NATIVE AT VIRGINIA TECH HOSTS ITS FIRST ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
Anthony Hall, news writer
The harvest festival celebrated Native American tribes on both the regional and national level.
Native at Virginia Tech hosted its first annual harvest festival Friday afternoon to celebrate Native American Heritage Month. According to their GobblerConnect page, Native at Virginia Tech is an organization “dedicated to advancing the visibility of American Indians and other Indigenous peoples on campus.”
“This is the first time we’ve hosted an event like this, but we plan on doing it annually from now on,” said Bryce Burrell, president of Native at Virginia Tech and PhD student in agricultural leadership. The harvest festival celebrated numerous Native American tribes, both on a regional and national level.
“We have people here from the
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Choctaw, Muscogee, Cherokee and Monacan tribes,” Burrell, a Choctaw descendent, said. “There are also Alaskan natives here too!”
Alongside the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, Native at Virginia Tech planned this festival for months.
“It’s been a semester-long project, and a lot of work went into building relationships with others,” Burrell explained. “Now that we’ve gone through the motions already it should be easier next time.”
Native dishes were prepared by Choctaw chef Brit Reed and Cherokee chef Taelor Barton with help from Muscogee farmer Angie Comeaux.
“We’re serving banaha bread, which is
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a native Choctaw dish similar to a tamale,” Burrell said. “We also have venison and tanchi labona, which is a type of pork. Another thing we have prepared is hominy, a type of puffed-up corn.”
Burrell went on to explain why celebrating Native American Heritage Month has had a significant impact on the Virginia Tech community.
“People often forget that Native Americans are still here,” Burrell said. “This month gives students of Native American descendants like me a chance to share our story, which I think is a huge step forward for our community.”
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OPINIONS REFRAMING THE ISSUE: WHY YOU SHOULD CARE ABOUT THE OPIOID CRISIS
Allison McBride | opinions columnist
It’s time to stop blaming opioid users and start getting them the help they need.
Three years ago, my father lost a long battle with his addiction. He was in immense pain from a recent back surgery and sought relief from a fentanyl-laced painkiller. There was a time when his actions made me angry, but I know better now. Opioid distribution and addiction represent a public health emergency in the United States. We don’t need more victim blaming; we need urgent action and compassion. We must reframe the societal narrative around addiction and educate ourselves on prevention, treatment and support.
In the latest election cycle, opioids were not a prominent topic. The Pew Research Center conducted a study on voter priorities and the opioid crisis wasn’t even mentioned by participants. The epidemic is often ignored until yet another beloved celebrity, friend or family member falls prey to addiction. Even then, the sympathy fades as quickly as the initial shock. The reason for the public’s disinterest is simple: many people view addiction as a moral failing rather than a complex health issue.
The majority of those addicted to opioids were first exposed through legitimate medical prescriptions, commonly as painkillers for surgery or injury. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, approximately 80% of addicts reported they had never used the substance prior to this point. While opioids can be invaluable to those with severe chronic pain, they also pose a big danger. The routine use of opioids raises dopamine levels to excessive heights, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Contrary to popular belief, withdrawal is more than just missing a high. It can cause severe pain, delirium, depression, insomnia and confusion. At that stage, some may continue using opioids merely to find relief.
The average time from exposure to opioid abuse is six months, with 36% of individuals beginning nonmedical use within two months. Alarmingly, 82% of these individuals were not struggling with addiction before their exposure.
The disaster of opioid addiction is rapidly worsening, marked by a significant increase in overdose deaths. The World Health Organization stated that in 2019 close to 80% of annual overdose deaths are related to opioids. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the United States has the highest opioid death rate by far. This crisis is unlike any drug epidemic that has come before. One small pill can destroy a life, ruin a family and perpetuate a cycle of pain and addiction. Opioids do not discriminate because anyone can become a victim.
To combat opioid addiction, we must prioritize healthcare-financed overdose treatments, emergency services and long-term rehabilitation. Our government should reallocate its spending to address the urgent needs of its citizens. Recent medications such as methadone, buprenorphine and naltrexone have made opioid addiction far easier to deal with for many users. These new prescriptions should be readily available and discounted by healthcare providers.
Dr. Robert L. Trestman is a Virginia Tech/ Carilion School of Medicine professor and chair of psychiatry and behavioral medicine.
“It used to be the only treatment was abstinence, which works in about 10% of the cases,” Trestman said. “Medication for opioid addiction treatment raises the bar so between 60% and 80% of people can maintain successful recovery in combination with psychotherapy and recovery programs.”
Increased awareness about opioids and their dangers is critical and should be implemented immediately. It’s imperative that schools educate students on recognizing addiction, identifying laced drugs and understanding how to recognize and respond to an overdose.
“Depending on the part of the country, anywhere from 20% to 50% of students have already tried one form of drug or another by the time they’re in high school,” Trestman said. “We need to begin early
education about the real risks of addiction.”
The goal of this approach is similar to sex education: not to promote risky behavior, but to provide essential knowledge that could save lives. According to PBS News, the consumption of laced drugs is especially prominent among young people.
“If a kid needs to study for an exam and buys some pills off the street to help them concentrate, there is simply no way to know what’s in that pill,” Trestman said. “Even if it’s stamped and looks exactly like prescription Adderall, it could be filled with fentanyl.”
Addiction requires an empathic approach. Many people who struggle with addiction do not disclose their situation due to shame. My father never told us about his relapse — we found out the hard way. If more resources and support had been available, perhaps the outcome would have
been different.
Addiction is a disease like any other. My father was an incredibly intelligent, kind person who meant everything to me. I am not ashamed to say he fell victim to opioids, just as I would not be ashamed if he had succumbed to cancer. What I will do is advocate for funding for prevention, education and treatment programs that address the root causes of addiction. As young people, we must urge lawmakers to recognize that we care. Our peers, family members and heroes are dying. The next victim of opioids is out there, and they could be someone you love. Like me, you may never see it coming. By calling for more resources and education, we may be able to save them.
MARK BOSTER / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
A vial of naloxone and an injection kit.
BOTH NON-BIKERS AND BIKERS NEED TO DO BETTER WITH BIKE ETIQUETTE
Sarah Leberknight | opinions columnist
When it comes to biking, everyone needs to do better to keep the roads safe.
When it comes to transportation modes at Virginia Tech, cars and buses are the most popular — as of 2022, more than 78% of commuters drove or bussed. But just because these vehicles are the most popular doesn’t mean they own the roads. Bikers, while only a small percentage of commuters, still deserve safe passage on the roads to campus. And while there are bike lanes in Blacksburg, drivers often do not respect or pay attention to bikers in their designated lanes or bikers who have to be on the regular road when bike lanes are not present. Bikers, myself included, should not be the only ones looking out for their safety — drivers must do their part. At the same time, however, bikers need to be more courteous and aware of their surroundings. Bikers should follow traffic laws and should not try to ride through packed sidewalks full of students. Whether you are driving a car, riding a bike or using any other human-powered vehicles like scooters or skateboards, you need to be aware on the roads and sidewalks in Blacksburg.
Blacksburg has bike lanes, but they aren’t everywhere, leaving bikers with two
options: bike on the road or bike on the sidewalk. Some bikers, especially inexperienced ones, may be hesitant to ride on the roads. And for good reason — cars are far faster and larger than bikes and often don’t pay enough attention to bikers. I can do everything right while biking on the road but still run into dangerous situations because cars either aren’t paying attention to me or get nervous around me and drive worse than usual. Still, bikers are allowed on the roads, and they and cars each need to do their part in keeping the roads safe. Bikers need to follow traffic laws just like cars do — stop lights and traffic signs are applicable to everyone on the road. Bikes should act like cars, which means bikers should not weave in between cars and should be on the lookout for any dangers. Bikers should be defensive riders in the same way car drivers are defensive drivers. Additionally, bikers should use the designated hand signals to inform drivers of their movements. And while bikes don’t have lights like cars do, if bikers are planning on biking after dark, they need to invest in bike lights so they can see their surroundings and so cars can more easily spot them when
driving at night. Bikers also should not use phones or devices while biking. If drivers are not allowed to do so, neither should bikers. It’s a simple matter of safety.
Meanwhile, cars need to respect, and be aware of, bikers both on the road and in bike lanes. Legally, bikes should be treated like cars are, meaning that cars can’t just squeeze around bikers — to pass, they need to have a minimum of 3 feet between them and bikers or fully change lanes to do so. They also cannot and should not pull over into bike lanes to get around other cars or human-powered vehicles. When turning, cars need to look not only for incoming cars but also incoming bikers. Not only because you shouldn’t want to hit bikers, but also because bikers in bike lanes have the right of way when cars are turning. No matter what a driver is doing on the road, they must pay attention to bikers — defensive driving is applicable to both other cars and bikes.
Bike lanes are for bikes and humanpowered vehicles only — they are not valid places for cars to pull over, as that invites the danger of collisions. I know a biker who got hit because they couldn’t stop in time to avoid a car pulling into a bike lane to drop off a passenger. Also, bike lanes are not for motorcycles, even though some people also call those bikes. Motorcycles are not the same as electric bikes, as they are bigger and faster. If you need a license to drive your vehicle, it does not belong in a bike lane. Lastly, bike lanes are not extensions of the sidewalk. They are not walking paths for pedestrians. I run into a lot of people on campus who walk in the bike lanes to get around big crowds. This is a problem because bikers are so much faster than walkers that by the time they see you, it’s going to be difficult to stop.
It’s also important to note that when bikers are using bike lanes, they need to ride in the direction of traffic. Otherwise, bikers using the lanes correctly will get confused, as could cars.
Now, as mentioned before, bikers are allowed on sidewalks, including sidewalks on VT’s campus (though Blacksburg prohibits bikers on sidewalks in some parts of downtown). When sidewalks are empty or near empty, they are perfectly fine
places to ride your bike. If there’s a person on the sidewalk, just call out to them to let them know you’re coming. However, campus sidewalks get super busy, especially during “rush hour” before and after classes. Bikers or any other humanpowered vehicle should not attempt to ride or force their way through hordes of people — it’s incredibly rude and irritating. Either move to a road or bike lane, if there’s one available, or get off your bike and walk it. Riding bikes on sidewalks really goes back to the classic phrase “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” Always consider your surroundings and make decisions accordingly.
Biking is a great way to get to campus, not to mention good exercise, and fits right in with Virginia Tech’s plans for making local transportation more sustainable. Biking shouldn’t be dangerous. Bikers should not have to fear for their lives when they are following the rules. Drivers of cars and other motor vehicles — including Blacksburg Transit — need to be on the lookout for and respectful to bikers on the roads. Everyone deserves a safe way to get to and around campus, including bikers, drivers, and walkers. It is everyone’s responsibility to watch their surroundings and make the right choices.
ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Bike rack at Squires Student Center, April 7, 2019.
LIFESTYLES THE FINAL COUNTDOWN: AVOIDING BURNOUT AFTER THANKSGIVING BREAK
Benjamin Gozzi | lifestyles staff writer
Tips and tricks to survive the last three weeks of the semester
The end of a Virginia Tech fall semester is always an interesting time. Students, after working for 13 weeks with only one “true” day off in Fall Break, can often feel as if the crawl of the semester is never-ending. Couple this with prolonged hours of Daylight Savings darkness, colder temperatures and the ever-looming threat of finals, finding the motivation to push to the finish line can be daunting.
Getting to Thanksgiving break, which is now just a short time away, can prove to be a challenge. It is sometimes what comes after the break, however, that gives students the most headache.
The way the Virginia Tech academic calendar is organized is sometimes hard to interpret due to its lack of consideration for student burnout. Students arrive in Blacksburg and start a fresh semester of classes in August, work through September and October, grind through November, and hit Thanksgiving break at what feels like a million miles per hour.
Once students return from the break, they are given two weeks to not only prepare for finals, but to complete classes, get final assignments done and prepare for a return home. Knowing what’s coming after Thanksgiving break is crucial for one’s success at the finish line of the fall semester.
To do your best after Thanksgiving celebrations subside, consider doing some of the following to make sure you hit your goals and conquer the first half of your academic year.
Planning, planning, planning
Benjamin Franklin once said, “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail.” And he’s right: if you do not have a plan coming into the last two weeks of the semester, you will be catching up on day one. Dedicate a portion of time over break to scour through Canvas, collect the due dates for all assignments, exams and final projects and throw them in a planner, spreadsheet or online calendar. Having a rudimentary plan of what’s going to happen in the ten business days before the semester closes is key to crossing the finish line successfully.
Prioritize your tasks
Once your plan is established, take a step back and analyze what is expected of you in each of your classes until the semester ends. Often it is the case that assignments, exams and final projects can be assessed in an academic “food chain,” ranking the most important or time-consuming activities first and gradually listing items that are not as crucial. If you get a better idea of what requires the most of your attention, allocate
the time necessary for completion while also balancing other work.
Take regular breaks and practice self-care
Not even the most intense professors at Virginia Tech would realistically expect you to work around the clock after Thanksgiving break. It’s imperative that you take breaks in between studying for an exam or making a final presentation.
According to The Learning Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, breaks that focus more on movement, socialization or nourishment can improve productivity and performance once you return to your studies. “Effective breaks,” as they are called by The Learning Center, “can facilitate an experience that will leave you feeling more refreshed.”
After textbooks are closed and laptops are silenced, practicing self-care is equally as if not more important than the work you may be doing in preparation for the end of the semester. Self-care, whether it be a walk, a face mask, watching a movie, curling up with a good book, exercising or anything that prioritizes you is crucial to academic success.
According to a survey conducted by wellness management platform Vagaro, benefits of self-care include enhanced self-confidence,
increased productivity and overall improvements in happiness. Physical effects include a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer according to the survey. Taking a break helps!
Refocus on your “why”
It can be easy to find yourself swept up in the routine of the fall semester: Five days of classes, events on the weekends, repeat. When Thanksgiving break arrives and you have time to reflect on the semester you’ve had, reconsider your “why.”
Why do you want to finish the semester? Are you aiming to make Virginia Tech’s Dean’s List? Do you want to finish with all A’s? Aiming to keep that illustrious 4.0 GPA?
Reconsidering your “why” can be a good recalibration of your goals and aspirations in college. You’ve worked so hard to finish strong — don’t throw it away now.
While it may seem daunting, consider the tips above when looking at the last two weeks of the fall semester. With equal parts preparation and hard work, you’ll pass the finish line and earn a much-deserved winter vacation.
HOKIE HOW-TO: KEEP RECREATING OUTDOORS IN THE FALL
Emy
Delaporte | lifestyles section editor
Lifestyles editor Emy Delaporte recommends ways to explore the outdoors this winter.
With the delayed chill of autumn finally falling over Blacksburg, after the nation’s second-driest October on record, a question sets into the mind of both the casual day-hiker and the restless adventurer. They wonder — how can we continue recreating into the winter? And where should I go next?
While cooler temperatures may pose a challenge for those with a low tolerance for cold, late fall and winter offer experiences not found in other seasons. Bugs have made their bed for the year, bare trees grant easier access
to sweeping views and it is easier to spot wildlife. Additionally, trails are less crowded — between work, school and negative feelings towards the cold, there are fewer people out.
Safety, which is always imperative for outdoor activities, has some changes with the weather. Be sure to dress warmly, to stay dry and remember that the absence of heat does not mean hydration is unimportant.
Ice and snow should also be considered as a walking surface and for road safety. Ice can
be invisible on asphalt, meaning gravel roads have an advantage in winter. However, with heavy snowfall, asphalt roads are able to be cleared more easily.
Some recreation areas have limited access during the entirety of winter, and some will have unexpected weather closures. Always research conditions at a destination before heading out.
Some trails, like the Cascades and McAfee, are well known. Here are some less popular but just as exciting recreation sites near
Blacksburg, for expanding winter adventure possibilities.
Mountain Lake Wilderness
Bordering the iconic Mountain Lake Lodge from Dirty Dancing and Bald Knob on Salt Pond Mountain, Mountain Lake Wilderness consists of over 16,000 acres managed by the Forest Service in Virginia and West Virginia. The wilderness is situated over the Eastern
continued on page 6
Continental Divide.
There are 21 miles of formal trails within the wilderness, including five miles of the Appalachian Trail. The area’s elevation is highest at Lone Pine Peak, around 4,000 feet above sea level. Blacksburg sits near 2,000. Mountain Lake Wilderness is roughly 40 minutes from Blacksburg.
Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory
Despite its name, Hanging Rock is known for more than just hawks and eagles — this observation tower provides sweeping views. Situated on the West Virginia side of Peters Mountain, hikers can see both states from the top. The hike, though moderately steep, is only a mile long. During fall migration, this trail is popular in the morning and afternoon with birders. It is also popular for sunrise and sunset. However, it is rarely too crowded to access.
The parking lot for the trail, which is in Monroe County, is about an hour from Blacksburg.
Wildwood Park
This unique inner-city park is one of the locations listed on the Virginia Cave and Karst Trail, meaning that it features karst features on its landscape. Surrounded by limestone cliffs in the heart of Radford, the park has both paved and dirt trails. Visitors can walk along the stream, hike
up to a closed off cave entrance and walk all the way to Bissett Park on the paths.
The park is suitable for hikers, bikers, dog walkers and more. It is also used in an educational capacity.
Wildwood Park is about 30 minutes from Blacksburg. @COLLEGIATETIMES
TIPS TO AVOID THE WINTER BLUES
Cat Pizzarello | lifestyles staff writer
Despite earlier sunsets, it is possible to prevent seasonal affective disorder.
As the leaves conclude their falling and the temperature begins to drop, spirits tend to decline as well. Whether it’s caused by the encroaching holiday season, end of school semesters filled with exams or the impact of weather itself, a shift in mood during this time of year is normal.
According to a study conducted by the American Psychiatric Association through their Healthy Minds Monthly poll, 38% of Americans experience some decline in overall mood during the winter months.
Although many experience the phenomenon of the winter blues, 5% of the adult population experience a more severe condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder, or S.A.D. This is a type of depression with similar symptoms to those of major depressive disorder, but it only affects a person about 40% of the year due to seasonal shifts.
Regardless of the severity, worse mood due to weather is just a part of the changing of seasons. There are many ways to combat this shift in emotional state. Here are 10 ways to tackle the onset of the winter blues as the colder season comes around the corner.
Get outdoors
Although the cold may appear to cause these mood shifts, getting outside is actually hugely beneficial to lightening one’s mood. Outdoor light regulates melatonin, which in turn boosts energy and makes you feel more awake.
Natural light is also a great source of Vitamin D, even on a cloudy day. Spending just 20 minutes outdoors can immensely improve the symptoms of S.A.D. and other mental blocks.
Exercise
Taking a stroll outside, going for a run or a brisk walk can also improve a person’s mood. Outdoor activities aren’t everyone’s preference though, so even just hitting the gym
for a quick workout can get a person out of a wintery funk.
According to a 2005 Harvard study, getting 35 minutes of daily exercise is enough to significantly lessen depression symptoms. There is no need to lift heavy or go on intense runs either. Pilates and yoga are both low stress activities with high mental relief, as is just going for a short walk.
Establish a sleeping routine
One of the biggest challenges that those dealing with depression face is the trouble of oversleeping. As the days get darker and sunlight becomes a rarity, it is all too easy to sleep the day away.
Setting alarms and prioritizing waking up at the same time will regulate a person’s body and make it easier to function throughout the day. Eight to nine hours is typically sufficient for biological males, but for biological females, it can be beneficial to aim for nine to ten hours for hormone regulation. Ultimately, everybody is different, and it’s best to just adjust accordingly.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is one of the most common dietary deficiencies in Americans. According to UnityPoint Health, about four out of ten Americans have some level of deficiency in vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for a multitude of reasons but is especially key in enhancing mood and boosting energy levels. Typically, people receive their source of vitamin D from the sun, but as the winter months approach, there is less light to absorb, and people spend significantly less time outside. This makes deficiency more common during the colder season.
There are some foods that contain vitamin D, but it can be difficult to get enough from food alone. That is why it can be vital to consult a doctor and get some bloodwork done if mood and energy decline are of concern.
Doctors can recommend a certain amount of vitamin D to take to counteract the loss of the vitamin during colder months.
Light therapy
Exposure to light influences brain chemicals to enhance mood. Light therapy is a newer treatment for S.A.D. but has shown to immensely help with symptoms.
Light therapy begins with using a light box, a light designed to mirror that of natural sunlight. The light box can be used when working at one’s desk, while watching TV, or even in the morning in bed.
Doctors recommend about 30 minutes to an hour of being directly in front of the light. Light therapy has been shown to lessen the symptoms of S.A.D. and other seasonal mood swings.
Stay connected
The winter blues can bring on a feeling of loneliness. Reaching out to people and making plans can help a person stay connected and let them know they have people in their life that care about them.
This can be going shopping together, exercising together or just having a good old movie night. More people experience these mood fluctuations than it might appear, so reaching out can benefit a whole slew of people.
Make time for hobbies
S.A.D. and the winter blues can create a lack of motivation, but it’s important to continue pursuing hobbies. Gaining the motivation to do anything at all can be daunting, so starting with something familiar that a person already likes can prompt them to be more productive.
This can also be a great time to pick up something new. It can be refreshing and rewarding to learn a new skill, and it’s a good reminder that there are tons of things to do even when it’s harder to get outside.
Prioritize self-care
Depressive thoughts can often make it harder to take care of oneself. Things like brushing teeth, showering or doing laundry can become tedious, which is why practicing self-care during the colder months is vital. It’s easy for a person to fall into a habit of not prioritizing themselves, but taking care of oneself can make them feel more human and promote a clearer sense of self. Self-care can be hygiene related, but it can also be taking the time to paint nails, make the bed or watch TV.
Make the best of the cold weather
Although the colder months may come with many stressors, they also come with many festivities. Celebrating the holidays can be demanding at times but take time to enjoy the traditions and spend time with loved ones. Winter often is cold, wet and gray, but it can also mean hot cocoa and sleigh riding.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can mean a lot of things, but it is overall the awareness, recognition and eventually acceptance of one’s thoughts. Mindfulness can be practiced through journaling, meditation, breathing or creating task lists.
Therapy is also another great source of mindfulness. It’s always useful to reach out and talk to someone when dealing with any mental concerns. VT offers all students free therapy sessions through TimelyCare.
Final Note
The colder months can bring a lot of ups and downs. Giving grace and spreading kindness to everyone during this season change is essential. Everyone has their down moments, so this is a crucial time to meet people where they are.
HOMECOMING ROYALTY FOLLOW-UP
Riley Thompson | lifestyles staff writer
The 2024-25 Homecoming Royalty give updates on their platforms and upcoming events.
Homecoming is one of the biggest events of the year at Virginia Tech. From the parade, fireworks show and concert, to the Homecoming football game and more, Tech’s Homecoming has it all. The event takes place over a fun-filled week and is one of Tech’s most treasured fall semester experiences. It also includes one of the most important aspects of the event — the Homecoming Court.
This year’s court was made up of 13 seniors, all of whom are leaders in a specific student or service organization. Each court member chooses a VT department or organization to partner with that aligns with the court member’s platform. Some of this year’s platforms included efforts to fight off substance use disorder social stigma, advocate for men’s mental health, and raise awareness for breast cancer research.
Out of all members of the court, three students are chosen as Homecoming royalty. They are voted for by students the week of the Homecoming football game. The winning members hold a unique event during the spring semester that complements their platform and benefits the student body in some way.
This year’s winners were TJ Brooks with his platform Buckle Up with Brooks, Filip DeHaven with his platform Feel Good with Fil and Karlee Angel with her platform Pets Are Worth Saving (P.A.W.S.).
“Virginia Tech grants a royalty winner $1,000 that goes directly towards their event and their cause,” Brooks said. “That’s why it’s important for people to vote for homecoming, because people just kind of see the booths around campus and they’re like, I don’t want to vote for this. It feels like high school, but their tuition is going towards the events that potentially win.”
Sponsored by the German Club and partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, Brooks’ platform is centered around seatbelt safety.
“My platform is Buckle Up with Brooks, and it pretty much just promotes seat belt safety awareness and encourages college students to buckle and wear their seat belts, because our age bracket is the least likely to be safe on the roads when it comes to following the law with seat belts.”
As a homecoming royalty winner, Brooks will hold an event in the spring of 2025 centered around seatbelt safety.
All Homecoming royalty event plans are subject to change.
“I’m shooting to have it hosted at the German Club Manor, open to all the students sometime in March or April,” Brooks said. “I’m going to have the VTTI present, and pretty much what they’re going to do is show up with a bunch of hands-on activities for the students. So, we’ve been working together on having them show up to the manor with seat belt car simulators, like a roller coaster, and it’s like a simulation to let you feel what it’s like to have a seat belt hold you while getting in a car accident.”
That’s not all. Brooks also plans to have guest speakers at the event.
“I’m aiming to have the (Virginia Tech Police Department) show up to become guest speakers to share responses and events that they’ve had to deal with around the community with car accidents,” Brooks said. “We’re going to have college students come in and talk about a friend that we lost our freshman year due to a car accident. So, we’re going to talk about how not wearing your seat belt has impacted us, and why it’s important now to spread the word.”
The next homecoming royalty member is Angel, sponsored by Virginia Tech Equestrian and partnered with the School of Animal Sciences to promote her platform.
“My platform, P.A.W.S., focuses on supporting, donating and partnering with rescue groups and animal shelters throughout the Blacksburg community,” Angel said. “Through P.A.W.S., I strive to supply shelters with the critical resources they need while also raising awareness about the many pets still waiting for adoption.”
After winning homecoming, Angel immediately got to work.
“I’ve been actively donating to nearby shelters and am excited to announce an upcoming P.A.W.S. Drive next week, where anyone can contribute to support pets in need! I’ve also been working closely with the Animal Welfare and Foster Program and the Montgomery County Animal Care & Adoption Center to raise awareness about their missions and help every pet find a loving home.”
Angel plans on centering her event around our furry friends.
“I’m planning a big day event featuring a walk-a-thon where participants can bring their pets. Entry will be a donation of essential items for local shelters. I’m hoping to also invite my club, HokieDesigners, to hold a pet runway show where shelter dogs and cats can shine on the runway.”
The next homecoming royalty member is DeHaven, sponsored by Sigma Phi Epsilon and partnered with Recreational Sports to promote his platform, Feel Good with Fil.
“My platform is Feel Good with Fil,” DeHaven said. “It’s about supporting body positivity. On June 8, 2020, the day that gyms opened back up after quarantine, I weighed the heaviest I’d ever been. I was 380 pounds. I didn’t feel comfortable in my own body because I was getting constantly bullied by others. I ended up losing 100 pounds in six months after that, but that’s really because I felt so negative about myself because of what others said to me, and I don’t want anyone else to feel that way.”
DeHaven plans to support his platform with an event in the spring centered around body positivity.
“I’m partnering with Rec Sports and we’re going to host a body positivity 5k in
the spring,” DeHaven said. “I want to start incorporating more into my Instagram for the coming months, just more about body positivity, maybe some facts like about body dysmorphia. A lot of people our age are particularly prone to suffering from that. And I know a lot of influencers, like on TikTok and Instagram, surely don’t help with that in some instances.”
Homecoming isn’t just about parades and football games. It’s also about community engagement, spreading positivity and living out Ut Prosim throughout campus. Make sure to keep an eye out for these awesome events coming to Tech in the spring semester of 2025.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH STUDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATES Seniors Filip DeHaven, Karlee Angel, and TJ Brooks are crowned Homecoming royalty for 2024.
SPORTS
WOMEN’S SOCCER ADVANCES IN NCAA TOURNAMENT WITH 2-1 TRIUMPH OVER TENNESSEE
Javier Mico-Crump | sports staff writer
Women’s soccer advances in NCAA Tournament with 2-1 triumph over Tennessee.
In front of a sold-out Thompson Field, No. 7 Virginia Tech (12–5–3, 6–2–2 ACC) dominated the second half en route to a 2-1 win over the Tennessee Volunteers (9–7–4, 3–4–3 SEC) in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
Friday’s matchup kicked off on a cold Blacksburg night, but that didn’t stop anybody from turning up to support.
“We were excited to see so many people from Hokie Nation; what a great crowd we had tonight,” said Virginia Tech head coach Charles “Chugger” Adair. “It was wonderful to play in our hometown, and I know our ladies enjoyed that.”
With Friday’s result, Tech is 4-1 against SEC opponents in the NCAA tournament all-time.
Fans barely had time to settle into their seats before the action started. Just one minute and eight seconds into the game, Anna Weir put
the Hokies in front with the fastest goal scored by the program in NCAA tournament history.
“We said we had to come out flying in the first 10 to 15 minutes,” said Hokies midfielder Natalie Mitchell. “I think we did that. Anna’s awesome — she’s worked so hard, so it was great to see her get one of those goals.”
Just three minutes later, Tennessee equalized as defender Kennedy Price slotted the ball into the back left corner of the net.
Despite early indications, the first half became a defensive battle. There were only three shots on target between the two teams — two for the Hokies and one for the Lady Volunteers.
Tech typically lines up with only one defensive midfielder: Emma Pelkowski.
For Friday’s matchup, the Hokies paired Pelkowski with defensive midfielder Lauren Gogal to form a double pivot — a withdrawn
central-midfield or defensive-midfield pairing.
While maintaining defensive integrity, the Hokies came out swinging in the second half, and it paid off.
In minute 51, Mitchell won the ball high up the field after intercepting a bad pass from Tennessee’s center back. The Vols were caught out of position, and Mitchell took her space and fired a shot on goal. The shot took a deflection over the keeper and hit the back of the net, awarding the Hokies a lead.
“It felt great,” Mitchell said. “There’s been a lot of chances this year for me that just haven’t rolled the right way, so to finally hit one in a game that really meant something was like: ‘Ok. It was coming this whole time.’”
Tennessee was left chasing the ball for much of the half. Virginia Tech created several chances, and ultimately out-shot the
Volunteers 18-4.
Virginia Tech’s high offensive output and time of possession limited opportunities for Tennessee. With help from a good save by Lauren Hargrove, the defense held on to send the Hokies into the second round of the tournament.
“The team’s got resilience, and I think that’s important for us,” Adair said. “It’s a short three-month season but it feels long ... I think they’ve battled through that. That’s part of the leadership that we have within the group and the culture that the girls have put together this year.”
Next up, the Hokies cross the country to take No. 2 UCLA in Los Angeles on Friday, Nov. 22.
HOKIES DOMINANT DISPLAY, MICHEAUX’S DOUBLE-DOUBLE DISMANTLE COPPIN STATE
Rose Micheaux’s early foul trouble in the second rendition of the Ally Tipoff was a gut-punch for Virginia Tech.
On Saturday, however, she made her mark in the Hokies’ dominant 86-51 win over Coppin State.
First-year head coach Megan Duffy and Virginia Tech (3–1) secured their third consecutive win at Cassell Coliseum, while Coppin State (2–3) suffered its third straight road loss under first-year head coach Jermaine Woods, who previously served as associate head coach for two seasons.
The Hokies were in a tight one early. They led 13-8 at the first media timeout and Carleigh Wenzel had a game-high
Thomas Bray | Sports editor
Bigs shine as the Hokies roll over the Eagles 86-51.
eight points in the opening frame.
Coppin State’s Laila Lawrence, the 2023 MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, drained a three-pointer with just over three minutes remaining in the first quarter to cut the deficit to two.
Virginia Tech responded with a 12-4 run to close the quarter.
Micheaux took control in the second quarter, scoring nine of the Hokies’ first 11 points. The senior from Michigan was instrumental as Virginia Tech went on a 13-0 run, shooting 50% from the field in the quarter to stretch their lead to 18.
Duffy’s squad entered halftime with a commanding 42-24 lead.
Carys Baker opened the second half
with her first three-pointer of the game, setting the tone for a sharp-shooting third quarter. After starting the game 2-for-12 from beyond the arc, the Hokies hit three straight three-pointers to begin the second half and finished the third quarter fivefor-six from deep.
Micheaux continued to excel, knocking down elbow jumpers as the lead swelled to 29. Virginia Tech shot 71% from the floor in the period, with Baker, Micheaux and Wenzel all reaching double figures entering the final quarter.
The Hokies celebrated several milestones in the fourth. Lani White recorded her first double-digit scoring game in maroon, freshman Ramiya White netted
her first career basket, and Micheaux capped off the night with 19 points and 11 rebounds, her first double-double as a Hokie.
“It’s always a good day when the entire team is in the scoring column,” Duffy said. “I was really happy for Ramiya White to get her first college basketball points.”
Virginia Tech forced 18 turnovers and never let up en route to their 86-51 win. Up next, the Hokies face a tougher test when they host unbeaten Rutgers (4-0) and standout Destiny Adams inside Cassell Coliseum on Nov. 19.