Finding my place through Impact

Coming to Virginia Tech was one of the scariest things I’d ever done. I didn’t know anyone, didn’t know my way around campus, and honestly didn’t really know what to expect. The excitement of move-in day quickly gave way to a whirlwind of orientation events, Weeks of Welcome, and millions of things to keep track of all at once. It was overwhelming, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure how I’d find my footing here. What I didn’t realize at the time was that the choice to join a living-learning community (LLC) would make all the difference.

Impact, my LLC, gave me a group of like-minded people who were just as nervous as I was. We had tons of events that first week to break the ice, from welcome picnics to community-building events. Slowly but surely, my suitemates and I became friends, and that friend group began to expand beyond just the people I lived with.

Each week brought new chances to connect: whether it was an academic workshop, a themed event, or just an evening in the lounge talking and laughing. These moments helped me breathe, relax, and remember that I wasn’t alone here. Some of my favorite memories are from our Squid Game-inspired challenge nights. They were just the right amount of ridiculous fun we needed to get away from the stress of the semester.

By the end of the first semester, something unexpected happened: I felt settled. I had found a routine, friends I could count on, and a place that felt like a second home. And I know that Impact was a huge part of that.

In fact, it made such a difference that I decided to come back and help welcome the next class of Impact students. I wanted to be there for them the way that Impact LLC was there for me. A group that offered reassurance, support, and maybe even a few silly events to help students feel a little more at ease.

Looking back, I’ve realized that new and scary experiences don’t have to be faced alone. Being part of a community like Impact helped me grow, feel supported, and find confidence in this new chapter of my life. If I could tell my move-in day self anything, it would be this: you’re going to be just fine because you’re not doing it alone.