Campus Confidential

By Adam Abramson

I guess everyone has their own outlets.

Watching the television today I saw people crying, smiling, cheering, reading poems, praying, taking pictures, signing memoirs, et al.

For me it’s writing. It’s now 3 a.m. two days after. Yes, I’ve finally honed in on what day it is (although I couldn’t find my car when I left the office an hour ago).

The world’s support has been tremendous. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but I really can’t comprehend the fact that the entire world is suffering with the Virginia Tech community. It’s too...grave.

The poise and grace of Blacksburg has made me more proud than ever to don Chicago Maroon and Burnt Orange the last two days. I’ve long-tried to tell people how fortunate I am to have spent four years of my life in the most beautiful place you could imagine. Strangely enough, one of the feelings inside of me now is vindication. The world has met 32 Hokies that led extraordinary lives and embodied the spirit that made Virginia Tech what it is. They are why I’ve not stopped bragging about Blacksburg since the day I stepped on campus in August 2002.

It truly warms my heart to see America’s colleges take up arms with us and become Hokies. Just two hours down the road, the long-rivaled Cavaliers of Virginia have given Blacksburg one collective bear hug and aren’t letting go. It’s something I’ll never forget. I saw men and women holding up signs at sporting events all around the nation supporting the Virginia Tech community. I saw members of the Washington Nationals don Virginia Tech hats. I’ve seen students from countless colleges holding vigils and keeping Blacksburg in their thoughts. Wow.

I’m reminded of the network America instantly formed on September 11, 2001. The human race is a phenomenal thing.

All throughout Tuesday I found myself picking up the phone, without forethought, and calling professors I hadn’t spoken to in over a year. I heard from people I had not spoken with in 10-12 years. I heard from people I’ve never spoken to in my life. I even found myself writing a note to the student who barricaded the door with a table and saved his classmates’ lives just to say “Thank you.”

Even though they won’t read this I also want to say thank you to President Bush, Governor Kaine, President Steger, Nikki Giovanni and the other speakers at Tuesday’s convocation.

When I started writing this, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say. I’m still not sure if this is what I want to say. But this is how I’m coping. I implore you to find your outlet and do the same — as long as it’s positive.

God Bless the Hokies. And when I say Hokies, I’m including you.