What does it mean to be a Hokie?
“Enter Sandman” blasted from the speakers; eager and excited counselors jumped up and down; three buses full of new Hokies pulled up to Smith Mountain Lake. It was the start of a beautiful day, and the freshman had no idea how truly amazing these next couple days are going to be.
When the excitement settled down, everyone separated into small groups and embarked on the myriad of fun teambuilding activities planned for the day. It was truly incredible watching as my group transformed from the initial hesitant, I-don’t-know-these-people reactions to a work together, leave no man behind attitude that brought them so much closer.
By the end of the day, whether playing hard on the field or “walkin it out” on the dance floor or sitting together around a campfire, everyone not only showed team pride for their groups but also learned to put their differences aside and come together as one community.
The campfire tonight served as a reflection period for both the counselors and the campers, and it was truly moving. Touching personal stories shared by counselors really resonated throughout the group, and the excitement that is Hokie Spirit beamed on everyone’s faces. Everyone here is so passionate about Virginia Tech and takes such great pride in being a Hokie. It brings a tear to my eye to think that each of these new Hokies are just beginning to scrape the surface of what being a Virginia Tech student is all about.
So what does it mean to be a Hokie? Well, that is exactly what everyone is learning at Hokie Camp. It has been such an amazing experience, and I do not want it to end.
