Hokie Handbook: Top Tips from a Virginia Tech Senior! By Paige Humphreys 4-8-2024
As my time at Virginia Tech is coming to an end, I wanted to reflect on some of the things I have learned throughout my college career. Over the past four years, I have learned so much about myself and about Virginia Tech. It will be sad to leave Blacksburg in May, but I will leave knowing that I maximized my time here and will continue to use what I’ve learned in my life and career. I have narrowed down a few tips I have learned along the way.
Explore the New River Valley
Have strong relationships with professors
Get involved in as much as you can
Be impulsive
Explore the New River Valley: This I wish I had done so much sooner than I did. As a freshman in 2020, I didn’t have the opportunity to explore Blacksburg and the surrounding areas as much as I would have liked to. But, over the past three years, I have gotten the chance to explore more of Blacksburg and the NRV. Even now I’m still finding new restaurants to try and things to do. I feel like I know the area so much more now than when I was a freshman first starting. Here are some places that I have found and love over my time here:
Blacksburg Farmers Market
Eastern Divide
Milk Parlor Live Music
Sinkland Farms Fall Festival
Have strong relationships with professors: Having good relationships with professors is crucial. Preferably in your college or major but it doesn’t have to be. Professors are there to help you and are experts in their field, the field you may want to go into. Making these relationships is perfect for expanding your network, they can write recommendation letters, help land internships, or even put you in contact with other professionals.
Get involved as much as you can: Whether it’s school-related or outside of school, it’s important to be involved. It’s a great way to make friends, meet new people, build your resume, and so much more. If you want to get involved in school, a great place to start is looking for clubs to join, whether that is preprofessional or just for fun, Tech has so many to offer! Another way to get involved is through Greek Life or a service organization, they have something for everyone. In those, you're able to meet new people and also get involved in service/philanthropy projects.
Be impulsive: This tip is probably one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in college. There is so much to in Blacksburg and as graduation comes in the next couple of weeks, I’m soaking in my time. Four years go by way too quickly so take advantage of every opportunity. It can be as simple as going out to your favorite restaurant with friends or going on a walk around campus.