Introduction
Welcome to the Wonders of Virginia Tech! Here, I talk about the things that I experienced and noticed during my time in the university. My first intention to be on campus was to learn and graduate with the diploma of my profession without the care and importance of my surroundings and just move on to the next step of my life, but I realized that Virginia Tech has so much to offer which made me feel how much I should’ve appreciated it more. In these 26 entries from A-Z, I write down things that I saw in clear detail that I didn’t pay attention to at first. I also talk about things that I feel like it connects to my personal life. I try to be humorous sometimes so you might hear me exaggerating a bit or making funny comparisons during my discoveries. During my journey, I noticed how connected the community is and how much everyone appreciates the scenery of campus. It makes me feel like I made the right decision to come here and to become a contributing member to that community. Everyone has shown so much energy, support, and loyalty to the university that it made me want to know the main source that encourages this motivation. I’ve missed a lot of things and I’m now coming back brighter as I find new places, experience things that reflect my personality, and makes me question its purpose. I’m glad to be part of the Virginia Tech community and it is something that won’t be forgotten throughout my life. Hope you enjoy coming with me to explore the wonders that make this campus a really great place to be.
A is for Arts!
3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct 16;
Figure 1. Image of Moss Art Center. The entrance is on the left side. All of the windows contain a hexagonal shape design. The tree on the right is slightly obscuring a small portion of the building. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Passing by the Moss Arts Center, I’m being reminded that there are talented students in the field of arts on this campus. Seeing those hexagonal-shaped windows shows how art can not only be expressed from the inside but as well as the outside. Just by looking at the building gives out a sense of inspiration as it opens its doors to many forms of creativity. I always think about how these students carry this motivation to be expressive and how art can be open to a wide range of possibilities. (90)
B is for Bridge
Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30;
Figure 2. Image of the Torgersen bridge, arch gateway where people can drive or walk to campus. The building is constructed using Hokie stone. The bridge is connected to Torgersen Hall and Newman Library. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Walking beneath the Torgersen bridge gives out the feeling of the university welcoming you to its campus. The stone arch that stretches across Newman Library to Torgersen Hall reminds me of an entrance to all the knowledge and opportunities that the university has to offer. The stone walls and the arching windows give out a deep representation of its history. Each time that I pass through here, it gives me the motivation to not only come to class and learn but to explore around the main campus and know more. (90)
C is for Community
Prompt 2.06 Talking Along the Drillfield; Video and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 11
Figure 3. Video of Drillfield where students are shown walking around to their next class. The leaves on the trees around the area appears to be orange, indicating the change of season. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
Drillfield has always felt like the center of everything on campus. However, the area represents a place where all of us can join together and socialize. Normally, I’d see other students heading to their next class or some chilling under the trees. But once in a while when I’m with my friends heading to the gym, this calm space would flip. On some days, there will be community events related to politics, music, clubs, and more. It feels like a great way for everyone to gather and unite as one. (90)
D is for Ducks!
Prompt 2.19 Duck Pond; Video and Text; Thursday, Oct. 16
Figure 4. From the distance on the right, a pavilion can be seen where people can sit and watch the pond. The pond is surrounded by trees. Stone and branches can be seen poking out of the lake. The pond is also near a small road. Ducks or birds can be seen on the left side of the pond. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
There’s always something about Duck Pond that makes me think of all of the things I’ve done to get here. The water acts like a mirror where I can see the trees and the deep blue sky, but I can also see a reflection of myself. It really made me feel like “Wow… who am I to make it this far in life?” As I look further into the distance I see ducks gliding from one end of the pond to the other, reminding me that life is a journey. (90)
E is for Engineering
3.02 Flânerie; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 7
Figure 5. Image of the Transit Center where buses enter and exit. The right side of the image shows fences placed to surround the area under construction. Far in the distance shows Goodwin Hall, the building where many of the rising engineers go during their first year of college. (Original photograph, Evan Sanchez)
The buildings around here, especially Goodwin, give out a sense of purpose. With its tall rectangular design and the endless rows of windows, the buildings are calling for all rising engineers to “innovate for the future”. I normally walk around this area as I wait for my bus to arrive, but taking a quick glimpse at Goodwin I can imagine the innovative things that these students are inventing. Most of the area may be under construction as it’s blocked by excavators, construction workers, and fences, but so is the future. (90)
F is for Fountain
3.05 Drawn and Repelled; Photograph and Text; Thursday, Oct. 16
Figure 6. Image of the Holtzman Alumni Center where a fountain can be seen in front of the building. The building contains a clock tower and the sun appears to be bleeding out from the left side of the image. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Right at the other side of Classroom Building I stumbled upon a building that I never knew existed called the Holtzman Alumni Center. This building was surrounded by open fields of plain grass, providing a sense of freedom. However, my attention was drawn to this fountain, watching the water sprout from the top as it fell down to the bottom made it feel refreshing and calm. The area around was quiet, letting me focus solely on the water falling as the soothing sound wipes out that negative energy within me. (90)
G is for Garden
Prompt 2.09 Hahn Horticulture Garden; Video and Text; Thursday, Oct. 9
Figure 7. Image of the wooden bridge where a small waterfall can be seen flowing beneath the bridge. (Original photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Walking through Hahn Horticulture garden as I hear the buses and the students fade away, a sense of tranquility flows through my body as I hear the sounds of leaves rustling and a small waterfall flowing around the area. The garden pulls me out from the weight of my assignments and classes, giving me a moment to breathe during a time of intensity. Stepping into this sanctuary feels like entering a new world where time stops for a moment to appreciate the natural beauty that this garden has to offer.
H is for Home
Prompt 3.25 Memory Walk in Pairs; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28
Figure 8. Red brick walkway near Squires Student Center with trees and black lamps lined up on the right side. A bit further to the right, a one way road for vehicles to enter campus. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Walking down Squires with a friend, we realized that the red bricks and black lamps remind us of the city we grew up in, Herndon. Each step we take on this walkway brings us a sense of nostalgia, carrying us across time like a trip down memory lane. If we ever want to experience what home feels like, this is the place we want to come back as it has the resemblance. This may be the present, but the past of the city that we had memories of still lingers. (90)
I is for Inventory
2.23 The Things You Carry; Photograph and Text; Sunday, Nov. 30
Figure 9. This image shows the things I carry. I carry a black backpack, an iPad Air with an apple pencil and a blue case, A Type-C charger and brick, a water bottle, and my MacBook Pro. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Ever wonder what I carry in my backpack? Not much, really.
- My Computer – the important thing I carry in my bag is this as everything that I do is assigned online: My projects, presentations, documents, pdfs, and homework.
- My iPad – It’s such a great way to take notes during class digitally. It saves a lot of resources and money by not using paper. Since both my computer and iPad are from Apple, they can sync together.
- A Charger – Keep things always charged.
- A water bottle – Always need to stay hydrated
(90)
J is to get Jacked!
Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Tuesday, Nov. 18th
Figure 10. Image of Mccomas Hall, People are seen walking into the building. The building is divided into two section: Health Center and Mccomas Gym. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Between my class times, I usually prefer to head to the Mccomas to do my workouts since it’s at the edge of campus where it’s not densely crowded unlike the War Memorial. I’d put on my airpods, blast loud angry electronic music, and hop into the grind hoping one day I would be jacked up with muscles and a clean physique. The aggressiveness of the track helps me get the kick I need, pushing me to lift heavier weights, as the music screams into my ear like a drill sergeant. (90)
K is for Knowledge
2.29 Public Library; Illustration and Text;
Figure 11. An illustration that demonstrates a vision of what I saw. Shelves of books are seen surrounding the stick figure that set the environment to appear that the books are coming closer to the figure. The figure is showing an expression of confusion as the area is a maze. (Original illustration, Evan Sanchez)
A friend and I were scouting for a spot to work on our math homework. We headed to Newman’s to see if there were any, however, we took a detour to the third floor thinking it was the study lounge floor. I was not expecting shelves after shelves of books covering us at all angles. I questioned myself, “Did I step into a school library? Or, did I teleport into a world full of knowledge?” It felt like a maze as it took us a while to find the exit. (90)
L is for Lunch
Prompt 2.12 Indoor Walk; Photograph and Text; Friday, Nov 7th
Figure 12. An Image of Perry Place that shows students walking to get their foods. People sitting at their counters. Neon lights shown around the food court such as the logos, neon design on the left pillar wall, and neon circles on top (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
I stopped by Perry’s place to grab my Chick-Fil-A salad for lunch. It was busy since it was lunchtime for all of us. I decided to explore around the food court for details that I didn’t notice when I arrived for the first time. I noticed the design of the food court resembled the diners back in the 80s, with aluminum tables and neon lights. It reminded me of those times when my dad and I watched old movies like “The Terminator”, “Rocky”, “Back To The Future”, and “Star Wars”. (90)
M is for Melody
Prompt 3.09 Sound Archive; Illustration and Text; Monday, Nov 17th
Figure 13. An Illustration of Burruss Hall, music notes are shown to demonstrate a jingle playing across campus. The waves also demonstrates the sound echoing. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)
I walk down the Drillfield for my communications class and every hour I hear the clock tower at Burruss hall play a cheerful melody, letting us know that the next hour has begun. The song comes to life as the bells hit each note in a sequence to create a soothing symphony. Everyone can hear it echo across campus as if the sound itself is trying to spread its message that even during chaotic days filled with upcoming exams and assignments, there is always time. So no need to stress! (90)
N is for Noise
Prompt 3.02 Flânerie; Video and Text; Monday, Nov 17th
Figure 14. Video shows the construction happening at Smith Career center. Scaffolds, Fences, and machines are shown working on a portion on the building. You can hear hammers banging on the construction. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
Walking to the bus stop after my doctor’s appointment and I see parts of Virginia Tech are still under construction. The construction at the Smith Career Center building was extremely noisy as I heard the workers bang their hammers which made the metallic sound echo. It kind of reminds me that here, at this university, noise is part of campus life. We experience noise in many ways whether it is people chatting, buses passing by, community events, or people screaming at the top of their lungs during a football game. (90)
O is for Outskirts
Prompt 2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Video and Text; Tuesday, Nov 4th
Figure 15. A video showing cows at the livestock eating hay. The cows are also tagged. Music can also be heard in the background. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
A friend of mine invited me to explore the outskirts of campus. We came across a livestock called Alphin-Stuart livestock that not a lot of people would notice due to it being a stretch as it was located at the other side of the highway. Luckily for me, it was walking distance from my apartment. We chilled for a bit to look at the animals around. My parents would have enjoyed looking at them since they prefer the peaceful open fields rather than the noisy city they’re currently in. (90)
P is for Power Plant
Prompt 2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Video and Text; Friday, Nov 7th
Figure 16. A video that shows the power plant. Walking on side where it is not prohibited. The area can be seen surrounded by fences and the sign shows no trespassing. The bushes covers the bottom portion of the building where the power plant is maintain. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
The big and tall power plant located next to Gilbert Place that provides power through renewable energy to the entire university stands right in front of me as I walk around the restricted area. I’m interested in knowing how reliable this thing is considering that it shut down on us last winter. Everyone got out of their dorms to finally experience a moment where technology wasn’t a distraction, a time to look at our environment and the stars. Or, unless you were unfortunate enough to get stuck inside an elevator. (90)
Q is for Quiet
3.09 Sound Archive; Video and Text; Tuesday, Oct 21st
Figure 17. A video that shows a small walk through Torgersen Hall. Students are seen sitting at the tables whispering or focusing on their assignment. The audio is quiet to the point clicks from the computer keyboards can be heard. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
It was noon when I was heading to my only class at Torgersen Hall and I noticed how there were a lot of students sitting at the tables, locked in on their computers and grinding their assignments. Usually I’d hear them socializing about their day, their assignments, or their plans for the week. Now as I walked past them, it was dead silent to the point that I could only hear the clicks of their keyboard. Was this the calm before the storm of due dates and upcoming midterm exams? (90)
R is for Rocks
2.21 Blacksburg’s Best Walk; Video and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30th
Figure 18. A video of the inside of the Geoscience Museum as Derring Hall. Artifacts and Geos are being displayed. Many sophisticated elements are displayed in glass cases. Further in the walk displays a fossil of a dinosaur head. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
A couple of my friends suggested exploring the wonders of the Geoscience Museum, and I was astounded by what I saw. The moment I stepped inside, I felt that I was rediscovering the history of Earth as I saw the minerals and artifacts being displayed on the glass shelves. What really gave me the feeling of history was when I came across the remains of a dinosaur head. I got close to the fossil and felt goosebumps crawl through my body as if it was alive, breathing in my face. (90)
S is for Stadium
Prompt 2.08 Sporting Event; Photograph and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 1st
Figure 19. Image of Lane stadium empty, trees and bushes that surround the area. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
On my way to Mccomas to do my workout, I decided to take a detour around the athletic area and I found myself in front of Lane Stadium. Standing there made me imagine the heat and energy that radiated during game days. Despite being empty, I could still hear the echoes of “Enter Sandman” and the chant from the crowd. Every time that we have a home game I can already expect people wearing VT striped orange overalls, hats, and shirts. It shows how supportive the Virginia Tech community is. (90)
T is for Tunnel
Prompt 2.17 Desire Paths; Video and Text; Tuesday, Oct. 28th
Figure 20. A video of the path below Burruss Hall. The entrance contains gates and the whole tunnel is brightened by wall lights. People are seen taking this shortcut to their next class. (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
As I walked to my next class, I decided to take a shortcut through Burruss Hall. It looks like a tunnel from the outside, but as I walk inside, something feels different. The tunnel is still dark despite being lit up by the surrounding lights and my phone adjusting its camera brightness as I record my journey. It was a windy day as I felt the wind sweep from one end to the other, pushing me back to the light like it was telling me, “keep going, you’re almost there.” (90)
U is for Unexpected
3.03 Absurdist Tour; Illustration and Text; Thursday, Oct. 30th
Figure 21. This an illustration that shows a reaction of surprised as we never thought a room like this was offered in VT. Located in the 4th floor in Newman Library. Rows of computers stretches across the room and people are currently using them to play games. At the other side there is a locked cabinet where all the consoles are stored. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)
I never knew that Virginia Tech had a gaming studio. I always thought this university was made for students to connect, socialize, educate, and prepare us for the real world. But to come across a hidden space at Newman’s where it’s full of tech goodies? I was not expecting them to set us up with rows of gaming computers, up-to-date consoles, and so many board games. Is VT helping us grind for our exams or grind for XP in our games? It’s so unexpected, it made my eyes roll out. (90)
V is for Vending Machine
3.27 Epic Walking Story; Image and Text; Wednesday, Oct. 29th
Image 22. The image shows one of the few vending machines in McBryde. The left vending machine provides the snacks while the one at the right provides the drinks. (Original Photgraph, Evan Sanchez)
Let me tell you my story in a similar way to an epic video game. I woke up at 8 in the morning to get ready for my first class. I went to the bathroom to do my daily routine; showering, shaving, and brushing my teeth. By the time it was 8:40 AM, I was out of the door to catch the bus. I usually take a snack with me since I don’t have time to batch up a quick breakfast meal, however, one day I realized that I forgot to bring my protein bar and the bus was right in front of me. That’s when I realized that an imaginary HP bar appeared in front of me. I questioned myself, “should I walk back, catch up with the next bus, and be late for class? Or, should I just face it and starve until I come back home in the afternoon for lunch?” I decided to do the latter by going through the day without any food since I was not risking my grade since attendance could also reflect. I was not having fun at all. My stomach was in pain as it was screaming at me to get something to eat. I had to push through the entire morning feeling sick as my stomach tried to feed itself with air. It was similar to how Minecraft does it when you’re low on hunger. Once your bar drops to zero, your HP slowly deteriorates. My main quest was to get through the day alive and complete my assignments as they were missions on the main story up to the final exam. However due to my hunger depleting my HP, I had no choice but to go on a side quest for a snack. I headed out of my first class to find the vending machine closest to my next class. It took me a while to get there as I was dodging students left and right as if they were obstacles, swept through campus using shortcuts and parkour. There was no time to waste as I was at one HP and any moment that I slowed down would lead me closer to passing out. It felt like it was sudden death as all it takes was one hit and you are gone. I finally made it to the vending machine at McBryde and now it was time for me to spend my virtual coins to receive my item. I swiped my credit card instead of my Hokie Passport card since I had no balance and purchased a blue powerade and a couple of chips which I munched on in less than two minutes. The side quest was complete. (450)
W is for War Memorial
2.28 War Memorial Chapel; Video and Text; Tuesday, Sep. 30th
Figure 23. This is a video that I believe that is above the War Memorial Chapel. Statues and Pillars can be seen. At the edge, you can take a view of Drillfield (Original Video, Evan Sanchez)
As I stood here, I sensed the feeling of resilience and strength as I took a look at the statues in front of me. I walked closer to the edge of the war memorial to come across the grand view of the drillfield where once in a while I would see cadets on their training and practicing their formation. I also felt the wind blowing behind my head as if it was telling me to “remember those who have fallen, but also look ahead to the bright future that awaits.” (90)
X is for XS Walk
2.28 Map Drawn by Hand; Illustration and Text; Thursday, Nov 6th
Figure 24. A quick sketch of the map from McBryde to Torgersen and the red line mark is the path I took to get there (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)
I was at Mcbryde at noon for office hours with my math professor. He was on his way out since the session was done and I decided it was time to head to my class at Torgersen. My path was short, but it was flooded with students, buses, and cars. Was this Virginia Tech or downtown NYC? As I tried to “swim” my way to the other side of the road, I was bumping into students, my backpack hitting their backpack, and hearing voices and engines. It was absolutely chaotic. (90)
Y is for Y-Toss it?
2.18 A Wish for Something to be Different; Image and Text; Monday, Dec. 1st
Figure 25. An image that shows the living room coffee table that was bought from YMCA’s. The coffee table is made out of wood with two ceramic tiles at each end. The right tile has a visible crack. The table is used to place snacks, controllers and other stuff. (Original Photograph, Evan Sanchez)
Some would say it would be better to throw away things that are broken or some would be kind enough to donate it. Me and my roommates went out to buy furniture at a YMCA shop since we moved in a few days back. We all decided it would be great to buy a coffee table for our living room so we can have it to place our popcorn bowls and snacks during Friday Movie Nights. We found one made out of wood with two ceramic tiles at each end of the table for $45 and it works exactly as intended. I was in the living room one day watching a commander’s football game. I looked at the giant crack that was on the right tile and it made me start wondering about the Hokies who used it before us. This table has been a part of many journeys and soon will be part of mine once it’s time for us to move out. And who knows? It might be picked up by another Hokie. The cycle will never end. (180)
Z is for Zoom
Prompt 2.22 Stairs versus Elevator; Illustration and Text; Monday Nov. 3rd
Figure 26. The illustration depicts two possible situation whether you use an elevator or the stairs. The stairs are shown on the left where it demonstrates no waiting and going down. The elevator on the right shows the person trying to open the elevator before the elevator reaches the third floor as they have no time. (Original Illustration, Evan Sanchez)
Ah yes. I enjoy the feeling of ragebait as I see the bus right in front of me packing students in, only for it to zoom away the second I arrive just because I felt lazy and took the elevator. Might just put on my airpods and listen to music, hoping that time can also zoom quickly as well. I was waiting for my class to end early since it usually ends at 9:55 AM and I was located at Pamplin Hall. The only problem is that the bus that takes me back home leaves every 15 minutes which means the next departure will be at 10:00 AM, leaving me with five minutes to spare. The moment the teacher dismissed us, I zoomed out as fast as I could, sprinting three floors down the stairs since I always knew that the elevator would never arrive on time. I bet there’s students being picked from the first floor, then the second, then up to the third. There was no time. If I took the elevator, it would never come. (180)