Born and raised in Charlottesville, I never hesitated to say where I was from — until the day I arrived in Blacksburg as a freshman at Virginia Tech. In my first year at Tech, I’ve gotten my fair share of mistrustful looks when introducing myself; it comes with the territory.
While we all know about the great tradition and rivalry between Tech and Virginia, nothing says more about the relationship between the two communities than the support the University and the city of Charlottesville showed Tech after the April 16 tragedy. Ranging from t-shirts to a joint halftime performance at Scott Stadium, everyone in town did what they could to support us. After seeing a picture of the University’s Beta Bridge tagged with the slogan, “Hoos for Hokies”, I was reminded of both the painting and the ensuing movement. Because of that incredible response, I was inspired to write this thank-you to the people of my hometown on behalf of my new home. As we somberly mourn the second anniversary of that fateful day, I would like to express my gratitude to the entire Charlottesville community for its kindness; to borrow the words of Prof. Nikki Giovanni, we will never forget. The love you all showed us makes me proud to say I’m a Charlottesvillean. Hoos for Hokies and Hokies for Hoos, Always and Forever.
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