I wake up, it’s 2 O’clock on a wonderful Friday afternoon, and I am ready to roll out of bed and do whatever I want to do. There’s only one problem. I missed my 9am, Intro to Business class, which today happened to be the day that we had a test. I roll out of my bed in Pritchard Hall, and I start booking it across campus to the Pamplin School of Business and luckily find my Professor in his office hours. Out of breath, I plead with him, until he finally agrees to let me take the test at a later date. Now, you all probably remember when Mom or Dad used to storm into your room before school to wake you up, sometimes they’d even rip the covers off or sometimes even throw something at you because you just wanted “5 more minutes.” It was a pretty dependable alarm clock to say the least. At the time, you were probably upset, but you will soon realize how wonderful a gift that really was. College is a much different experience than high school, because you no longer have your parents help. They aren’t there to wake you up, take you to school, ask your professors questions, and for some of you in the audience, even do your work. This experience (pause), your experience at Virginia Tech, will be what you make it.

On that note, I would like to begin by welcoming all of you to Virginia Tech and into the Hokie family. My name is Brandon Carroll and I am your Student Body President.

Stop and reflect for one second.

You are now a college student, but more importantly, you are now a Hokie!

At Virginia Tech, your “relatives” are some of the brightest, most caring, and passionate individuals you will find around. The Hokie community is strong and I ask foremost that you play your part, find your passion, and help strengthen it even further. 

This will depend on your ability to uphold certain ideals that have been laid as a foundation before you. 

Selflessness (pause), Respect (pause), Courage (pause) and most importantly (emphasize) Passion

These all embody the principles of our Hokie Community.  Sacrifice never promises or posits any reward or return, but in this case your commitment will reap the very definition of your legacy here at Virginia Tech.  You see, you don’t just come here to learn, but to lead.

Virginia Tech students have always turned into the leaders of our nation becoming practically anything they set their heart to. 

Come here not only to live (pause) but to thrive. I stand here, looking into a room of limitless opportunity; (pause) however your time is limited.  The problem with opportunity is that it can’t do a thing for you unless you make it.

When I first came here I found it very hard to fit in. 

I remember orientation, sitting where you are today, like it was yesterday. I thought to myself like many of you are probably thinking right now, am I going to get along with my roommate? Will I be able to make new friends? Are the classes going to be a lot harder? Will I fit in? The apprehension of transitioning into college was intimidating to say the least.

Coming from a small town in Maryland called Poolesville with a population of just over 5,000 people, I am proud to say I am a member of the Facebook group “I live in a town with no stoplights” (pause). My first semester here I all but dropped my classes thinking about transferring.

I was not happy with who I had become. I was homesick. (pause) Then it hit me. (pause). The decision to be happy or unhappy was entirely up to me.  I knew that roadblocks were only placed in my way in order to see how badly I wanted something.

I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Virginia Tech community – I just didn’t know how.

So, I searched deep within myself, and found the courage to pursue my passion.  For me, that was what took me to SGA. For you, who knows? Only you can decide and that’s the fun part. 

Like Dr. Spencer alluded to, there are over 700 student organizations here at Virginia Tech. Finding where to start may be kind of intimidating but don’t waste any time.  There are so many ways to get started.  

Every year we host one of the largest community outreach programs in the nation with our Big Event.  Hundreds of different service projects around the community are worked on by our students in effort to better the community you are so much a part of now. 

This type of involvement is key to following the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve”, and being a part of our actively caring culture. We ALL CARE..about the welfare of others.  But, actively requires us to do something; it requires an action to show that we care.

You see, we train the future leaders of this world not only so they can make something amazing of themselves but so they can serve a larger purpose as well. You see, that’s what leading is about.  It’s not just act of being in charge, carrying a title, or being in a position of authority but it is much more of a dynamic concept.

There are many leaders you see everyday that aren’t in so-called leadership positions and prove that you do not need a title to be a leader.
 
Recently, three generations graduated from a University on the same day.  A 21-year old girl, her mother, and her grandmother. 

It doesn’t seem like very big of a deal until you discover that the girl raised a child during her education, the mom raised a family and worked two jobs while earning her degree, and the grandmother worked full time only to get back to school after raising 6 children. 

The moral of the story….  It’s never too late to be what you wanted to be.

Now this doesn’t mean go take all the time you need as time is still a very precious commodity.  I just don’t want you to ever stop trying to find yourself, your passion within this community and within your life.

You see, only you know what truly brings you happiness, but it still takes courage to act upon that passion.

My mom used to always tell me when I was young, “Brandon, do you know that the harder thing to do and the right thing to do are usually the same thing?” Nothing that has meaning is easy. (emphasize) “Easy” doesn’t enter into grown-up life.”

You will all be challenged very soon in one way or another.  Whether academically, physically, or soulfully all results will be a direct test of character.

Character is not about return or reward, but rather the action itself.

I would like to leave you with a short story about one of your classmates in the audience here today.  Recently I met (name, story). “Now, (name) life will throw everything at you to fail and believe me you will fall down. But, get back up every single time.

Surround yourself with those who will help you reach your dreams, and ignore those who discredit you. If you seek out the right people, opportunity will find you.

(name) Remember, there is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are 18 years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn nineteen years old.

 If I am 87 years old and stay in bed for a year and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. 


Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability.


The idea is to grow up by always finding the opportunity (pause, emphasize) in change.".

(name) and the entire class of 2013, The Virginia Tech community affirms the value of each individual and welcomes you as the person you are. 


So find your passion here, your courage and your friends, but most importantly find the Virginia Tech community and you will discover yourself.