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)