Front door clicks shut. Lock the front door. Shadows stretch along ground. Warm breeze hitting face. Birds chirping loudly nearby. Outdoors smells fresh. Rub face, wake up. Keys jingling in hand. Walking along the pavement. Sidewalk ends, grass begins. Leaves crunch under shoes. Grass ends, asphalt begins. Steps slow to stop. Car is waiting silently. Sunlight glints off windshield. Mirrors reflect the sky. Students walking toward buses. Others walking their pets. Unlock car, throw backpack. Step inside car. Seatbelt clicks into place. Start ignition; dashboard glows. Small journey complete now. (90)

G is for Glowing

Prompt 2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29

Figure 06. A photograph of the sky at around 7:00 PM outside the CID building, with the moon peering from behind a large tree. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

The sky glowed faintly gold, fading into a soft gray and creating a gradient as evening settled in. Through the branches, which I assume couldn’t have been farther than a couple hundred feet, the moon rested low, veiled by the trees yet bright enough to cut through regardless. Despite knowing it was hundreds of thousands of miles away, the moon seemed close enough to touch the surrounding landscape. The longer I looked, the more the contrast heightened between the darks of the trees and the light of the background. (90)

H is for High Surveillance

Prompt 3.15 Camera Awareness; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

Figure 07. A photograph of a security camera placed on one of the outside walls of the Squires Student Center, faced towards a downtown Blacksburg street. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I quickly noticed how few buildings lack some sort of surveillance system. From entrances to hallways, there always seems to be at least one camera, which makes sense given the size of the university and focus of student safety. Honestly, I’m not sure if there is anywhere you can walk without at least wondering if there’s a camera nearby, aside from naturally private places or areas farther into nature. It makes me think about how normalized surveillance has become on campus, as most don’t question its presence unless prompted otherwise. (90)

I is for Infatuation

Prompt 2.31 Blacksburg Books; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov. 26

Figure 08. A photograph of a smaller book display located at the entrance to the book store, alongside some additional, non-book merchandise. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I’ll talk about a classic I saw in the store: The Great Gatsby. A story following a mysterious millionaire and the narrator who becomes entangled in his lavish lifestyle, is a book I initially read in high school. I remember liking the book. Things from the memorable characters and personalities, to the noticeable breakdown of Gatsby’s psyche made for an interesting read. One quote that stood out to me was: “Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” (90)

J is for Just Awake

Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Nov 26

Figure 09. A perspective drawing illustrating a walk from my bed to my kitchen, marked by black “footsteps” on the ground. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I usually choose to make myself breakfast before I do anything else. The walk to my kitchen is usually about 15 steps, in which I will sometimes trip over things on the ground that I had forgotten to clean up the night before, mostly because I’m still pretty tired. Thinking more about it, everything feels quieter during this point. I choose to wake up pretty early so there’s no cars outside yet, and no noises from the apartments around me. It’s just me and my slow pacing towards my refrigerator. (90) 

K is for Knowledge

Prompt 2.29 Public Library; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 25

Figure 10. A photograph of the front of the Public Blacksburg Library, taken from the parking lot. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I often avoid libraries over book stores, as I tend to forget due dates and worry about accidentally keeping the books far too long. Despite this however, I am able to recognize what libraries mean to communities both large and small. They serve as shared spaces where people are able to learn a large variety of topics, connect with people of similar interests, and provide easy access to resources some people might not otherwise have access to. So even if I am forgetful, I still appreciate the opportunities they give. (90)

L is for Legacy

Prompt 2.28 War Memorial Chapel; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov 25

Figure 11. A photograph of the the outside doors of the War Memorial Chapel, taken on the closest Drillfield path. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I’ve never been inside the building before. I would mainly walk by it on the way to classes across campus, or walk to the outside entrance whenever I was with a religious friend. While I couldn’t go inside due to Thanksgiving, upon closer inspection of the outside I was drawn to both the observation deck and large figures built onto the pylons, as they gave off a strong sense of authority with their stature. After doing some research I learned that they represent values like brotherhood and leadership, as well as the names being alumni who’ve died in military service. This, alongside the names of alumni who’ve received the Medal of Honor, have made me understand that the building serves multiple purposes, ranging from honoring those alumni and the values the embodied, while also serving as a place of quiet reflection and communal religious gatherings. Even from the outside, you can tell that the space is designed for both remembrance and connection, offering an area where people can grieve, pray, or simply take a moment to slow down and contemplate. (180)

M is for Memory

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

Figure 12. A photograph of a bench dedicated to Howard and Ethel Gouger between CID and the Armory. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

Sitting on this bench, I noticed the small plaque dedicated to Mr. and Mrs. Gouger. As I sat, I began to think about who they were; perhaps they were similar to me in the sense that they enjoyed walks like the one I was on, or that this spot meant something special to them. I suppose if I could tell them something, I’d say their bench has given support to many people over time, including myself, and has become a place to pause, breathe, and reflect during a busy day. (90)

N is for Necessities

Prompt 2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Friday, Nov. 28

Figure 13. A photograph of four items from my backpack including: A MacBook inside its case, a black spiral notebook, a smaller, spiral sketchbook, and a pair of Audio Technica wired headphones (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

The most important item in my backpack is my MacBook. As a Creative Technologies major, I rely on it for nearly all my work, from completing assignments to storing essential files. Next is my black spiral notebook, which I don’t use as much now that I take notes online, though I still doodle in it occasionally. I also keep a sketchbook for drawing assignments or quick artistic ideas, since it’s easy to access. Lastly, I carry wired headphones for listening on school computers, though I haven’t needed them during break. (90)

O is for Observational

Prompt 3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 24

Figure 14. A photograph of a black and white cat sitting underneath the front of a car, taken place in one of the many parking areas outside my apartment. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I would describe myself as an observational walker. Rather than walking for the activity itself, I enjoy paying attention to the world around me as I walk, from murals on downtown walls, to living creatures like the one I featured here. If I had to say, it’s probably more of a want than a need for me, though sometimes I do feel like I need these walks to get away from the things that give me stress.  I walk alone to think, and I’d love to explore more scenic routes. (90)

P is for Purposeless

Prompt 2.07 What Even Goes On In There?; Video and Text; Monday, Oct. 27

Video 02. A video of me walking around the 3rd floor of the Newman Library as I waited for my next class. (Original Video, Jordan Nguyen)

Despite the Newman building being in such close proximity to many of my art-related classes, I’ve never found any particular reason to head inside until this moment. Potentially due to the building’s large scale, there was much to take in on each floor, ranging from people quietly studying to those interacting in low voices in the many lounge areas. Its spacious design made sounds feel layered, the tapping of keyboards blending with the shuffling of footsteps and the humming of air vents, always having you find undiscovered facilities and services. (90)

R is for Remembrance

Prompt 2.27 4/16 Memorial; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 17

Figure 15. A photograph of what I assume is a bench, located next to the Drillfield’s sloped exit and dedicated towards the students who survived the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16th, 2007. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I’ve passed this spot before on my way to classes, though I’ve never taken the time to stop and admire it before. I think what stood out to me the most was how intentional everything seemed. From the careful spacing of the 300lb stones, to the pleasant flower arrangement, it’s obvious that a lot of care and resources went into the creation of the memorial. To me, the memorial seems to serve as a constant reminder, both to the people who were lost and the students today, that they’re remembered. (90)

S is for Stack

Prompt 2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Oct. 5

Figure 16. Compostable food boxes stacked on top of each other and placed on a group of trash cans outside West End Hall. (Original photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I often notice trash cans overflowing on campus, creating scenes like the one above. It always strikes me as something strange, especially as a person who works for dining services, as many of the dining halls have conveyor belts and designated spots to put these boxes to avoid this kind of buildup. Still, I suppose many people don’t think much of it. As by the next day, the pile is gone, becoming someone else’s problem, only for a new stack to be created again soon after, continuing the same cycle. (90)

T is for Tranquil

Prompt 3.14 Star Gazing; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Nov. 9

Figure 17. A photograph of many, small stars sitting dimly in the night sky at 6:32 PM, a short distance away from my apartment (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

Ever since I came to college I’ve enjoyed being out during the night more. There’s something about the nighttime scenery that is oddly comforting, maybe because it contrasts so much with the busyness of the day. I’ll often find somewhere comfortable to sit, maybe a bench, look up towards the darkened sky, and just let a sense of calm wash over me as I admire the stars that contrast nicely with their background. Overall, the night makes for a pleasant distraction from the worries that come with the day before. (90)

U is for Uncertainty

Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct. 10

Figure 18. A photograph sitting on the balcony of the CID building while working on an art assignment. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

During my freshman year, the CID building elevators were very unreliable. Attempting to use the elevators often was a gamble, in a sense, as they were either out of order, slow to come, or crammed with residents from every floor. Step inside and you’d find oddly sticky floors due to spills or the awkward shuffling of people too close to one another. All this to say that I prefer the stairs. You get to be more active, helps clear the mind, and most importantly, offers a higher level of control. (90)

V is for Variety

Prompt 2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 14

Figure 19. A photograph of a part of the Hahn Horticulture Garden, including a wide variety of plants and what seems to be a wooden seating arrangement in the back. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

After reading the provided link about the garden, I think that rather than the physical location, the thing I enjoy most is what it means to people. Whether that meaning is being a place where you can absorb the view after a day’s work, or a place where you get to interact with the environment for the sake of your studies, it feels like a space that brings calm and connection. If there was something I didn’t like, it would be how limited weekday parking felt, making spontaneous visits difficult. (90)

W is for Waiting

Prompt 2.16 Waiting in Line; Photograph and Text, Wednesday, Nov 26

Figure 20. A photograph of the ground inside Blacksburg Books, as I waited to purchase some novels from the store. (Original Photograph, Jordan Nguyen)

I don’t think I would consider waiting in line “walking”, because I assign walks as being something that gives a person some kind of movement freedom, which isn’t really possible in a line setting, as you’re often constrained in that space, moving only when allowed. The people waiting in line are pretty patient, which is the behavior I would assume from patrons in a book store. Most people choose to look at their phones or the space around them, though some people do talk if they came with other people. (90)

A is for Atrium

Figure 1. Interior of Shanks Hall atrium, showing sunlight streaming through glass ceiling and open walkways. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

Light pours through the glass ceiling, striking the freshly polished floors in a diagonal pattern that shifts with the sun. With all the silence like the calm before the storm. I pause near the center, noticing how the atrium blends indoors and outdoors, how stillness meets motion, how reflection meets reality. Dust floats lazily in the beams of light. Taking a photo feels like freezing the beauty of the perfect blend of indoor and outdoor. Capturing a moment that is both ordinary and extraordinary in its fleeting, quiet, perfect balance. (90)

B is for Bus loop

Figure 2. Students and commuters at the Blacksburg Transit bus loop, morning activity and motion captured. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The bus pulls in slowly, with a steady rumble, the doors swing open like a floodgates at a dam. One after another, students spill out, filling the sidewalk with chatter and laughter. The cool brisk October air greets the students instantly, carrying the faint scent of fall fever. The mid-morning sun casts a sharp glare that seems to be blind everyone for a moment. Some students walk quickly, while others mingle, heads down to their phones or talking in small groups, the rhythm of campus life flowing steadily around them.

C is for crosswalk

Figure 3. Crosswalk near Turners showing students walking across with Purpose. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The crosswalk is busy with students and faculty moving lazily in morning to and from class. Nearby, the construction site by turners clanging and banging, filling the air with metal sounds like a busy intersection. Cars wait impatiently as waves of people cross, holding peoples phones and backpacks. Though the crosswalk is simple in design, confusion often dominates some hesitate, unsure if the cars will actually stop, while others dart across bravely. Everyone shares the same unspoken goal, to make it safely across without becoming part of the morning chaos.

D is for Drillfield

Figure 4. Students walking to class across the drillfield. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

When you think of Virginia Tech one of the first things you think of is the great Drillfield. A great big open space separating the residential and academic sides of campus. On a chilly October morning, birds chirp all around, almost as if they were reminding students it’s time to wake up. Students rush across with their backpacks, their breath visible in the cool air. Most likely they slept in a little too long, racing to make it to class on time and I can’t lie, I’ve been there before.

E is For entrance

Figure 5. Entrance to shanks hall  on a cool brisk morning. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The entrance to Shanks hall, some call it just another building, but I call it home. As a Communications major, it’s where I’ll spend the next few years growing, learning , and finding myself as an adult. The morning is cool as I walk from my eight a.m. class. backpack heavy and mind still waking up. In the distance, I hear the cadets doing their morning PT on the grass, it sounds like a coach prepping his team for the big game. Shanks waits ahead, familiar and full of purpose. (90)

F is for fountain

Figure 6.Picture taken at the fountain outside of squires. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The fountain at Squires Plaza whispers beneath the noise of campus. The cloudy weather dances across the rippling reflecting every drop into a spark of light. You don’t see the students sitting at the tables like you would on a nice warm day. You can see the coins resting at the bottom of the water, the shine of the coins makes you feel like you can see all the wishes people have made. For a moment the world slows just the sound of the water reminding me to be present. (90)

G is for Glass

The glass in the stairwell at Perry Place Parking Garage makes you feel like a gateway into the world of college. Morning light filters through the panels subtly and golden rays spill across the steps as I descend. Each reflection shows the motion of students hurrying below, their energy buzzing in the air. The clouds above are just enough to let in a burst of brightness as if the day itself were welcoming me. Standing there surrounded by glass and light I feel ready almost like anything could begin here. (90)

H is for Hokie stone

Caption:
Figure 8. Picture taken in the stairwell of the Perry Place Parking Garage of the famous hokie stone. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

Hokie stone is what this great university is built on literally. You can’t go anywhere on campus without seeing that beautiful stone staring right  back at you. Each block feels timeless connecting every building through the same rough texture and cool touch. The sleek grey limestone makes this campus look like as if its straight out of Harry potter or some medieval castel form back in the renaissance era. It’s more than architecture, it’s identity. Every glance at the stone reminds me I’m part of something strong, something unmistakably Hokie. (90)

I is for Intersection

Figure 9.Picture taken of the intersection at Turners. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The intersection paints a very vivid and diverse picture of campus life. You can see cars driving by, you see people walking to and from class with headphones and backpacks bouncing. You see people biking weaving carefully between it all, creating a choreography of movement that somehow works without a pause. But what makes the intersection so special is how all these variables coexist perfectly and makes it seem like perfect constant motion. The different speeds, sounds and intentions blending into one seamless flow.Its constant motion but never chaos. (90)

J is for Johnston student center

Caption:
Figure 10. Picture taken of the Johnston Student Center . (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa).

The Johnston Student center feels like the heartbeat of campus life. Whether it’s students grabbing coffee, studying between classes or catching up with friends, the cool air and harsh breeze made all the students go inside instead of being outside. The blending of the smell of coffee and the laughter of the students and footsteps echoing down the hall.Groups huddle around tables studying or sharing stories between classes. It’s a living space that balances focus and connects a place where the Virginia tech community comes alive every single day. (90)

K is for Kiosk

Caption:

Figure 11. Newman hall package showing the central touchscreen and surrounding locker system, where students scan their pickup codes to retrieve packages throughout the day. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The Newman Hall kiosk always feels half-asleep in the mornings. Its touchscreen glows faintly under a layer of scratches and the sun faded stickers, waiting for someone rushing between classes to tap in their pickup code. The boxes stacked around it hum quietly, each holding packages from homes far away snacks, sweatshirts, reminders that someone is still thinking about you. I stop here more than I admit, watching students hover, scan, grab, go. It’s a tiny crossroads of campus life, where digital alerts turn into something you can actually hold. (90)

L is for Lane stadium

Figure 12. Front entrance of Lane stadium viewed from ground level, showing its stone exterior, glass windows, and twin towers against a clear blue sky. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

Lane Stadium looks different when it’s empty and quiet, almost polite. Walking past the towering stone exterior, it’s strange to remember how loud this place gets, how the whole building shakes on game days. Today the sky is a perfect, impossible blue, and the flags barely move. The dark windows reflect nothing but sunlight and the faint outline of passings students. Without the crowds, the stadium feels more like a monument than a football stadium, a reminder of how many memories pile up here long before anyone even steps inside. (90)

M is for mailboxes

Figure 13. Rows of numbered mailboxes outside a Virginia Tech residence hall, arranges in even vertical columns with uniform labels. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

he mailboxes sit in tight, perfect rows, each one is marked with a small A and a number that feels strangely personal, like an address without a street. Walking past them, I always notice how quietly they are no rattling doors, no envelope sticking out, just flat panels waiting for someone to claim whatever’s waiting inside. Their repetition is almost hypnotic, a grid of small promise sealed behind metal. Even unopened, they hint at a movement, messages traveling across states, landing here, ready to be found by the right hands. (90)

N is for No parking sign

Figure 14. A red and white No parking or driving on sidewalk sign standing in front of a Virginia Tech residence hall, framed by bare branches and clear blue sky. (original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The red sign stands out against the Hokie stone building, shouting its message even though no one seems to be breaking the rule. I pass it almost every day, always a little amused by how serious it sounds NO PARKING OR DRIVING ON SIDEWALK like someone, at some point, really needed that reminder. The arrows point both directions, unsure where enforcement begins or ends. In the still morning air, the sign feels less like a warning and more like part of the landscape, another small command woven into campus routines. (90)

O is for Owens dining hall

Figure 15. Owens Hall always sign and surrounding landscape, including a small holiday-themed storybook advertisement placed among fallen leaves and shrubs. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

Owens hall always feels a little tucked away, even though so many students pass it every day for food, meetings, or a quick shortcut between classes. The Hokie stone exterior catches the morning light in a way that makes the windows glow faintly, almost like they’re reflecting a different season entirely. Today, a small holiday storybook sign sits in the mulch by walkway random, cheerful, and slightly out of place. It adds a touch of color to the gray stone, reminding me how campus surprise you when you slow down. (90)

P is for pylons

Figure 16. Stone pylons of the War memorial at Virginia Tech, each featuring carved figures and long shadows cast across the plaza on a clear winter afternoon. (original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The pylons rise above the steps like quiet guardians, each one holding a carved figure that seems to watch over anyone passing through. in the afternoon light, their shadows fall inn long, sharp angles that make the whole structure feel larger than it already is. Walking beneath them, you can’t help but feel the weight of what they stand for service, sacrifice, legacy. Even on a calm day, with no one else around, the space feels charged. The pylons don’t ask for attention, yet they always manage to hold it. (90)

Q is for QR code

Figure 17. Close up of a maroon and white QR code panel on a Virginia Tech package kiosk, highlighting the scan me app prompt at ground level. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The QR code sits at the bottom of the kiosk panel like a silent, square, and strangely powerful. I walk past it almost every day, yet I rarely stop to think to think about how easily we trust these little pixel patterns to send us somewhere useful. One quick scan and you’re in a different space digital instructions unfolding on your screen. Standing here, with cold concrete underfoot and the afternoon light reflecting off the sign, it feels like tiny doorway between campus routines and the world inside our phones. (90)

R is for railing

Figure 18. Metal railing along a short set of outdoor steps, casting long angled shadows across the concrete on a sunny afternoon. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The railing bends with the slope of the hill, guiding you down the steps even when you barely notice your hand brushing against it. Its metal surface catches the afternoon light, throwing long shadows across the concrete in zigzag angles. I always think about how many people rely on it without thinking steadying themselves on icy mornings, slowing down after rushing between classes. It’s a small, ordinary piece of campus infrastructure, but walking past it today, it feels like a quiet reminder that not every form of support is obvious. (90)

S is for stairs

Figure 19. Concrete stairs with sharp, angled shadows cast by the nearby railing on a sunny afternoon at Virginia Tech. (Original Photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The stairs look simple at first, just another shortcut carved into the slope of campus, but standing here you notice how the sunlight transforms them into something special. Each step holds a band of shadow, perfectly spaced throughout, like the stairs are teaching their own geometry lesson. The concrete is worn and a little uneven, marked by years of hurried mornings and slow afternoons. Leaves collect at the edges, gathering where footsteps pause. walking down stairs feels familiar, but the play of light makes them new every time I pass. (90)

T is for tree

Figure 20. A tall winter tree near Cassell coliseum, its bare branches casting intricate shadows across the sidewalks

The tree stands bare in the winter light, its branches stretching upward like lines drawn against the sky. Even without its leaves, it feels strong and sturdy, rooted in a way that anchors the whole sidewalk around it. I pass this tree often, noticing how it changes throughout the seasons full and loud in the fall, quiet now, almost reflective. Today, its shape appears doubled on the ground, a shadow stretching across the pavement. The tree doesn’t move much, but its presence always fills the space more than I expect. (90)

U is for USA flag

Figure 21. US flag waving beside service branch flags in the upper quad at Virginia Tech. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The US flag hangs in the cold calm breeze, its stripes folding and unfolding like it’s breathing with the wind. Standing beneath it, you can hear the faint metallic tap of the pole shifting, a tiny sound that somehow makes the moment feel bigger. The sunlight catches the fabric just right, brightening the red and washing the white. Surrounded by all the other service flags, the US flag still pulls the eye first. It feels steady, almost anchoring the whole space, a familiar symbol rising above an ordinary campus afternoon. (90)

V is for Vawter hall

Figure 22. Sign for Vawter Hall with winter trees and surrounding sidewalk. (Original Photograph, Anthony LaRosa

Vawter Hall always pulls me back to freshman year the moment I walk by. It’s strange how a building can hold so many firsts, first move in day, first late-night walk back from campus, first time realizing college actually feels real. The sign looks the same as it did then, rooted in the ground beneath the bare winter trees. I remember learning every shortcut around here, figuring out where to be and when. Passing Vawter now, it feels smaller than I remember, but the memories around it still feels huge. (90)

W is for War memorial Chapel

Figure 23. Entrance of War memorial chapel with wooden doors, surrounding Hokie stone, and a nearby stone bench casting a sharp shadow. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The entrance to War Memorial Chapel feels tucked away, even though thousands of students pass it without noticing. The wooden doors catch the afternoon light, turning a warm orange that stands out against the cold Hokie Stone. I always sense a different kind of quiet here, the kind that makes you pause without realizing why. The stone bench nearby holds a sharp, clean shadow, as if saving a place for someone who hasn’t arrived yet. Walking by, the space feels calm, steady, and surprisingly grounding amid the rush of campus. (90)

X is for the x in exit

Figure 24. A black and white exit sign inside a campus parking garage, emphasizing the bold X above the driving lane. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The X in the word exit catches my eye every time I pass underneath it. It’s sharp and somehow louder than the rest of the letters, like it’s doing all the work of pointing you out of the garage. In a space full of concrete and low echoes, that X feels almost symbolic an intersection, a crossing over point, a reminder that you’re leaving one environment for another. Light filters through the slats ahead, guiding you. Even in an ordinary parking deck, that single letter makes the moment feel directional. (90)

Y is for Yellow lines

Figure 25. Bright yellow center lines and white parking stripes on a worn campus roadway near a parking lot. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The yellow line cuts through the road with a confidence that doesn’t match how quiet the street feels today. It’s a simple stripe, with cracks in a few places, but it still does its job dividing, guiding, reminding drivers where not to drift. I walk past it without thinking most days, but standing here, the contrast between the bright yellow line and the worn asphalt stands out. Car’s edge into the parking lot across the road, tires crunching lightly. The yellow line stays steady, marking a boundary that never moves. (90)

Z is for Zipper

Figure 26. Close up view of a zipped green hoodie with hanging drawstrings, worn during a walk on campus. (Original photograph, Anthony LaRosa)

The zipper on my hoodie always sits right at the center, pulled up just enough to block the wind during early walks across campus. It’s such a small detail metal teeth, smooth track, a quick tug but it somehow sets the tone for the day. The drawstrings bounce lightly against my chest as I move, tapping a quiet rhythm I never really notice until I slow down. In photos, the zipper looks almost like a dividing line, splitting the fabric cleanly. It’s familiar, ordinary, and oddly comforting on cold mornings. (90)

Walking through Blacksburg and parts of Christiansburg has opened up a new perspective to me. Especially the aspect of viewing the walks I regularly go on from a different point of view. Every walk I’ve made for this work has been an eye opener. Some were calm and routine while others were new and probably scary. Every walk required me to critically think and observe my surroundings, every observation has got a hundred thoughts in mind about its significance and place. Every view I look around campus I try to admire its beauty. I try to retrospect my routines which were developed out of habit but I probably can’t justify it if I were asked about them before this. This work has also got me thinking about several questions, such as why Virginia Tech follows a similar style of architecture, how to understand a place based on the time, and why the amount of people gives a place its meaning, etc. More than all of these why some routines are developed automatically without my intent. All these questions made me think deeply about my habits and places. Finally, a lots of illusions, when I walked around campus I’ve noticed several illusions, where I find some walks shorter to the eye despite the fact that its comparable in distance to the other walk, and I’ve noticed several of them across the campus, because of the curving design of roads and walkways in the campus. In fact, one of my walks involved me walking at midnight in a pitch dark trail, sending me through waves of fear, excitement and dizziness. Overall this experience has been new, interesting and eye opening, walking through several known and unknown paths, observing in a new way and perspective added to the experience well.

A for Ambler Johnston Hall

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Picture; Saturday; October. 18

Figure 1: A picture taken just outside the North entrance of Ambler Johnston Hall during sunset, showing the street, sky and mountain. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

What could please our eyes if the view of the horizon meeting the mountain ranges cannot? One of the most beautiful scenic views we can find in Blacksburg is the walkway just outside West Ambler Johnston during sunset and a clear weather, where we find the clouds touching the mountain ranges that are visible straight down the street, combined with the fall colors offered by the mountain is a beautiful view. Also the fact that there are pretty much no visible street lights on the street adds to its beauty. (90)

B for for Burruss Hall

2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Picture; Thursday, October. 09

Figure 2: A picture taken from the square behind Burruss Hall, it shows the square with a construction site behind Turner’s place. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Burruss Hall is located at the heart of campus, but just behind it is a square that I found to be a good confusion breaker. In the event you are in a dilemma about where to head on campus, be it dining halls or classroom buildings, you can go to the square and decide. The square is located at the center of the academic side of campus where I can reach any academic building in less than 5 minutes, so if I decide to change my plans, I’d stop here. (90)

C for Cassell Coliseum

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Picture; Thursday; October. 09

Figure 3: A picture taken from Dietrick hall 2nd floor facing Cassell Coliseum at Sunset, It shows the front view of Cassell Coliseum facing North during sunset. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Light from the sun can often be bitter, but it can also offer one of the most beautiful sunsets one can find, especially on campuses with one of the best architectures in the country. One such place where you can find the best sunset views is at the 2nd floor on Dietrick hall facing Cassell Coliseum, where you can find the sunset light falling in a diagonal shape relative to Cassell Coliseum with a deep yellowish orange color that is the most mesmerizing view that simply cannot be expressed digitally. (90)

D for Duck Pond

2.19 Duck Pond; Picture; Saturday; October. 11

Figure 4: A picture of a Canada Goose taken at Duck Pond. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Think about a time when animals got used to human activities, I’ve experienced such event at the Duck Pond where a Canada Goose, which I presumed was a duck but got clarification from my peers, has probably got used to a lot people coming around and taking pictures, it was surprisingly cooperative with me when I was taking pictures of it and in fact a step further moving itself around the tree and looking at the camera. This made me wonder if animals would respond to humans’ actions when conditioned. (90)

E for Edge way

3.03 Absurdist Tour; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 5: A picture of the bus stop taken in front of the edge way (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

When I was walking by the Edge apartments just north east of maroon loop, I noticed a slightly absurd feature, the bus stop just in front of the edge way on Toms Creek Rd. According to google maps it’s a ten minute walk from the stop to Orange Bay, and I found it funny because why would someone take the bus when you could just continue the walk for a few more minutes. But this made me also appreciate the effort Virginia Tech puts into accessibility and inclusion of everyone. (90)

G for Goodwin Hall

2.07 What Even Goes On In There?; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 6: A picture taken in Goodwin Hall of the Trent Engine hanging from the ceiling with ropes. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Goodwin Hall is one of the most intriguing buildings that I find at Virginia Tech. Everytime I enter it I find something new and fascinating. Be it the enormously huge engine hanging from the ceiling, which appears to be fake- which I thought initially because I presumed no ceiling can hold it- until I realized it was real, or the stunning views from the glass windows of second floor facing south with the bus terminal, every time I enter Goodwin Hall it sets a modern campus setting in my mind. (90)

H for Huckleberry Trail

2.11 Huckleberry Trail; Picture; Saturday; October. 11

Figure 7: A picture taken at Fox Ridge Apartments, approximately a quarter mile away from trail entrance, it shows a full moon above a tree representing the environment during the walk.  (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

While visiting new paths itself is kind of scary, visiting it during 11.30 PM in the midnight is scarier. We decided to go out on the adventure to Huckleberry Trail at that specific time. I’m personally scared of darkness and horror films but not totally scared, this led me to take the leap of faith on my friends and go out on the walk in the trail. What feels like a scenic walk in the morning can feel the most terrifying walk if the time is midnight, and this walk did prove that point. A not so bright street light system, combined with mist, full moon and a black cat under a flickering light, is one of the classical conditioning environments used by film makers to scare audiences during horror films, and this exact environment was followed for the thirty minute walk. And when we revisited the same trail the morning, it was a scenic view with mountainous terrain and grass touching the horizon. This showed how the time of the day could alter the perception about a place. (180)

I for Inn at Virginia Tech

3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 8: A picture taken at the Inn at Virginia Tech portraying its architecture. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One of the places that I felt were slightly odd in my walk is the Inn at Virginia Tech located north-west of the campus. A peculiar reason I felt it as odd is because of its architecture, which drew and repelled me from it. Because every building and dorm at Virginia Tech follows the same design language in architecture but something about this building and location of the Inn felt like it could’ve appeared very unique from the rest of campus, especially because of its distance and discontinuity from campus. (90)

J for Johnston Student Center

2.17 Desire Paths; Picture; Thursday; October. 09

Figure 9: A picture of the door connecting Johnston Student Center and Pamplin College of Business (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Knowing shortcuts is often helpful especially with consequent classes, and a route that I found after a semester of having such consequent classes is the passage connecting Johnston Student Center and Pamplin College of Business. This path came as a surprise to me, because I had my first year writing lecture and Chemistry recitation session consequently in the Spring semester of 2025 and I didn’t know the existence of this passage and took the long way in the harsh weather, only to realize its existence a semester later in Fall. (90)

K for Kroger

3.22 Change the Ritual; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 10: A picture taken at University City Boulevard, outside Kroger. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Think about a time when you realized you could’ve done something far more simpler than what your routine does and you’ve realized that fact way later than you were supposed to. One such activity I used to do was go to Walmart in Christiansburg every weekend to get my weekly groceries and I used to unnecessarily spend 4 hours travelling and shopping. After staying in Blacksburg for 1 year, my friend told me that there is a Kroger that’s just thirty minutes from campus. I was surprised after knowing that. (90)

L for Lavery Hall

2.07 What Even Goes On In There?; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 11: A picture taken in front of Lavery Hall showing the multi floor design. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Building names and social references associated with them could confuse us. One such building I find confusing is Lavery Hall. When you’re with your peers they might often reference it as Turners Place. I often referenced it as Turners Place in my mind. Until one of my friends who stays in Lavery Hall corrected me saying Turners Place is just the food court in the bottom two floors but the building has multiple floors with a dorm and classrooms. And I still reference it as Turners place despite knowing this. (90)

M for McBryde Hall

2.17 Desire Paths; Video; Monday; December. 01

Video 1: A timelapse of McBryde Hall first floor showing the four directions we can enter and exit from the same corridor. (Original video, Anjan Bellamkonda)

I’d describe Mcbryde hall as an intersection terminal for all buildings. The tunnels on the first floor of the building can take me to all four directions. The southeast exit takes me to Torgerson Hall and the bus stop, the northwest exit takes me to Lavery Hall. And the heaters in the corridor help me from harsh blacksburg winters, making it an ideal break point when walking between buildings because I can reach all the way from Newman library to Goodwin hall with minimal outside walk, by walking through buildings. (90)

N for North Main Street

3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Picture; Picture; Friday; October. 31

Figure 12: A picture taken in front of Namaste Kitchen, showing North Main Street during the afternoon around 10.30 PM. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One street can have two faces, and one among them is North Main Street in Downtown Blacksburg. The street that once held the social space during the evenings and weekends could be completely quiet if we visit it at the wrong time. I’m not a night owl so I occasionally visit Downtown Blacksburg, but when I do, its a space with a vibrant social atmosphere and people. But when I visit in the afternoon to maybe return an amazon package at UPS its probably the most isolated place in town. (90)

O for Oasis World Market

3.02 Flanerie; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 13: A picture at the refrigerator of Oasis World Market displaying Dosa Batter. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Dosa is a popular South Indian Dish known for its crispiness and varieties of other dishes that we can make from it. Being from South India, it’s one of the dishes I really miss from home and it’s typically hard to find a good affordable dosa in urban cities, but when I was taking a walk to Oasis World Market casually to explore the store, and after ten minutes of window shopping the store, I accidentally found the main ingredient for making Dosa, Dosa Batter, and realized what I missed. (90)

P for Pamplin Hall

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 14: A picture of the staircase connecting the second floor and third floor at Pamplin Hall. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One of the main reasons I prefer elevators in buildings, because stairs are often scary without a wall, at least in my personal experience. I often don’t have fear of heights, but sometimes I do get the fear of heights when there is no supporting structure around me, such as a wall or a strong arm rest. One such example I fear is the staircase at Pamplin Hall connecting the three floors. The staircase connecting floor one and floor two might feel normal until the moment you step on the staircase connecting floor two and three. I wanted to experience this staircase once more hoping my fear would’ve waned out, but I was wrong. The moment I stepped on the staircase connecting the second and third floors, I started shivering and fearing the height. Something about this particular staircase design makes me feel scared. A similar design of staircase can be seen in Torgerson Hall. Even though I climbed the staircase, the way down was scarier, because the way down made me realize the stairs don’t have a support below. (180)

R for Robeson Hall

3.02 Flanerie; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 15: A picture taken from the south east side of Robeson hall with Pamplin Hall showing the similarity in design. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One of the most interesting halls that I found at Virginia Tech is Robeson Hall. Because during my first semester at Virginia Tech I didn’t have a single class in this hall, but when I had my first class here, I was surprised to find out that this is a separate hall, I confused Robeson hall with Pamplin Hall because both were connected by a bridge but unlike Torgerson Hall and Newman library, this bridge isn’t wide and it almost looks like a cut for an arch in Pamplin Hall. (90)

S for Slusher

2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Picture; Tuesday; October. 28

Figure 16: A picture taken at the North side of Drillfield pointing to Slusher Hall and its neighbouring buildings. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Illusions needn’t always be intentional, sometimes buildings could accidentally bring up illusions in people’s mind, one such illusion that I noticed while crossing the drillfield between academic and residential side of campus is Slusher Hall, the entire building- Slusher Hall- often gave me this perception that the south of drillfield(residential) is taller than the North of drillfield(academic) and I didn’t notice that both are about the same height until I noticed the bases of its neighboring buildings which were closely aligned with both sides of drillfield by altitude. (90)

T for Torgerson Bridge

3.09 Sound Archive; Picture; Thursday; October. 09

Figure 17: A picture taken in Torgerson Bridge’s hallway, it shows the benches in the hall. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Calmness is often rare today, the noise of someone talking is more prevalent today. Despite this fact, one place I go to in search of pure silence is the Torgerson bridge connecting Torgerson hall and Newman library. Often certain societal habits and conditioning trigger us to behave certain way, for example, not crossing an intersection on a red light, etc. similarly one habit I noticed everyone follow is that, everyone tries to keep quiet on the bridge, and some classical conditioning causes me to be quiet as well, maybe it is because of the movies I’ve seen in my lifetime where a room filled with books and tables is often associated with a library of scholars setting, especially in classic British movies. Another observation I had after leaving the bridge, at Torgerson hall 3rd floor, if you walked slightly faster and closer to the walls of the floor, there are some peculiar pink boards that appear to be pin boards, but as you walk in parallel and closely to them, you start feeling a noise cancelling effect on your ears. (180)

U for University Bookstore

3.03 Absurdist Tour; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 18: A picture taken inside University Bookstore first floor showing the books in first floor. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One of the absurd settings I found in a building at Virginia Tech is the University Bookstore. When I’ve entered the bookstore from the first floor, I’ve noticed that my mobile has lacked cellular service and I found it interesting because the second floor being slightly above had decent connection, but the irony is the books are placed in the first floor and the dresses were placed in the second floor, I felt the books should’ve been placed in the first floor, so I could look up the right book. (90)

V for Vawter Hall

3.23 Daily Walk List; Picture; Monday; December. 01

Figure 19: A picture showing the arch at Vawter Hall (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Something about the arch at Vawter Hall feels special. One of the routes I walked for 5 days is between West Ambler Johnston Hall and Downtown Blacksburg via the Creativity and Innovation District. In this route, I usually have two options, the first one being in front of Newman Hall and towards CID or behind Newman Hall via the arch of Vawter Hall to CID. While both are about the same distance from the diversion point, something about the arch draws me towards it, I never considered the first option. (90)

W for Walkway around Drillfield

2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Picture; Thursday; October. 09

Figure 20: A picture taken on the walkway surrounding the Drillfield in front of Main Campbell hall, showing the walkway. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

Paths can often have illusions, or perspectives, associated with its shape. The walk around the walkway surrounding the Drillfield is one among them in my opinion. Even though the walk inside the residential side of campus or academic side of campus is shorter in absolute distance, the walk via the Drillfield walkway has this illusion of short path, partly due to its elliptical shape, which gives the illusion similar to two boomerangs stacked on each other, where even though both the boomerangs are the same size, when they are stacked on each other, the longer arc of one of the boomerang is perceived longer than the shorter arc. I associate this with the walkway around the Drillfield where I perceive the straight path longer than the path through the walkway. Another factor that led to this perception, which I noticed during the walk around the walkway is, the paths along the Drillfield are diagonal relative to Drillfield Dr, creating the perception that walking the walkway before crossing the Drillfield is relatively shorter than crossing the drillfield and reaching the destination. (180)

Z for Zebra Crossing

2.16 Waiting in Line; Picture; Thursday; November. 20

Figure 21: A picture taken at the zebra crossing in front of East Eggleston Hall and Newman library ground floor during non traffic time. (Original photograph, Anjan Bellamkonda)

One of the most interesting Zebra Crossing lines I found in Blacksburg is the crosswalk in front of East Eggleston Hall and Newman library ground floor. I find this crossing special because there are only two routes to go from the south of Blacksburg to the north, one being from the west on West Campus Drive, but the other being via this crosswalk and the issue with that is, when lectures get over at Squires and other close academic buildings, this crosswalk becomes a chokepoint for traffic making long lines. (90)

A is for Alwood Oak

Image 1. Selfie with the Alwood Oak. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.10 Favorite Tree 10/24

Dear Alwood Oak, 

Thank you for standing tall and broad, arms branching out, reaching towards tomorrow. For being a gentle reminder that with time and space great things can happen. And that sometimes we will start things that we will never see at their peak, but these things are still worth doing. Not just for the sake of legacy, but for the small benefit of many, and how those small benefits will go on to convince them to save space, and spend time, and one day something great may happen. 

(90)

B is for Bench

Image 2. A good bench, Duck pond. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.05 A Good Bench 10/8

It’s a chance to slip off the path, everyone else keeps walking quickly back and forth to their cars. It’s a nice spot to take off my heavy backpack and watch everyone else pass by. A rock wall to my back, two trees reach above me and begin to shed their leaves. A squirrel shuttles acorns past me to a bush above the wall. The ducks quarrel over bread. A golfer shanks his drive across the pond. Everything around me is in a rush, except for me and the bench.

(90)

C is for Commute

Sketch 1. Drawing of my short walks from class to work. (Original sketch, Andrew Vaughan) 2.12 Indoor Walk 10/10

Work and school are intertwined for me. I run a shop that is a mere twenty four steps from my desk. I run this shop because I am paid to. I am paid to run this shop because I was always in it. Now I never leave. I averaged fifteen trips to the shop a day for the week I was keeping track. Yet no walk is ever quite the same. People, chairs, ideas, conversations, and scrap materials make a shifting labyrinth to create a new meandering trip each time.

(90)

D is for Drillfield

Image 3. View of the Drillfield from War Memorial Chapel. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.06 Talking along the Drillfield 10/20

As we walked a lap and some crisscrosses around the drillfield we passed a few other students but it was a sparse October evening. Some prospective families wandered around, examining campus as the school band played for an event by the library. A professor lugged his bag to his car. It was one of those days where you really feel like a hokie. The trees matched logos, jackets, and pamphlets. The wind rushed us back to class. The drillfield welcomed us to stay and toss a ball for a while. 

(90)

E is for Exit

Video 1. Two mallards use a duck designed desire path to exit the duck pond. (Original Video, Andrew Vaughan) 2.19 Duck Pond 11/14

It turns out we are not the only ones creating desire paths around campus. The ducks and geese have been wearing in their own entrances and exits from the pond for who knows how long. It seems that they’ve still got a ways to go before facilities take them seriously enough to install some stairs, but for the time being they’ve developed quite a robust system. So if you slow down and watch the edge as you make your way around the pond you’ll notice worn paths down the banks. 

(90)

F is for Fish

Image 4. My friend Maggie holds up a largemouth bass caught at Pandapas pond. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.35 Go for a hike 10/5

I decided to do some interpretation of the term “hike,” but there was still walking and an intimate awareness of the nature around us. So between that general awareness and the fish my friend caught I’d call it a great hike. Through conversation with some other fisherpeoples we ran into and later some confirmation on Wikipedia we learned that the Pandapas pond area was originally built as a private recreation area for a local company and its employees. And was then later donated to the state. Shout out corporate donors. 

(90)

G is for Gazing

Image 5. Photo of the stars above the Drillfield. (Original photo, Andrew Vaughan) 3.14 Star Gazing 10/9

I felt small. I felt cold. I felt like I was going to fall. Initially the sensation felt like the spins, a dropping in my gut that I’d gone too far. But as I moved and the stars drug past me overhead I felt like I couldn’t go far enough. I weaved around lamp posts and across desire paths as I made a lap down the drillfield. The lights made it harder to see than I expected, promising I was almost to a view. The lamps hid the giant puddle. 

(90)

H is for Hidden from sight

Sketch 2. A quick and dirty sketch of campus before walking a loop on my lunch break. (Original Sketch, Andrew Vaughan) 2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination 11/8

For someone studying design, which uses a lot of spatial reasoning, I’m pretty ashamed of this one, but I managed to leave the entire construction site with the massive crane I’ve been happily watching for the last 5 months off of my map. My defence for this one is that I was hungry while drawing it and managed to include all of the places I regularly eat on campus. The reference I was using to lay out this map is my memories of freshman walks from my dorm to Cowgill. 

(90)

I is for Intrigued

Image 7. A stairway that peaked my attention between Henderson Hall & Theatre 101. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.05 drawn and repelled 11/27

Normally when I’m on campus I’ve got a destination in mind, and a deadline to be there by. So I took this opportunity to meander through the crevices of campus that I don’t normally get to see. This recluse of a stairway seemed particularly inviting with good lighting and the excuse of an English project in case I found myself where I shouldn’t be. It turns out to be guarding some very welcoming theater majors and their favorite smoke spot. It also hid some interesting architectural odd balls for campus.

(90)

J is for Juxtaposition

Image 8. Sunset from Blacksburg Municipal Golf Course. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.20 Blacksburg municipal golf course 10/14

On this walk the juxtaposition between the golf course and newly constructed housing and the wild fields off the back of the ridge and the old developments started to fall into place. There is a satisfying predictability and manicuredness of the golf course and the new houses. However the life I find more interesting is untamed is happening in the wild fields and old rows of houses. There’s been time and space for wild flowers to sprout and hobbies to fill front yards, they feel lived in. 

(90)

K is for Knowing the way

Image 9. The lone curb cut on a 300 yard stretch of residential sidewalk. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.20 Observing Accessibility 10/28

I took a walk around my neighbourhood to revisit it through a lens I hadn’t used since I was on crutches last winter, accessibility. All of a sudden I realized that on my half of the block there is only one curb cut and a single handicapped spot. It’s over 150 yards to the next cut in one direction and 250 yards in the other. I asked the grounds crew about this, they said that since the division was built in the 70s it’s grandfathered in and won’t be updated.

(90)

L is for Loping around Lane

Image 10. A full Lane Stadium from the student section . (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.08 Sporting Event 10/4

My “walk” started with a ride. A quick jaunt over to Lane Stadium coasting downhill through the cool fall air whizzing past families in orange, towards the sweet smell of tailgates, it felt like a game day should. After family tailgates the next mission was to find my friends at Center Street. Here I became part of the masses hobbling and bumping along the paths and through security, racing to catch Enter Sandman, this felt like Hokie football. Soon we were being ravaged by Wake and the sun. Go Hokies.

(90)

M is for Mountains

Image 11. The evening view from my remote campsite in the Jefferson National Forest. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.01 Why do you walk 11/23

When given the time and opportunity to truly just go walk, I head for nowhere. And as deep into nowhere as I can get. The national forests around us are a wonderful and underutilized resource. Over the last few years as I’ve grown more confident in my ability to make smart choices and keep myself safe in the wild, I have been hiking routes with no destination in mind. True journey is the destination adventure with no trails or signs. And I cannot recommend this enough, go find some solitude. 

(90)

N is for Nikes

Image 12. My near death Nikes. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.02 Shoe Portraits/Memories 10/13

These Nikes have carried me more miles than I can count. They have been my daily beaters for over three and a half years and I’ve damn near worn through the heel. They have carried me through six countries and left a part of themselves behind in each one, as I have learned more about myself. I’ve worn them for first dates, break ups, memorials and birthdays.  Unfortunately they are nearing retirement but I will always have a soft spot for the souls that wore away so mine could grow.    

(90)

O is for Observing Overhead

Video 2. Timelapse of Stratus clouds over Blacksburg. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.03 Overhead at a time of day 11/24

These clouds feel like they’re skimming the ridges on the horizon, just out of reach from the peaks. At first they appear stationary, misting down on the valley as I walk. But after picking some details and using a street lamp for reference it becomes obvious they’re slowly sliding east across the landscape, hopefully dragging in nicer weather behind them. Slowly the details I had originally latched onto morph into blobs and hues as the clouds mush together and the sun sinks farther behind them. Soon Theres a new sky.

(90)

P is for Path

Image 13. Desire path leaving campus. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.17 Desire paths 10/27

This path is a victory. This path is my path. This was the beginning and end of my journey across campus each day. For the last year it was a muddy pit. They tried new turf and signage. However there was a small contingent that remained throughout the summer and kept the path worn in. Until one beautiful day halfway through the summer; I was approaching campus, there was mulch. They had laid down a beautiful brown carpet, and I got to take the first steps to trod it down. 

(90)

Q is for Quack

Audio recording 1. Audio recording of joggers, people, vehicles, birds & water around the Duck Pond. (Original recording, Andrew Vaughan) 3.09 Sound walk 11/19

This was recorded, as you may guess, at the duck pond. On a wonderfully rainy day in bleaksburg. You can hear the sound of passing runners, friends laughing, ducks quacking, some smaller chattier birds, cars passing, and the dam at the end of the pond. It was a quaint way to experience the pond on a day when I’d normally feel like there wasn’t much to look at. The shift from focusing on watching to listening brought out a recently hidden wonderful world of details that we’re losing to earbuds.

(90)

R is for Ritual

Video 3. How I started every morning run, by tagging my reference post. (Original Video, Andrew Vaughan) 3.21 Walking Ritual 11/16

My ritual for a week has been to go for a quick run every morning. It starts from the same point every day, a sign at the top of my hill. This sign marks the exact start and end of a 2 mile out and back across my side of town. I ran in high school and can still run a decent distance, however the consistency is where I’ve been lacking. So to start every day with a run was a great reminder of why I stopped doing exactly this.

(90)

S is for Stairs vs Elevator

Image 14. Transition area between Cowgill and Hitt Hall. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.22 Stairs VS Elevator 10/31

For my entire time at tech I’d been taking the stairs through this little area, and I truly enjoyed it. The tight small tree canopy and architecture make it my favorite spot on campus. And I had lamented the elevators for not fitting in. But I was forced to use them after being put on crutches. Only then I realized they had a beautifully cinematic view of campus. I still prefer the stairs now that I can walk again, but on occasion at sunset I’ll go for a joy ride.   

(90)

T is for texture

Image 15. Earthen textures captured along a walk. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.10 Texture archive 11/26

As I walked, I decided to focus on the textures that I was actually walking on. This started with brick pavers, concrete, and asphalt. But as I made my way through the walk and off the beaten path, I realized I was “getting back to basics.” Sure, the pebbles and stones tried to roll my ankles, but we’ll see who’s in better shape in another thousand years. Probably every little stone I stepped on and every mile of asphalt. But I think I know who will have the better story.

(90)

U is for Unfolding adventure

Sketch 2. Hand drawn map of my neighborhood walk. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.06 Hand drawn Map 11/28

This map is of my favorite walk to take with my neighbors. It pops up the hill and across the street straight to their front porch. After cutting through the parking lot to throw their trash in the dumpster we slip through a gap in the fence at Nelly’s cave park. From here the walk is a toss up. We may end up in a game of catch with some kids, or on the playground ourselves. But my favorite ending is making it to the ridge and catching the sunset.

(90)

V is for View

Image 16. Image of scarlet tanager through the fog. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 3.08 Bird Watching 10/7

I took a quick drive out to Dragons tooth with some friends who like to hike a little slower than I do. But they like to cool the pace to take in more of the journey and less of the destination. Along the way we found a bluejay, goldfinch, and my favorite of the trio, a Scarlet tanager. The camera doesn’t do it justice but he was perched majestically through a clearing into the morning fog with just a hint of his orange and red shoulders cutting through the mist. 

(90)

W is for what goes on in there?

Image 17. The only decorated door in the building. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.07 What goes on in there 10/6

I slip in the back door of an imposing new building with no signage along my route to the bus. As I work around the corners I come across a lab. White coats and goggles, pipettes and biohazard symbols. I’m immediately out of place. Every floor is more labs with different warnings and students diligently nose down in research or laptops. After more than my fill of suspicious looks for eyeing up expensive equipment I find my way outside and am greeted by a sign, “Undergraduate Research Building”, absolute shocker.

(90)

X is for eXtras

Image 18. Knolling of my backpack contents. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.23 The things you carry 11/30

My daily carry includes an LL Bean backpack that carries everything comfortably; an HP Victus laptop with mouse and charger that handles most of my work; a Waymo drawing pad on loan that I rarely use but rely on in a pinch; a Sony digital camera with charger for personal documentation; a Samsung SSD containing all my Tech-era data; assorted pens, markers, pencils, a small ruler, scissors, and embroidery supplies; headphones, a sketchbook, reading glasses, a Leatherman, spare batteries, deodorant, and a lighter for everyday convenience and preparedness and reliability.

(90)

Y is for Your next step

Screen Shot 1. Screen shot of my average walking data over the course of the project. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.13 Step counting 12/1

I am not an obsessive stat tracker for any hypochondriac or “10 thousand steps for immortality” reasons. But I’m definitely in the upper percentile of stat trackers out of the people I know. I love to have proof that “something has been done and here’s how it compares.” I’ll analyze the elevation gain, pace and steps of everything from a century ride to a walk in the park with my family. Luckily my family is nerdy so we all start comparing the difference in step counts between people and apps. 

(90)

Z is for Zanny

Image 19. My friend Lilly becoming one with her feathered brethren. (Original photograph, Andrew Vaughan) 2.34 Directions for a first year student 11/22

Dear future hokie, don’t worry about remembering the building names, that will come naturally with time. Don’t worry about remembering your classroom numbers, it will become second nature to walk through the right doors. Don’t stress about accidentally giving touring families the worst routes to their destination. Just make  your way to Lane. That is where you will be initiated as a hokie. The dorms, drillfield, and classrooms are nice for meeting people, but if you want to meet your school, follow the parade. Claim your spot, and start jumping.   

(90)

By Preston Davis

The following entries entail what I believe to be, in my experience, the quintessential Virginia Tech and Blacksburg experience. In this ABCDEary-formatted journal, I have created entries that cover all aspects of my college experience. From leaving class to off-campus adventures, I believe I have managed to cover all that has influenced me since arriving at Virginia Tech for the very first time last year. Multimodal elements bring these entries to life, turning what would otherwise be a diary entry into a first-person perspective of my experiences here.

I have been walking around Virginia Tech and Blacksburg for over a year now, and I feel obligated to comment on the beauty of campus, town, and the surrounding New River Valley region. This place is truly spectacular, somehow combining the natural beauty of the Appalachians with the charm of Downtown Blacksburg and the Neo-Gothic architecture on Virginia Tech’s campus. There is something to be said for being lucky enough to study in a place with pleasing aesthetics as I can easily destress by walking and being able to get lost in admiring my surroundings.

While I have compiled a pretty comprehensive journal of experiences in Blacksburg, I am still looking for more ways to explore and be aware of myself within a grounded space. Walking around and writing these entries has allowed me to gain a deeper sense of place as the prompts outlined in the Stepbook have influenced me to be more conscious of where I am and what I am doing within a place. I have also been inspired to continue making observations of my surroundings to gain a deeper appreciation for them, whether they are on campus or elsewhere in my journey through life. After all, if you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are. (A quote often attributed to Wendell Berry, American novelist)

A is for Architecture Annex: An Architectural Absurdity

3.03 Absurdist Tour; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 8

An over 150 year old campus is bound to have some buildings with their own unique quirks that might look great at a glance, but collapses under its own absurdity at even the slightest of scrutiny. Behold, the Architecture Annex. It is now one of the oldest and conceptually confusing buildings on campus. Case in point, this wonderful entrance…  that isn’t an entrance at all. It can be both comedic and beautiful that the idea of a grand entrance has materialized, but there is no door for people to use. (90)

B is for Beats on the Street

Unprompted; Video and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 23

B-b-b-beats on the street! Every Tuesday night!” exclaims a voice after the music stops. A man walks up with a saxophone and starts playing. The jam resumes, playing funky tunes that bring energy to an otherwise slow and quiet night. I had been walking around with some friends when we stumbled upon this impromptu concert, and I just knew I needed to document this somehow. There is something special in stumbling upon a gathering of different characters that are coming together to create. I only wish I stayed there longer. (90)

C is for Creating a More Walkable Downtown

2.33 Campus Reimagined; Illustration and Text; Sunday, Nov. 30

Downtown Blacksburg could benefit from becoming a more pedestrian friendly area, especially as it sees tons of foot traffic on weekends. I propose converting one block to pedestrian only, effectively banning cars on that part of Main Street in favor of giving people more room to roam and socialize safely without vehicle traffic. Currently, the high volume of vehicle traffic can be dangerous if people stumble into the street. There is also a convenience aspect to my plan, as it would also make it easier to cross the street anytime. (90)

D is for Delightful to the Touch: Hokie Stone and Other Campus Textures

3.10 Texture Archive; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 9

Hokie Stone is one of Virginia Tech’s defining features, as it adorns pretty much every building on campus, both academic and residential. This allows each building to be so diverse as every block of stone is chiseled differently and it is hard for me not to get lost in the topography of the facade. Contrast this intricately textured stone with smooth, curved concrete. While both materials might be gray, the Hokie Stone provides depth and character, while the smooth concrete on the buildings is an elegant and wonderful complimentary feeling. (90)

E is for Expressionist Sky

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Illustration and Text; Saturday, Nov. 8

My eyes are almost always looking forwards when I am walking around. Rarely do I actually stop and look up at the sky. However, the sky has such a captivating effect and I find myself getting lost in its features. Catching my eye are the contrails from planes leading across the sky, dispersing the further they get from their makers. Another feature in the sky that always catches my eye? The moon. Despite the daylight, the moon is still bright and bold, a perfect circle stamped into the blue background. (90)

F is for Forestry Fanatic

2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Photograph and Text; Monday, November 3

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is one of the most unique places on campus, and one of my favorites. The Garden has all sorts of flowers and trees in a serene corner of campus. I find it soothing to sit there and be able to think. At night, the trees in the center of the garden are lit up and turn the garden into a glittering sanctuary. One night, I chose to walk there with no other reason than to just find a spot to sit and think in the garden. (90)

G is for Gone Huckin’

2.11 Huckleberry Trail; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 7

When I am craving a longer walk, the Huckleberry Trail is the perfect place to do so. Since it starts on campus, I find it as a sort of gateway to our great rural surroundings. As it goes off campus and towards Christiansburg, it goes under US-460. Passing under the highway is like passing through a portal, as the development of campus turns into farmlands with cattle grazing. And it is here where the trail goes up and down, almost like a roller coaster going across fields into the forest. (90)

H is for Hearing Blacksburg

3.09 Sound Archive; Audio and Text; Sunday, Nov. 9

Sometimes we must take our earbuds out while walking, being stimulated only by the sounds of our environment. On my short walk along Otey St and Washington St, I walked through piles of crunchy leaves and the sounds they made were soothing. It was a pretty quiet Sunday afternoon, and as a result of the lower activity, I was able to tune into the birds making their own delightful soundtrack for the outdoors. While I wasn’t listening to music, there was one constant sound that I heard: cars driving by. (90)

I is for Indoor Climbing

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct 10

Spending lots of time indoors can be seen as detrimental, but the indoors can also be a form of connection and reflection. At my dorm in the Creativity and Innovation District Living Learning Community, indoor space was designed for connection, especially the bright orange staircase in the lobby. I walk down these stairs in the morning after leaving my room, and such a prominent feature in my daily routine is one that I now walk down in the dead of the night. I pause at the top, and jog down. (90)

J is for Just Trashy

2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct. 31

The most common piece of trash that I find on campus are cans(of beer). In a sense, it was refreshing to see some VitaminWater neglected by a thirsty individual. It was mostly full, so at first glance I assumed somebody had dropped it and forgot about it. However, it was far into the grass, so maybe it had been blown quite a distance by the same wind that knocked over the facilities in the background. Unknowingly, the former owner of the beverage has leveraged the environment to propagate pollution. (90)

K is for Kickoff: The Smell of Disappointment

2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Sep. 6

Beer. Like a punch to the face, alcohol overwhelmed my sense of smell walking in the crowd up to the student section at Lane Stadium for the first home game of the season. It was a night game, and energy was through the roof. ‘Enter Sandman’ and we have a good first quarter, and I go to the concourse to find myself a turkey leg. I finally get one, and the smell of it was smoky and so incredibly mouth-watering that it almost makes up for the second half disappointment. (90)

L is for Literally 1984: Observing the Observers

3.15 Camera Awareness; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Nov. 20

In today’s world, cameras are everywhere and privacy is a luxury. Cameras can exist for any number of reasons, whether good or bad. Cameras help keep our public spaces safe by recording incidents or they can be used to surveil and track people. As I was walking to 7-Eleven one evening, I noticed this rather extensive camera array on the side of a building. Seeing almost 10 cameras (there were more on the other side) had me wondering what prompted the need for so many. Perhaps traffic reasons? Or security? (90)

M is for Memories of a Long Hike

2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and Text; Monday, Dec. 1

My boots have lasted me a long time. I’ve worn them across dirt, leaves, streams, and even a bog. In high school, they accompanied me throughout many hikes. In college, they have allowed me to comfortably hike through the many stunning trails in this region. My boots quickly became my favorite on one particular hike along a short portion of the Appalachian Trail, when we were hiking on wet ground after a night of rain. Everyone else was complaining, but my feet were completely dry and not sore at all. (90)

N is for No Ducks Given

2.19 Duck Pond; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 30

The Duck Pond is well known for its namesake waterfowl, ducks. But geese are also abundant here. The geese have an air of authority around them. As I walk down the path on an incredibly windy day, I see a goose in my way. It stands on the bridge, almost as if it is guarding it. We stare at each other. The goose eventually wins the game of chicken and I back off, going the other way. A group of cadets comes running after me. The goose is leading them. (90)

O is for Overheard in D2

2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Audio and Text; Thursday, Nov. 20

Dining halls are some of the best places to have conversations, as well as some of the best places to eavesdrop on some rather interesting topics. I usually don’t visit D2 for lunch, but I decided to go with the intent of getting a sense of what other people are thinking. It was hard to decipher the conversation in the recording as they were being pretty vague about things. Some numbers were being thrown around and “Y’know what I’m saying?” was a pretty frequent phrase. Perhaps they were speaking business. (90)

P is for Preferred Vertical Transportation

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Nov. 29

Everyday, I take the elevators up and down to get to my room on the sixth floor and back. The convenience of not having to walk up five flights of stairs is incredible and it is hard to imagine a life where I only use the exit stairwells to navigate the verticality of my dorm. While I do prefer the elevator, I’ve on some occasions used the exit stairwells. The experience is very different between the two. While the stairs take more effort, they are also open and less claustrophobic. (90)

Q is for Questioning Signage

2.14 Signage; Photograph and Text; Monday, Nov. 17

Something that I see every single day on my way to class are these signs with building names. I’ve never been able to stop and appreciate them in my rush to class. The sign in the photo I took is the smaller variation, but it still has all of the same design elements as the regular sized signs. I enjoy the uniformity of the signs, and the maroon band on the bottom provides a nice contrast between the grey of both the sign and the Hokie Stone on each building. (90)

R is for Romanticizing Routine

3.27 Epic Walking Story; Video and Text; Monday, Dec 1

The time is 2:15. The lecture hall fills up with sounds of 50 students all packing and rushing straight for the door. ZIIIIP. My backpack is shut now, and I race out of my seat to the door. The door is closing. I am far. I make a leap… and manage to catch it before it fully slams shut on me. I breathe a sigh of relief. Finally out of the building, and now onto my next trial: navigating the swarm of people so I relax in my room. (90)

S is for Straight Line Trekkin’

2.17 Desire Paths; Video and Text; Friday, Oct. 31

People want to go places. They want to go places quickly. Perhaps efficiently, even. This means taking the straightest, quickest, most efficient route to where they want to go, even if it means going onto the beaten path. Desire paths are made when we want to go someplace, and often, it is through grass and landscaping. Many people wanting to go to the same someplace wear down the Earth and create these beaten paths. The desire path I chose is one I use often to go to class. It’s efficient. (90)

T is for Tech after Dark

3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Sept. 30

The campus of Virginia Tech after dark is a peculiar one, full of interesting characters populating the liminal space of the night. On this night’s walk, I started at the Orange Loop, far into the Academic Region of campus. During the day, students hustling to class. At night, empty paths and liminal space. As I crossed the Drillfield, I noticed a car driving in circles around it. The driver? Blasting “Careless Whisper”. Outside DX, I watch a very stoned individual recording the answer to life. Oddballs revel when night falls. (90)

U is for Under the Sheets to On the Seat

2.32 Shortest Walk; Photograph and Text; Monday, Oct. 27

I wake up. The room is cold. But I must rise. Yawn. I rub my eyes. Awake before alarm, somehow. Thud. I’m out of bed. My roommate is gone. He is in class. I slide into Crocs. Where’s my bag? On the wall. I grab it, gracefully. Time for a trek! I open the door. Blinding lights hit me. “Wow.” I say. “It’s bright as hell.” I reluctantly trod onwards. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Eleven. I’m in the bathroom. Faucet, on. Brushing my teeth. (90)

V is for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Alumni Mall

2.15 Alumni Mall; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Sep. 14

Alumni Mall is arguably one of the best postcard locations on campus. It is lined with trees; it is flanked by Squires, Upper Quad, and the Center for the Arts; and framing it is Torgerson Bridge and the War Memorial Pylons. I believe that it earns the label of “mall” because it is a center point between town and campus. It hosts events such as the International Fair, and the large, grassy median could be considered a large lawn. A mall should be a large, grand area where things happen. (90)

W is for What Every First-Year Should Experience

2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photograph and Text, Monday, Oct. 13

For the Future Virginia Tech Student: Navigating college can be intimidating, with new experiences and people around every corner. One of the best ways to experience all that this campus has to offer is to just go to events. Some of my favorite things I went to I didn’t think I would enjoy until I went. There are two events that I think are integral to the college experience: A performance at the Center for the Arts, and any home sporting event (football, basketball, wrestling, or soccer are all amazing). (90)

X is for Xanax Alternatives: Nature and Sky

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and Text; Saturday, Oct. 18

The weekend of fall break, I went camping somewhere in the mountains near Draper, VA. I go walking around the campsite in the evening. As I walk around, I stop to notice the sunset in the sky. The colors of the sunset were mesmerizing. I could feel my body relaxing as I got lost in the vibrant hues. It was meditative, almost to a tranquillizing effect. It was like taking some xannies.¹ I could feel the world falling into the background and all the anxiety attached to it going away. (90)

1. Disclaimer: I do not condone the recreational use of prescription drugs in any form. ↩︎

Y is for You’re Benched!

2.05 A Good Bad Bench; Photograph and Text, Wednesday, Nov. 12

A bench has three criteria that I believe makes it the perfect bench. First, it should be comfortable to sit on for a while. Second, it should have some sort of backing so people can lay back. Third, it should be in a suitable location. The leaning bar in the above image fails so spectacularly at these tests and is such a pathetic excuse for seating that there isn’t reasonable justification for its existence. It doesn’t make sense having these when more real benches are needed in the transit loops. (90)

Z is for Zipping By: Walking on the Train

3.27 Epic Walking Story; Photograph and Text; Friday, Oct. 10

There is something special about being on a full train with hundreds of other people. Everyone is crammed into the same long tin can speeding through the countryside, and it’s a unique experience as there are people from all different walks of life all listening to the same distorted announcements from the conductor, feeling the same bumps in the tracks, and smelling the same air being pumped out of the train car’s vents. The cafe car builds camaraderie with families being brought together, or there is the sleepy solo traveler. (90)

Welcome to my walking journal for this Walking Project. I really enjoyed this experience and have learned more than just elements of digital writing. This project has allowed me to look deeper within myself and to reflect on the surroundings I travel through daily. I have tried to organize this page in a fun way so that it is more stimulating than just reading a straight-up and down blog. I have also ordered my entities in a way to introduce you to my understanding and my relationship with the paths and environment of Tech. I then include some entries to show my personality and my interactions with my friends, and walking, because walking is a huge part of my life, and so are they. I do take a brief detour to discuss the state of our environment, and this is because, in practicing actually observing the environment, I noticed a few things. After that, I redirect towards more of a “what’s walking to me” route. I developed each entry in a backwards way, where most of them I would go on a walk and find something that was resonating with me, and take a picture, video, or recording. Then, after I went on enough walks, I chose from the surplus of media options, I would pick a prompt that I could relate the walk to, and I would do it. I tried to stick with brief entries because I know that I get bored easily, and since I have editorial authority, I stuck with 90 words per entry. I hope you enjoy!

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A for A thank you note

2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photo and text; 09Nov25

A thank you note to you, this lovely tree,

As a freshman cadet, Tech seemed grey. The path between Torg and Person Hall West was usually clear of upperclassmen cadets. Training and classes were fun, but Upperquad was brutal, filled with critiques and “privileges.” I took the sight of you as a sign of brief safety, but everything still seemed dull. The second freshman training ended, everything lit up with color. You, the brightness in the dullness, truly begun shining. Thank you for being my guiding light as I grew.(90 words)

V for Vivid

3.22 Change the Ritual; Photo and text; 02Oct25

Vivid chills fill my body as I walk back from the gym, taking a long way back this time. The faint sound of cadets working out somewhere far across the drillfield somehow made the fact it was 6 am feel less harsh as I looked out into the misty fog. The peaceful silence was interrupted by the robotic ping as I unlocked the door to my dorm, and before my eyes fully adjusted to the lights, the door bashed shut behind me, jarringly jolting me back into our artificial world.(90 words)

F for Funny

2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Photo and text; 20Oct25

P for Prayers

Prayers for those who passed and their families are the first things I think of when I stop to admire the April 16th memorial. As a member of both the Corps and the Highty Tighties, I am filled with a sense of honor and duty as I recall the stories of Matthew La Porte and his ultimate sacrifice for the lives of others. As a member representing the organizations he did, I have a duty to strive to uphold those very same standards, and the memorial is a constant reminder. (90 words)

2.27 4/16 Memorial; Photo and text; 02Oct25

H for Haven’t

2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Audio file and text; 31Oct25

                             Haven’t you heard?
Heard what?                             
                             She wants to rip his head off
What                             
                             His head
Who                             
                             His
No who said it                             
                             Oh, that girl standing in the Qudoba line
How do you know that                             
                             What do you mean silly EARS duh
Exactly dummy I can barely hear you with all this noise                             
                             I just catch random things
Like what                             
                             That guy just failed his test
Who                             
                             The guy standing in the Oragami line
What                             
                             His test
No thats not…                             
                             Oh that sucks
What                             
                             Her boyfriend cheated
What?!                             
                             He cheated
Nevermind                             

L for London Broil

3.12 Five Senses; Photo and text; 16Nov25

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G for Glutonus

2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Photo and text; 19Oct25

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K for Kettle

2.08 Sporting Event; Photo and text; 11Oct25

Kettle popcorn is calling my name as the scent fills my nose, but my legs have begun to ache after marching from upper quad. The Hokies are turning into the Chokies and my interest has begun to fade. But wait! Is that the Hokie Bird? How shall you entertain today? I see my drum major looking eager to hand you his mace. My senior buds clenching their covers, waiting for you to ask. ”MAKE SOME NOISE!” the jumbo screens read, the ground begins quaking, and promptly the Hokie Bird leaves.(90 words)

Y for You

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Photo and text; 15Oct25

E for Every

3.27 Epic Walking Story;Photo and text; 07Oct25

Every week, I venture alongside my bud Dan. We journey through the darkness of the night at least once a week to retell the stories of our time apart. We laugh, we joke, and occasionally we get scared as we venture through the deeps of the woods along Huckleberry Trail. Monsters and creatures shuffle in the brush beside us, but we carry on steadfast, clenching our fists tight. As we exit the harrowing wood and near our abode, we begin to reflect on life before resting, awaiting our next departure. (90 words)

C for Celebrating

3.28 Your Parade; Text and a photo; 01Nov25

R for Right now

2.19 Duck Pond; Photo and text; 30Oct25

Right now I am regretting walking past the duck pond tonight. I know the geese here can be violent at times. I also know they sleep on the concrete at night, but for some reason, I decided to come back to my dorm this way. I wish I brought my headphones instead of trying to detach tonight. I just wanted to sit on a good bench before heading back. I should have picked any of the other ones on campus. Oh well. Now I’ll hold my breath while passing them.(90 words)

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X for Xenic

2.05 A Good Bench; Photo and text; 09Oct25

Xenic winds are my preference. The cold, humid air here makes walking sting in almost every pore. I miss the hot nights in El Paso; hell, almost anywhere in Texas is better than here. And to think school is the old reason I’m here. I would go back, but I’m in too deep. All I can do now is walk and take the occasional pause at a bench. Only I take a break from the cold that blows harder as I walk, instead of soaking in the comforting dry heat.(90 words)

S for Still

2.12 Indoor Walk; Photo and text; 30Oct25

I for I

3.08 Bird Watching Walk;Photo audio and text; 25Nov25

I finally go home for break and what do I hear. As I stop to admire a bird perch in a tree I here something off in the distance. I tug on my dog’s leash a little so he begins to run as I guide him in the direction of the noise. We stop a few houses down we hear it again. At least 3 roosters alternating caws. This is why I love walking the spontaneity of it all and the mental distraction it provides both here and at school.(90 words)

J for Just

2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photo and text; 14Nov25

Q for Queitly

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Video and text; 09Oct25

Quietly and slowly, the stars seem to pass overhead. Quickly, the stars soar above me as I admire from below. Quantities unknown, the stars are ever so infinite. Quacks make sense when you look up like this, “Maybe we are the center?” Qualities desired by gods and humans alike. Quirks differentiate one from the other, each at a different stage along the path of a star. Quaint colors fill the night sky, offering comfort for all, like far and near. Questioning as I gaze, are we the only ones gazing? (90 words)

D for Dont

3.14 Star Gazing; Photo and text; 09Oct25

Z for Zero

3.02 Flanerie; Photo and text; 08Oct25

N for Nothing

2.23 The Things You Carry; Photo and text; 30Nov25

W for Weathered

2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photo and text; 04Oct25

T for Trippy Red

3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Video and text; 16Nov25

B for But?

2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Photo and text; 16Nov25

“But why put random bricks here? It ruins my walk just before I get back!” That’s what I think almost every time I take this back to my dorm. In truth, I don’t think I’m actually upset that my walk is almost over, like this project. This project has changed the way I walk. Before I zoned out completely, the relief would be exclusive to during the walk. Now that I have learned to engage my brain while walking, I’m excited to see what my future walks have in store.(90 words)

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Thanks for reading!!!

Walking is one of the last activities that can’t be scheduled, fast-forwarded or rescheduled.  Walking is a documentation of the five average walks that I take around campus at Virginia Tech, through places like the Drillfield, over the Duck Pond bridge, and through the small walkway between Torgersen Hall and Squires. Each location provides a specific lens through which to consider how the physical and digital coexist and sometimes clash.On these walks, I felt myself negotiating attention. The phone in my pocket was always a temptation to break up the moment, taking pictures, not seeing and recording, rather than remembering. But the more I paid attention to that tension, the more walking became a counterpractice: a slow, embodied way of thinking. In doing so, the project is a part of the lineage of psychogeography, but in a twenty-first century where navigation apps and digital documentation reshape our inhabitation of place daily. I hoped to imply something about order and randomness. In the ways that are true in the ABCDEary, our daily routes are formed yet impromptu, both put-upon and invisible infrastructures we seldom interrogate. The multimodal elements: photographs and video, audios, continue the inquiry of turning motion into artifact: how documentation makes experience of the past, future happen. In the end, these walks make an argument for slowness. They remind us that meaning doesn’t always lie in speed or efficiency but in matter’s very resistance, the crunch of gravel, the sway of wind, the friction of air. Walking transmutes into a philosophy of presence, an act that resists allowing the virtual to dominate tactile experience.

A is for Atrium

Prompt 1.01 Studying at Newman and resisting my urge to not take a snap. Date: Sunday, sept. 07, 2025 

Fig 01: Photograph of the Newman Library atrium. It’s a photo that most of all underscores reflection of the literal and metaphorical sorts, illustrating how students exist in an interstitial space between physical construct and digital connection, stable presence and signal-bound attention.(Original Photo: Mahatheer Hamid)

The atrium of Newman Library always strikes me on a threshold, as some intermediary zone between worlds. I can hear each footstep sharp and contained, as though the building is listening too. I walk into this room nearly every day, and all distances travel the same; I never know how it will be because my head travels less than my feet. Laptops buzz like insects, keys clatter out of time, and the blue sheen of screens glows on students’ faces.

Sometimes walking becomes waiting for a file to save, a notification to come through, or information to clarify itself. There’s a tug here that is gravitational and digital. The structure anchors my body, but my attention slides upward to the Wi-Fi signal. Each table has its very own little orbit. I understand now that walking here, stopping here, logging in here is a ritual of modern learning,

a choreography performed between the terrestrial and the virtual. Sometimes, in fact, I believe the glass ceiling is a metaphor for that balance: transparent but dividing. If I stare up there long enough and relax my eyes a bit, I can almost see my double there; my digital shadow type casting itself just in advance of my actual fingers. (270)

B for Bridge

Prompt 2.03:  Bridge by the duck pond, that connects both sides. Date: Thursday, sept. 11, 2025 

Figure 02: Photograph of the Duck Pond bridge on the Virginia Tech campus, taken mid-walk from the wooden planks looking out over the water. The image captures the tension between motion and stillness the bridge stretching forward, and the reflections of trees bending with each small wave. (Original Photo: Mahatheer Hamid)

The bridge by Duck Pond has been one of my favourite walks. It’s easy and quiet, but each time I walk along it, something catches my eye. The boards of wood creak, my shoes sliding back and forth on them; the water underneath is a sound that makes me drag. It’s a good place to think. I’ve found that walking the bridge derails me every time. It’s like a mini vacation from the chaotic campus. I’ll sometimes find myself about to reach for my phone to snap a picture, but I’m getting better at stopping.

I ask myself, What is it that I’m attempting to rescue here, the view or just being there? Because in the end, when I go back to look at pictures I took of that moment, it doesn’t truly capture how it felt to be on the bridge. The water does not stir, the air does not move, and thus the silence can’t be transferred. It’s that difference that reminds me you can’t really record walking. It occurs in time, and it goes away when you stop moving. In that sense, the bridge crosses not just two sides of the pond.

It brings together motion and stillness, observation and memory. Every time I cross it, I’m reminded that not every experience needs to become content; some things are meant for living, not saving. (270)

C is for Corridor

Prompt 3.09: The long walk I have to take everyday to go from Torgessen to Squires. Date: Friday, sept. 12, 2025 

Fig 03: Photo of the hallway between Torgersen and Squires, its long stretch of lights and people walking straight through without pause. Students blur past, backpacks swinging. (Original Photo by Mahatheer Hamid)

The space between Torgersen and Squires is among the most popular spots on campus. It is long and thin and designed to pass through, not to stop. Most days I stride through without a second thought. My phone is the antithesis, creating an infinite scroll without moving anywhere. Walking here reminds me about the ways physical space and digital space condition attention in significantly differing manners. At times I take it slow and stash my phone, listening to other vents and footsteps. It serves as a reminder, to me at least, that movement isn’t always progress. Sometimes it’s just about paying attention to where you are. (90)

D is for Drillfield

Prompt 4.07:  Random late afternoon drillfield walk. Date: Friday, Sept. 12, 2025 

Fig 04: Photograph of the Virginia Tech Drillfield at daytime. The image captures the tension between stillness and immediacy, an instinct to frame and record versus a choice to simply observe. (Original Photo by Mahatheer Hamid)

The Drillfield is always different from the rest of campus. You’re inside all day, and it’s like you’re out in the open air again. There is space to move, but even there: I still grab my phone without thinking — time check, picture snap or scroll. It cleaves the moment in two: my body here, my mind elsewhere. The light at sunset makes for a perfect scene, and instead of recording it, I just pause to look. Walking through puts me in mind that not everything needs to be saved to be real.(90)

E is for Elevator

Prompt 5.05: Riding the elevator and scrolling through my feed for the 1000th time Date: Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025 

Figure 05: Photograph taken inside the McBryde Hall elevator, where mirrored walls multiply the rider’s reflection (Original Photo by Mahatheer Hamid)

The elevator ride up in the McBryde academic building, is strange “because it feels like you are moving through the Internet.” I press the button, doors close and everything unfolds. There’s no exertion, only a sensation as the floor lights pop. The space is neat and controlled, sealed off an app that conceals how it works. The mirrors amplify my reflection and I lose count of which is me. It makes me think of scrolling, motion without destination or stop, until the doors slide open and my steps take me back into the flow of time.(90)

F is for Forest Path

Prompt 6.01:  Quiet & Attention; Media: Photo of the forest path; Date: Monday, Oct. 14, 2025 

Fig 07. A photo of the wooded trail behind Duck Pond, showing sunlight moving through trees and natural ambient sounds of wind, footsteps, and insects (Original Photo- Mahatheer Hamid)

The path behind Duck Pond through the woods is one of the few places on campus where time moves slower. I use it if I want a break after class. The atmosphere is cooler, denser and more still. I’m stepping on gravel, insects are humming in the distance. I made an attempt to photograph the sunlight through the trees one time because that picture was empty. It longed for the smell of dirt and how wind can move the air. When I do come to a standstill, everything quiet becomes louder and the world feels patient again.(90)

G is for Garden

Prompt 7.01: Growth and Attention, Media: Photo of Hahn Botanical Garden, Date: Wednesday, Oct 16, 2025

Figure 08 : Overlay from Hahn Horticulture Garden, showing walking path, plant textures.( Original photo by Mahatheer Hamid)

The Hahn Horticulture Garden is one of the few places still moving in its natural place. I visit it early one morning, when the grass retains the memory of dew and the light drapes everything in its sleepy, soft folds. I walk down the stone path that winds past the beds of marigolds and ornamental grasses. Every few steps, I pause and regard the light on the leaves, which twinkle like glass and are dull and shadowed. I take one photo on my phone out of habit, print it, and sketch over it.

I trace the lines of the path and draw arrows to show where my focus jumped first. It was remarkable how it moved to color from shape, and to brightness from pattern, maybe the camera compels the same way, extracting what was bold and expedient rather than what was soft and asked to be watched. I sit down on a bench near a small pond and put the phone away. It seemed like the garden was breathing differently when it was not being seen. For this one time, I was not trying to photograph it. I was just trying to keep up with it. (180)

H is for Hill

Prompt 8.08: Elevation and effort, Media: Time-lapse video, Date: Wednesday, Oct 16, 2025

Video 01:​​ Time lapse video from base of Upper Quad  showing gradual climbing (Original video: Mahatheer Hamid)

Upper Quad’s hill doesn’t look all that steep until you’re actually climbing it, no matter whether you’re looking at it from the side or from the top. I usually walk up the hill to get back from class when my backpack seems to weigh twice as much as it should, and there’s that deep burn in my calves that lets me know if I’m really moving through space and not just swiping past it. One day, I simply told my friend to

capture a video of me climbing up in a time-lapse.  It’s only fifteen seconds long, receding form, gradually straightening, and then marvelous stillness barely visible as I almost reach the top. Watching the video, “I remember laughing at how easy it seemed. The actual climb was far sweatier and more stop-and-start than the time-lapse allowed. What I wouldn’t give to have that unsteady effort back, the only real thing that could have made the top feel worth it.(180)

I is for Intersection

Prompt 9.02: Crossing and decisions, Media: Photographs. Date: Monday, Oct 21, 2025

Figure 09: Photo of Alumni mall and Kent Street intersection near Virginia Tech Alumni Center (Original photo Mahatheer Hamid)

I cross this spot nearly every day without even realizing it is there, where the Alumni Mall ends near the intersection at Kent Street. There are cars parked along the road, and pedestrians navigate between the cyclists who buzz past us. One cold morning on my way to class, I stopped for no reason. Finally, I truly saw the place for the first time: the cold that pierced my breath transparent, the levels of sound, engines swallowing,

pushing voices, the loud click of the crosswalk pole, the muted buzz of wires above. I took several pictures quickly, but none actually captured the way the place felt alive. The camera’s picture captured movements, but not the motion I felt in my chest and stomach when I waited, then stepped off the curb. Crossing the place felt more than just routine; it was a small performance repeated hundreds of times a day, mostly unseen.(180)

J is for Junction

Prompt 10.07: Convergence and Choice, Media: Photograph, Date: Thursday, Oct 25,2025

Fig 10: Photographs of walkways intersecting behind Burruss Hall, showing curved pathways meeting near benches (original photo By Mahatheer Hamid)

A scatter of walkways from a puzzle behind Burruss Hall. It is not something I ever noticed, that is, not until one afternoon, when I slowed down and navigated through them one after another. Some of the paths lead towards the Drillfield, some would loop back and terminate near the benches. I did not feel as if I was following the maps; it felt as if the maps were forming around me. The circuits are linked; I do not look down to make a stop. I picked the longest route home, and let the pathway decide the day, instead of me. Sometimes, it seems walking is the act of choosing to pay attention. (90)

P is for Plaza

Prompt 16.01: Walking through Dietrick Plaza between classes, Date: Thursday, Oct 25,2025

Figure 11: Photograph of students gathering in Dietrick Plaza (Original photograph, Mahatheer Hamid).

There is seldom silence in Dietrick Plaza. When I went there today, people were playing music or talking to friends and eating food from nearby places. The scent of fries and coffee lingered. I just positioned myself by the benches and watched all those people walk by. It’s amazing what all can come out of the same place. This is a place that reminds me that walking can be social, even when you’re alone. We may or may not say anything, but for a few minutes each day we are fellow travelers.(90)

S is for Station

Prompt 19.02: Waiting at a Blacksburg Transit bus stop, Date: Friday, Oct 26,2025

Figure 12: Photo of a bus approaching the stop (Original Photograph Mahatheer Hamid)

I stood on the corner for the bus, and observed all the people standing where we always do. There were people on their phones, some people in quiet conversation; there were also plenty of people just staring down the road. I kept moving my weight from foot to foot because it was cold. It was an all together manouver when the bus came by. I gave it up and waited for the next one instead. It got me thinking about how much time we spend waiting while walking from here to there. It’s all anticipation, waiting and not yet walking.(90)

U is for Underpass

Prompt 11.07: Walking through an underpass beneath Torgersen Hall, Oct. 31, 2025

https://jumpshare.com/share/rlt8fYkgDI8A9EOJjelB

Audio 1: A short audio recording of wind and passing cars beneath Torgersen Hall, capturing echo and shifting sound as I walked through the underpass. (Original audio recording, Mahatheer Hamid)

(Sensation) The air beneath Torgersen Hall throbs with sound each car that rushes overhead shudders the ceiling dust. My tread sounds like twin-heartbeats.
(Reflection) Listening to the audio again, I understand now that space speaks volume. It is the hum of not being noticed but still coming into direct rhythm with the city. I was diminished and sure, a quantity not of light or seeing but of sound ebbing and returning. Sometimes walking teaches you how to hear yourself coming back. (90)

Y is for Yardline

Prompt 18.01: Watching band practice on the football field. Date: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025

https://jumpshare.com/share/TjaZdyyk1N21j9Cms9CQ

Audio 2: A short recording of the drumline and band rehearsing on the practice field during the afternoon. (Original audio recording, Mahatheer Hamid)

I would sit out by the practicin’ field in the afternoons and listen to the band play. The drumline started, stopped and started again every few seconds. It made me recall, too, how routines give rise to discipline in music or in school. The players appeared focused and tired in it, running the same play again and again until they got it right. Watching them made me consider how walking can be like that small actions repeated enough times and incrementally however slightly at a time that they add up to something larger. (90)

Walking has been pretty ordinary in my day; sometimes I don’t even think about it beyond going from one place to another. But recently, especially with one of my buddies who has been really getting me to walk really far for no reason, I realize that walking means more to me than just getting from point A to point B. This project forced me to slow down, to notice how each walk carries its own atmosphere, purpose, and emotional weight. As I move around campus, downtown Blacksburg, Philadelphia, Myrtle Beach, or anywhere in my hometown, walking forms a bridge between the different versions of my life. These entries became a record of that shifting time and routine, discovery, comfort and inconvenience, past and present.

On campus, walks were functional—catching the bus, retrieving forgotten keys, navigating shortcuts, or heading toward food. These familiar routes revealed how movement shapes daily rhythms and self-discovery. In Philadelphia, walking felt different: cinematic, nostalgic, and charged with memory. I used to live in Philly while I was younger, and after I moved to Virginia, the lights now resonate with me in a different way—like a young adult who wants to experience a different life than what they learned in their suburban town. A Chinatown glowing after midnight, a quiet street, all of these different walks that I’ve taken so far while working on this project just showcase to me how much walking, slowing down, and the environment influence my mood and my memories, and how little details have been shaping my understanding of the places I go to.

This ABCDEary—this in-order dictionary—became not just a collection of walks but a map to knowing how movement, memory, and meaning intersect in my daily life.

B is for Bus

2.16 “Waiting in Line” | Photograph and text | Wednesday, Oct. 29

The fear setting in as I see the buses in front start pulling out. I need to take the bus to make it home. The piston starts to hiss. I bolt. I reach the door of the bus before it can pull out. The smile of the bus driver reassures me, the doors fling open, I board. Spots seem scarce, but I find one, far back on the left side of the bus. The electric hum of the wheels starts, and with the nauseating instant torque and regenerative braking begins. (90 words)

Figure 10. The Blacksburg Transit bus moments before departure. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

C is for Car

2.22 “Stairs versus Elevator” | Photograph and text | Wednesday, Oct. 29

I climb up four flights of stairs. The concrete steps and walls blur into an ugly, confining space. I reach the door and step onto the fourth floor of the parking garage. My car waits for me, ready for the trip to Walmart. I reach into my already full pocket, fumbling for my keys. To my horror, they’re not there. Panic sets in. I trace my steps, replaying the walk home in my head, and remember I left them in my friend’s bag at the gym. He’s still on campus. (90 words)

Figure 11. The fourth-floor view from the parking garage. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

M is for Mistake

2.18 “A Wish for Something to Be Different” | Photograph and text | Wednesday, Oct. 29

As I sadly trudge back through the apartment building toward the bus stop, the weight of my mistake piles on. I realize I’ll have to go all the way back to campus, find my friend, get my keys, and then trudge once more to the bus loop before finally heading home. The thought drains me. The small victory of almost being done with the day slips away, replaced by the dull ache of inconvenience. My journey home stretches endlessly, every step heavier than the last. I want to go home. (90 words)

Figure 12. The return walk to the bus loop after realizing the mistake. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

P is for Pamplin

2.07 “What Even Goes On in There?” | Photograph and text | Thursday, Oct. 30

He’s in Pamplin, a building I’ve always loathed. It reminded me of my high school, unrenovated, dull, and boring. I walked through its ugly halls toward room 1005, where my friend’s class was. He stepped out, handed me my keys, and went back inside. That short exchange, solving my unnecessarily long trip, left me both irritated and satisfied that it was over. I turned around and began the walk back to the bus stop, deciding against Walmart. I just wanted to go home, lie down, and let the day end. (90 words)

Figure 13. Inside Pamplin Hall, just outside room 1005. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

H is for Hungry

2.08 “Sporting Event / Destination Walk” (adapted for dining route) | Photograph and text | Friday, Oct. 31

I walked from class to the only place I could think to satisfy both my hunger and wallet, Qdoba. It’s become part of a routine, the quiet walk that fills the space between exhaustion and comfort. I pass people rushing somewhere else, but for me, this is the stop that slows the day down. I always order the biggest bowl I can get, something that will last for lunch and dinner. The walk feels worth it every time, no distance is too far for food.I usually end up feeling sluggish after this meal, so I go home and sleep. (90 words)

Figure 14. My walk to Qdoba for the usual late-day meal. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

T is for Tattoo Parlor

2.18 “A Wish for Something to be Different” | Photograph and text | Wednesday, Oct. 29

For months now, I’ve been wanting to get a piercing, two studs, and I finally decided to randomly do it. The walk to the tattoo parlor was low-energy, just a nice, calm walk. It really did feel like autumn had hit. I headed straight toward the tattoo parlor, thinking about how waiting transforms into stillness. As I got closer, that stillness hit me, I’m really going to do this. I walked inside, opened the door, and was greeted by Gary, the one who was going to give me the piercing. (90 words)

Figure 05. Walking through downtown fog toward the tattoo parlor. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

K is for Keys

2.12 “Indoor Walk” | Photograph and text | Wednesday, Oct. 29

The short walk to the pianos in Henderson. The air shifts the second I step inside Squires from my outside walk, then to outside on the patio, then from the patio straight into Henderson Hall. The building is very claustrophobic and smells of old carpet. The keys playing from the other rooms remind me I’m where all the pianos are. Then I walk into the small room  I’ve been in countless times. It’s just me and the piano; the keys feel calm, like my place away from all the noise. (90 words)

Figure 06. The walk to Henderson. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

F is for Fog

2.03 “Overhead at Time of Day” | Photograph and text | Thursday, Oct. 30

This morning, the fog sat heavy over campus, blurring the tops of buildings and softening every sound. I looked up and couldn’t even see the sky, just a gray solid sheet that felt like it was pressing closer with each step. Streetlights glowed like little suns behind the haze. The air was cool and still, every breath slow and visible. The familiar blacksburg wind stung my ears even though it was 12:30 PM, not an inviting bit of warmth anywhere. Everyone was still out and about going to classes. (90 words)

Figure 07. Early afternoon fog hanging low over campus walkways. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

E is for Electricity

2.07 “What Even Goes On in There?” | Photograph and text | Thursday, Oct. 30

The building hums from next to me. I can’t legally go in there, so I peek in from the windows. Men in blue collar clothing shuffle through the building. One with a clipboard looking at a gauge on a machine. There were metal stairs that led to somewhere out of sight. Many voices came from the building but most people were hidden behind machines or out of sight. I never knew what goes in the power plant building on campus, so this walk allowed me to see what happens inside. (90 words)

Figure 08. My walk next to the Electricity Plant . (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

S is for Shortcut

2.34 “Directions for a First-Year Student” | Photograph and text | Tuesday, Oct. 29

Dear Future Hokie,
You’ll learn fast at shortcuts are just sidewalks plus speed, but there are good paths to get to where you got to go in the fastest time possible.Taking this one behind Burres if you’re coming from Orange Bay or Maroon Bay is easy, you walk up right past Whitmore Hall you go up the stairs straight past the architecture library and four pyramids. You don’t have to rush because just walking up past those pyramids gets you halfway across campus without having to think about it.(90 words)

Figure 09. The hidden path behind Burruss Hall and on a clear afternoon. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

A is for Achievement

2.21  “Blacksburg’s Best Walk” | Photograph and text | Friday, Nov. 8

Climbing Dragon’s Tooth felt like a test none of us had properly prepared for. I was already terrified of heights, and one of my friends somehow decided to hike in heels, so every step felt risky. The trail was steep, rocky, and honestly stressful, and I kept wondering if our group would even make it. But reaching the summit felt unreal, like we’d won something together. Then darkness crashed in fast, and we practically sprinted down the mountain, slipping in darkness. Still, we survived, laughed, and achieved the seemingly impossible.(90)

Figure 10. The summit to Dragon Tooth Trail (Original photograph, Raahul

D is for Doing

2.12 “Indoor Walk” | Photograph and text | Friday, Nov. 29

Working in the garage, walking back and forth between tools, wood, and scattered sketches, I felt what “doing” really means. This table started as a loose idea in my head, something imagined during my home depot run, but each step across the concrete floor turned imagination into progress. The indoor walk became part of the project, measuring, cutting, checking, rechecking. Sawdust collected around my feet like proof. Slowly the shape revealed itself, transforming effort into something real. Doing felt grounding, like watching my thoughts turn into a physical object I could finally hold

Figure 11. Tools and parts scattered during the mid-build stage. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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G is for Green Goblin

3.16 “ Non-Commercial Walk” | Photograph and text | Thursday, Nov. 14

The whole scene felt straight out of a Spider-Man movie. The glowing green lights covering City Hall made it look like the Green Goblin could drop down at any moment, perched somewhere above the street and watching everything unfold. The green overcast on the building just looked really cool. Even though I wasn’t buying anything or doing anything special, the walk felt cinematic, like the city had temporarily shifted into a different universe. The glowing towers, empty pavement, and colors created a moment that felt surreal, spooky, and strangely energizing. (90)

Figure 12. Philadelphia City Hall lit in green during a nighttime walk.(Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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I is for Imagination

2.01 “Campus Map of the Imagination” | Photograph and text | Friday, Nov. 29

Standing in Home Depot, staring at stacks of lumber and the glowing price labels, my mind drifted far past the aisles. I started imagining table designs, sketching possibilities in my head because my dad stole my desk and I have no furniture in my room back in Richmond. The wood wasn’t just material; it was potential, edges, angles, finishes. I wandered between boards imagining what each could become. That small walk through the store felt like a walk through my own plans, quietly mapping out what I hoped to build. (90)

Figure 13. The boxed table during the first moment of imagining the final product. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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J is for Jailed

3.03 “ Absurdist Tour” | Photograph and text | Saturday, Nov. 13

Right outside of the Sheraton, I saw a random spot that felt oddly trapped in its own atmosphere. The statue stood there, rigid and still, almost imprisoned by the chaos of the city around it. It wasn’t part of any tour, yet it demanded attention, like a bizarre landmark forced to be in its position. I kept thinking how strange it was that something so still could feel so confined. The moment felt weird, as if the city had paused just long enough to frame this figure in accidental captivity. (90)

Figure 14. A statue surrounded by traffic and motion, feeling both jailed and free. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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L is for Love

2.16 “Waiting in Line” | Photograph and text | Saturday, Nov. 15

Inside the old pizza place, I felt the same warmth I knew as a kid, even though the city around it has changed. This used to be where my family and I ended every long week, waiting in line while the cooks shouted orders and the ovens crackled with heat. The noise never felt chaotic; it felt like home. Walking past it again, I remembered how love can exist in tiny rituals, shared slices, impatient lines and voices. The warmth in that doorway hasn’t changed, and neither have the memories. (90)

Figure 15. A Philadelphia pizza scene from an afternoon walk. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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N is for Night

3.14 ”Star Gazing” | Photograph and text | Friday, Nov. 29

Walking through downtown Philly late at night, the city felt entirely different from when I was a kid. The face on the building glowed above me, almost staring back, and looking up changed the entire pace of my walk. Even without stars, the lights pulled my attention upward the way a clear sky would. The darkness made everything more dramatic and lively. Philly’s nightlife has changed so much since I lived here 10 years ago. How everyone moved, paused, and breathed in the strange stillness wrapped inside all those lights.(90)

Figure 16. The face-like building illuminated in the night. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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O is for the Orient

3.12 “ Five Senses”| Photograph and text | Saturday, Nov. 13

Walking through Chinatown in Philadelphia felt like stepping into another world, one I didn’t even expect to find there. I always thought Chinatown was a New York thing, so seeing one in Philly surprised me. Late at night, with the streets empty and every sign glowing in Chinese characters, it genuinely felt like I had crossed into a different country. Lights hummed softly, and the stillness made every detail sharper. Being there made me realize how much I want to travel, how much of the world I want to see. (90)

 Figure 17. Entering Chinatown beneath its bright gateway. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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Q is for Quiet

3.09 “ Sound Archive” | Photograph and text | Sunday, Nov. 14

Late at night in Philadelphia, around three in the morning, I walked beneath a stretch of Christmas lights glowing softly over the empty street. The whole city felt muted, almost held in place, as if the lights themselves absorbed every sound. I kept listening for noise, but all I heard was faint wind and my own footsteps, recorded quietly in my mind like an accidental sound archive. I am used to cities humming, but here the hush felt strangely comforting, a peaceful pause before everything wakes again.

Figure 18. A quiet, christmas-covered road stretching into the distance. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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R is for Remember

3.01 “ Reflective Preparatory Writing” | Photograph and text | Sunday, Nov. 29

Riding the ferris wheel in Myrtle Beach pulled me straight back to senior-year beach week with my hometown friends. I remembered all the small moments that made that week, late-night walks, laughing at nothing, sitting on the beach at 10 PM hoping to catch a fish on a new rod I bought and catching absolutely nothing. Being up there again felt like opening a door to a younger version of myself, reminding me how much those people shaped me. Remembering it all made the present feel warmer and more familiar. (90)

Figure 19. Evening sky over Myrtle Beach during a quiet walk. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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U is for United

3.21  “Design Your Own Walking Ritual” | Photograph and text | Thursday, Nov. 26

Our Thanksgiving meal with my hometown friends was loud, funny, and delicious, the kind of feast that makes you feel grateful and overstuffed at the same time. After eating far too much, we slipped back into our usual ritual: the post-Friendsgiving walk. It’s a simple loop around the neighborhood, but it always reminds me how much I miss these people and how quickly time has flown. I especially missed my best friend Srikar, now at Cornell. Moments like this make you realize how deeply we stay united, even with distance. (90)

Figure 20. Walking up to the house for Friendsgiving. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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V is for Varnish

2.05 “ A Good Bench” | Photograph and text | Friday, Nov. 29

Finishing my desk and brushing on the last layer of varnish felt strangely emotional. I’d taken an idea from imagination into wood, sanding, shaping, and correcting flaws until it matched the picture in my mind. Watching the surface shine, I realized how rare it is to see effort become something physical I’ll use every day. The desk felt like a good bench, steady, supportive, earned. That final coat sealed more than wood; it sealed pride, patience, and the satisfaction of slowly building something that finally belongs to me right now. (90)

 Figure 21. The freshly varnished table catching the light. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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W is for Why

2.25 “ Micro-Interview with a Being at Windows” | Photograph and text | Saturday, Nov. 8

Riding the train from Charlottesville to Roanoke after dropping my grandma at the airport, I kept asking myself why we make the choices we do, college, long days, constant movement. Looking out the window, I realized the answer is always love. I went back that day so I could make a hike with my friends, simply because their presence matters to me. Every decision, even the tiring or inconvenient ones, circles back to the people we care about. The train’s rhythm made that truth feel unmistakably clear that evening too. (90)

Figure 22. A train approaching the platform on a cold day. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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X is for Xenon

3.16 “Non-Commercial Walk” | Photograph and text | Sunday, Nov. 27

Walking through the gas station on the way to North Carolina felt unexpectedly refreshing. It was massive and almost luxurious, stocked with every product imaginable, from strange snacks to overpriced souvenirs. Retro neon and xenon lights washed the aisles in a soft glow, giving the whole place a futuristic, boutique energy. Even though everything invited browsing, I didn’t want to buy the overpriced items. Instead, I wandered freely, enjoying the rare feeling of being in a commercial space without participating in it. The walk felt calm, bright, and strangely nomadic. (90)

Figure 23. Passing through the gas station’s xenon-lit lot without stopping to buy, just absorbing the glow. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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Y is for Yesterday

2.32 “ Shortest Walk” | Photograph and text | Sunday, Nov. 28

Yesterday I took a short walk on the beach, and it felt strangely out of season. The middle of November is not the right time for the beach, yet the shoreline felt astonishing. The cold air stung, but it also woke something in me, reminding me how easily we drift from the environment around us. Even though it was the wrong location for the time of year, the place was still beautiful. The walk was brief, quiet, and grounding, a moment of clarity carried by the rhythm of the water. (90)

Figure 24. A familiar path revisited the next day. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

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Z is for Zebra Crossing

2.14 “ Signage” | Photograph and text | Saturday, Nov. 14

I was in Philadelphia for a debate conference, convinced I had tanked my awards. Awards felt distant. Then they called my name, and the room spun in disbelief. Later, I slipped outside into the city air. At the zebra crossing, I waited with a group of strangers, eyes fixed on the red hand. I felt suspended there, between doubt and motion, until the white walking figure blinked on and I finally moved. Each step felt earned and fragile. The waiting is similar to my waiting for confirmation of my award. (90)

 Figure 25. The zebra-striped Philadelphia crosswalk during afternoon traffic. (Original photograph, Raahul Esakiraja)

I’ve taken many walks throughout my time at Virginia Tech. Now, as a senior, those walks feel different. I find myself reminiscing about the steps I’ve logged while still living on campus, when walking was a necessity and a form of escape. I lived in a dorm for two years, and during that time I often turned to walks on the Huckleberry Trail when I needed to “get away.” As I walked under the cover of night, my path gave me space to think, breathe, and escape the intensity of campus life. My walks were one of the only times where I could truly be alone, something that was hard to achieve while living in the dorms. 

I spent countless hours walking all around campus itself, wandering between classes, cutting through familiar shortcuts, and lingering in places like the Hahn Horticulture Garden. Those walks felt unplanned yet comforting. Now, I live at Brexx, which has given me a new kind of distance from campus. For my junior and senior year, I can quite literally step away from Virginia Tech. My apartment complex has a trail that circles the entire property, and on days when I feel restless or overwhelmed, I walk that path just to get out of my house and clear my head. While I enjoy those walks, I find myself missing the walking paths on campus. 

To commemorate my years here, I am revisiting the places I frequented as a freshman and sophomore while also finally seeking out the spots I always meant to explore. As my time at Virginia Tech comes to an end, these walks have become both reflections on where I began and small steps toward what comes next. Come along with me as I walk my way through my final year at Virginia Tech.

A is for Asheville

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and Text; October 11, 2025

For most of a hike, the view can be obstructed by tall trees surrounding the trail. Hiking in Asheville turned out to be this way, with trees surrounding us on all sides. We could see the sky peeking out at us as we made our way up the mountain. Finally, we reached the overlook and were met with a stunning view. Tall mountains blended into the sky that was turning all different colors. And the clouds were wispy yet full, making cover for the houses tucked away in lush forests. (90)

B is for Blue Skies

2.03 Overhead at Time of Day; Photograph and Text; October 16, 2025

I get out of work every Tuesday and Thursday at 3PM. After my shift, I start my walk towards the Orange Bay. On October 16th, 2025, I paused to look up at the atmosphere. There wasn’t a cloud in sight. Just pure blue for miles and miles. My meteorology brain began to turn its wheels. No clouds must mean the atmosphere above us must not have much instability. Perhaps there’s a high pressure system in the region. I made a mental note to check nws.gov when I got home. (90)

C is for Crossing the Drillfield

2.04 Overheard, Less Context; Audio and Text; October 29, 2025

There are always booths on the Drillfield. I passed by a pie-ing booth the other week. Above the sound of my footsteps, one sentence can be heard clearly, “I didn’t pie you, did I? No.”. At first it sounds normal, but when I thought about it more I became confused. Wouldn’t you know if you pied someone? Wouldn’t they know? Sometimes jumping into a conversation can be easy, especially when context is provided. However, there are times I just know it is better to be a listener than a participant. (90)

D is for Dragon’s Tooth

2.35 Go For A Hike; Photograph and Text; August 30, 2025

Dragon’s Tooth hiking trail pushed me beyond my limit. As I scaled the mountain, words of encouragement filled the air as my boyfriend cheered me on. Sweat was rolling down my back, and as we got near the top, I could feel relief creeping into my body. Then my boyfriend turned back to me and said “And now we climb”. Rocks scraped my hands as I pulled myself upwards. Complaints ripped from my mouth. And as we reached the top, I found myself thinking “It wasn’t that bad after all.” (90)

E is for Enter Light, Exit Night

Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; September 13, 2025

Enter light, exit night, take my hand as we squeeze through the massive crowd funneling into Lane Stadium. Entering Lane Stadium is like a fastpass to an anxiety attack. People on all sides of you, sticky from the late summer heat. People shove and push, desperate for that brief moment of personal space. Then there’s yelling, “STOP PUSHING,” as we all take a massive step forward. As I make my way into Lane, my eyes are burning, on the verge of tears. I haven’t been late to a game since. (90)

F is for Formerly Known as The Retreat

Prompt 2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and Text; October 13, 2025

I live at Brexx, formerly known as The Retreat. Along with the name change came a change in the standards of cleanliness in the neighborhood. As I walk around, I see trash littering the ground. A crushed beer can, red solo cups, leftover cardboard boxes. I know that they’re all leftover from the parties that our neighbors throw, but that doesn’t mean it annoys me any less. From a young age we’re taught to clean up after ourselves, it seems that some of us still need to learn that lesson. (90)

G is for Going to Class

2.02 Shoe Portraits, Shoe Memories; Photograph and Text; November 4, 2025

Walking to class in the fall reminds me of why fall is my favorite time of year. The air is crisp, the leaves are vibrant, and my pants are baggy and long. This means I get to wear my favorite pair of shoes, which are conveniently the ones tall enough to prevent my pants from dragging on the ground. I have had these shoes since 2020, so they have seen the many phases I’ve been through since that year. They’ve walked countless miles with me, and they’ll walk countless more. (90)

H is for Hahn Horticulture Garden

2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Photograph and Text; October 17, 2025

When I lived on campus, the Hahn Horticulture Garden was my safe space. If I was overwhelmed or sad, I would walk over to the garden and just sit. My favorite parts of the garden are the pond with the bench, or the area with the benches and the plants hanging overhead. I find that those two areas are so calming and dreamy. I don’t like the parts of the garden close to the road, as I feel the sounds of cars take me away from the peacefulness of Hahn. (90)

I is for Indoor Walk

2.12 Indoor Walk: Illustration and Text; November 10, 2025

I consider taking a walk to be an outdoor activity that lasts about 10 minutes. I’ve never considered walks to be ones you would take from the fridge to the couch. I often don’t even register these walks, even though I take them multiple times a day. Most of these walks are taken in the dark on days I don’t feel like turning on the light. And 30 to 35 steps is all I need to get from my room to the kitchen, my two favorite rooms in the house. (90)

J is for Just Imagine

2.01 Campus Map of the Imagination; Illustration and Text; November 17, 2025

I would say that I know campus like the back of my hand. However, when it came to actually drawing it out, I realized that there’s a lot of details that I don’t know or remember. The most detailed part of my map is around Harper Hall, as most of my classes are in the surrounding buildings and it was my freshman year dorm. As I got further from that area, the shape and scale of the buildings became more questionable. In fact, entire buildings began disappearing from my map. (90)

K is for Keeping Count

2.13 Step Counting Metrics; Photograph and Text; November 29, 2025

I wear my apple watch everyday, which means I’m always counting my steps. On average, I get 7,000 to 8,000 steps a day per week. This Thanksgiving, I participated in a turkey trot, so naturally I counted my steps. It was the most steps I took during the whole break, about 10,000 for that day. Every other day, I got under 5,000 steps and I didn’t feel my best. While I’m not the most devoted step counter, I think it is definitely linked to my mood. (90)

L is for Looking Back

3.01 Reflective Preparatory Writing; Photograph and Text; October 24, 2025

When I’m feeling joyful, I take a walk. If something is frustrating me and I need clarity, I take a walk. Depending on the type of walk, I’m either listening to music or walking in silence. I’m typically a fast walker, but the beat of my music usually determines my pace. Throughout my time at VT, walking has become an integral part of my routine. When I lived on campus, I would walk around the Hahn garden. Now that I’m at Brexx, I walk around the trail spanning the neighborhood. (90)

M is for Make Your Own Path

2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; November 7, 2025

When I get out of radar class on Fridays, I always look for the fastest route to get to the bus loop. And it happens to be the destiny path that cuts diagonally across the far side of the drillfield. It goes from the far right side of Price Hall to the far left side of Davidson. It is a well-defined path, so I know that other students have used this same short-cut. When I see paths like that, I wonder if VT will ever take action to pave them. (90)

N is for New Classroom Building

2.05 A Good Bench; Photograph and Text; October 29, 2025

Whenever my 11:15 class gets cancelled, I end up taking the 11:35 bus in order to make my next class at 12:05. This leaves me with an awkward amount of time before my class starts. I usually end up wandering around and sitting outside. But today was a particularly windy day. I walked into NCB, hoping to find a warm place to sit. And low and behold, a beautiful big bench appeared in front of me. I was grateful for this bench saving me from the cold. (90)

O is for On the Trail

2.11 Huckleberry Trail; Photograph and Text; November 17, 2025

I’m a big fan of the Huckleberry Trail. As an avid walker, I’ve spent a lot of time exploring the different places it could take me. My favorite is the walk from Foxridge to campus. One of my friends lives there and one day we decided to walk the trail. It was approaching sunset and we were walking along the creek. The sun started to peek at us through the trees creating a beautiful image I just had to capture. You never know what sights you’ll see on the huck! (90)

P is for Pick Up Your Trash

2.24 A Meditation on Garbage; Photograph and Text; November 4, 2025

One morning on my walk from the Orange Bay to Wallace Hall, I documented 5 pieces of trash for an assignment due the next day. I thought there was no way I’d find all 5 pieces on this walk. But I immediately ran into a piece of trash as I stepped off the bus. I was shocked as more kept appearing. Before I knew it, I had everything I needed. Although I completed my work, I was disappointed at how easy it was to find so much trash on campus. (90)

Q is for Quickly Eating

2.32 Shortest Walk; Illustration and Text; November 30, 2025

Kitchen to couch. Or kitchen to table. A very important question. Environment makes a meal. When eating, comfort matters. The couch offers comfort. Table is more formal. It’s also faster. The microwave beeps. The plate burns me. I hesitate briefly. I must decide fast. The plate grows heavy. Food cools fast. Two steps taken. Then another. Decision shifts mid-walk. A few more steps. Hardwood turns to carpet. Plate goes on coffeetable. I sit down. The couch greets me. Eating begins quietly. I’m satisfied. Small journeys count. Daily distances shape living. (90)

R is for Red Maple

2.10 Favorite Tree, A Note of Appreciation; Photograph and Text; October 30, 2025

Dear Red Maple, I love how you turn a brilliant shade of red during autumn. Your color is so vibrant, I stop every time I see you to just stand and stare. I pass by you when I head into work, and it gives me a little boost of energy. At this time of year, so many other trees have already lost their leaves. They are bare and sparse. But you still have every leaf. I hope you can hold onto your leaves for a little longer before winter hits. (90)

S is for Stargazing

3.14 Star Gazing; Photograph and Text; October 24, 2025

Star Gazing is one of my favorite things to do when I have time to myself. There is a path that goes around campus that I like to walk during nighttime, and when there aren’t many lights around, the stars really begin to pop. When I walk with my eyes in the sky, I feel like I could reach out and touch them. I find myself walking slower and pausing at the darkest part of the path, where the stars shine the brightest. I love when the darkness surrounds me. (90)

T is for The Shortest Walk

2.32 Shortest Walk; Video and Text; November 12, 2025

From bed to bathroom. Five steps, you’re there. Always the same distance. Anytime of day. My sheets fall away. Carpet turns to tile. I know the way. I move by memory. No light needed. The door creaks open. My eyes stay closed. I flip the switch. The light blinds me. The fan turns on. Air hums above softly. Water starts running. Then drips to stop. Everything else turns off. I turn around. Back to bed. Another five steps. Shortest walk, quietest too. I slip into bed. Ready to repeat again. (90)

U is for Up, Up, Up

2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Audio and Text; November 12, 2025

There is always a limit on how many stairs I’ll go up before defaulting to an elevator. I climb up three flights of stairs in Smyth Hall every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The biggest reason for taking the stairs is that I actually don’t know where the elevator is. And taking the time to find it is simply too much effort. The other reason is that all of my friends take the stairs. If I took the elevator, I would miss out on our slightly out of breath stairway conversations. (90)

W is for What’s in My Bag

2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; October 31, 2025

This is my everyday purse. I carry it everywhere. In my purse, I usually carry my wallet, glasses case, small mirror, touchland hand sanitizer, pressing powder for if my face gets shiny, mini tajin, two travel size perfumes, two lip glosses, and hair mascara. I also have my keys, but I tend to carry them or attach them to the outside of my purse. When I unpacked my purse, I realized that I carry duplicates of items. However, I probably won’t take them out since I am a chronic overpacker. (90)

V is for Visiting the Library

2.29 Public Library; Photograph and Text; November 30, 2025

I used to love the public library. My parents would take me all the time as a kid. I would spend hours picking books for the next week. I always picked based off of the cover of a book, and then I would keep it if the story seemed interesting. Nowadays, I rarely go to the library. Not because I don’t want to go, but because I barely have time to read. In the future, I hope to get back to the library, as I feel they are important spaces. (90)

X is for Start Here

2.29 Public Library; Photograph and Text; November 30, 2025

My library walk is different from my regular walk. When I’m searching for a new book, I walk sideways and very slowly. I look for a cover that will catch my eye. While I was doing my library walk, I found “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black. As I picked it up, I felt like I was transported back to 2020 when I first read it. Back then, I fell in love with the world building. It allowed me to travel out of my home during a time of quarantine. (90)

Y is for You Should Be Prepared

2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; November 30, 2025

When it comes to packing my backpack, I make sure I am extra prepared. My days on campus tend to be long, so it’s bad if I’m missing anything. I always have Tums and ibuprofen just in case I feel like I am dying. I have my laptop and iPad for all of my schoolwork. Nowadays, I always have to carry my laptop charger because it dies quickly. I also carry chapstick, a pencil case, my lunchbox, work uniform (which includes a shirt, pants, and cap), waterbottle, and an umbrella. (90)

Z is for Zoning Freshman Year

2.34 Directions for a First-year Student; Photograph and Text; November 29, 2025

Dear Future Hokie, Welcome to VT! I’m sure you’ve been on campus before, whether it be for a tour or just a visit, but there is so much more to campus than you know. At first, you will probably use google maps to find your way around. But the sooner you become familiar with the campus the better. A place you must visit is the Hahn Horticulture Garden. While it is not in the most accessible place, it makes it a nice getaway from the hustle and bustle of VT. (90)