An Ode to a Home for not so long

At twenty one I packed my life in two suitcases, bought my first one-way ticket and raced towards an uncertain but promising future. I was too excited to fathom the reality of all things familiar left behind: the reality of not being able to be by the side of the ones I loved most whenever I wanted, the reality of not having a permanent address or that of being bound by circumstances. I was chasing this dream for so long that the first pang of raw anxiety hit me only after I reached my designated apartment at Shawnee in Blacksburg. Partly because it was pitch dark due to a power cut and I hadn’t heard a familiar voice in over twenty four hours. My parents didn’t know where I was, and quite frankly neither did I. However, the beauty that is Blacksburg doesn’t let you feel alien for too long. The charm of this town lies in making anyone feel comfortable. And how could mere mortal me escape it? The kindness of strangers and the warmth of Hokies made me feel right at home. Old world Appalachia and the melody of bluegrass, the splendour of the Hokie stone and the calmness of the duck pond, the love of so many friends made with an awkward Hi and parted with tight hugs. The chants in Lane stadium and rants in Whittemore Hall. The beauty that surrounded me. Sooner than later, this became home. Friends became family and good Indian food became treasure. Loaded curly fries became celebratory dinner past midnight on long hard days in our windowless office. Oh! the people I met and the conversations we shared. The highs and the lows, the experiences that will linger forever. The things I learned…the things I learned. Cooking, driving, finances, making decisions, speaking up and fighting back, working hard and taking breaks, kindness, small talk, cultures of the world, urban slangs and cards against humanity, staring in wonder, networking, surviving….Surviving. Having faith in yourself in chaos and the power of friends who have faith in you too.

And yet again my bags are packed and it’s time to bid goodbye to Blacksburg with a tight lingering hug. These hokie stones and ‘Buy Local’ signs will soon be replaced by high rises and modern architecture. The orange and maroon will soon be replaced by gold and blue and so many other colors a big city is painted with. I will have to unlearn the safety and serenity of small town Blacksburg. Yet again I have a one way ticket in hand and the promise of infinite possibilities but this time I want to stop and take in everything I am leaving behind. Because after all this is Home!

Context: Saying goodbye to Virginia Tech in 2018