What’s the secret to a successful Hokie experience? Although the answer is not concrete. Dr. Buddy Howell and Emma Treptow give their insight.
By Allera Bee, education reporter
Emma Treptow who once benefited from the HUG program now serves as a HUG leader as an upperclassman. Credit: Emma Treptow
Four years seems like an eternity until you’re walking across the stage and receiving your degree. College is a massive hurdle that many who are lucky enough to have got to overcome. But what’s the secret to a successful college experience? Many have come in and out of college with both fond memories and regrets. It’s a transformative period in life when you balance an education, social life and for many living on your own for the first time.
It’s often easy to forget that college is one of the most connected times of your life. There is an entire staff directory book hired just to help you thrive. I spoke with Dr. Buddy Howell, Director of the HUG program, professor and advisor at Virginia Tech, as well as Emma Treptow, an upperclassman HUG Leader, on what students most often regret, wish they did differently, and overall, the secret to the Hokie college experience.
There is an overwhelming amount of information to learn during college, and many find this out much later in their career. There are things that students, peers, and faculty wish students understood earlier. Dr. Buddy Howell, from his years of experience, explained that one of the greatest things students take for granted is their relationships with peers and professors. How crazy is that? Something so simple yet so imperative could be taken for granted. Both Dr. Howell and Treptow agreed that it’s often as easy as looking around the class you are in and introducing yourself to the people sitting next to you. In every class students take, there are at least a dozen peers in that very class who joined for similar reasons. Whether it’s because they need to get credit for a pathway, it piques their interest, or they need it to graduate. Something as simple as ‘intro to public speaking’ could lead you to a meaningful relationship. Not only do these connections create relationships, but they also introduce a sense of belonging. Especially at a large institution like Virginia Tech, smaller communities are anchors that make Blacksburg a home away from home.
In many departments, you have classes with a group of people throughout the four years. The positive of this is that you have the time and opportunity to cultivate relationships with these familiar faces. However, “You don’t actually get to know those people if you aren’t creating conversations,” Treptow added. It’s often a go-to move in today’s society to stare and scroll on your phone before class or in the halls, but it’s not proactive. Relationships form when you are present and focused on what’s happening and who is around you in the moment, rather than what’s on the screen. Even in today’s day and age, when we are as connected digitally as we are physically, many believe that there is still opportunity in the present moment. Acting in the present moment also creates confidence during a time when many are lacking.
Next to relationships and people, college allows students to connect, network, and learn at the highest level. However, funny enough, many of these resources only come through people and relationships, as Dr. Howell explained. Although the faculty and student leaders almost make students’ heads explode with information at the beginning of the year, they are there for a reason. Urging students to get out there because they’ve seen what it looks like three years down the line when they don’t. Trying to help you in and out of class because they care about your success. Although the main goal of college is to get a degree, faculty and student leaders want students to find their passion, gain experience, and be prepared for their future as well. For some, they are wired naturally with a fire for future success; Applying to jobs, drafting resumes, and preparing for the future. For others, creating their own motivation is entirely foreign. School is no longer about simply passing and attending your classes. On the other side of four years is the start of a career. The good news is, you are not expected to do this entirely on your own. Career and Professional Development is just one example of a service that so many students regret not accessing sooner. Whether it’s because they think they’re shy, unbothered, or unready, so many wait or never access these services. Another one is Handshake, which is an app that allows students to browse jobs, internships, career events, and employers. The app’s job search also highlights any employers who are Virginia Tech alumni. From jobs at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market to research coordinator positions across the State, Handshake is a student’s spot for experience. It takes a single email or conversation to learn about a potential resource. “Even if you don’t start using them, at least go online and get familiar with what’s available,” as Dr. Howell said. When students make themselves aware of what is available to them, they don’t have to scramble in a time of need. When it’s time to apply to a graduate program or interview for a research position, they are familiar with which site or service will be the most helpful.
Although students must go out of their way to access CPD or Handshake, they automatically interact with their professors weekly. Treptow is in her Junior year and explained the importance of connecting with professors early on. Something as simple as a conversation after class or in office hours could spark a relationship that opens doors. It also shows your faculty that you are interested and that you care. “Realize how much professors are there to help you,” is a piece of advice that Treptow gave to incoming students. Professors either majored in, studied, or researched the topic they are teaching, which makes them experts. Not only this, but they also most likely know faculty and employers in their field, along with what they are looking for, having been in that position themselves. The profession that they chose also deals directly with service to others. Whether you think they are there to help or not, they are. Though it can be intimidating and requires some bravery, as Treptow said, it’s important to form these connections now for your future self.
“Realize how much professors are there to help you.”
Buddy Howell has served as Director of the HUG program, an advanced instructor, and advisor during his time at Virginia Tech. Howell is committed to learning and service. Credit: Buddy Howell
The minute you step onto campus, life moves a mile a minute, and all of a sudden, you have to survive somehow. In these moments, it feels like you will never be able to get used to this new life or get settled enough to focus on your goals. Many panic realizing their responsibilities now include school, becoming independent, and a social life. “Be patient, be present, and be brave,” Treptow said. At the end of the day, each resource listed above boils down to relationships. From your orientation group to your dorm room hall, college surrounds your world with people. How each student chooses to use this to their advantage is up to them to decide.
As Dr. Howell said, “It’s about people, and it’s about relationships.” Each student is in a program, dorm, or LLC that has something for them. Each niche interest students have is likely covered on campus in some capacity. The School of Communication, specifically the HUG program, is designed to help students transition into life at school before the semester begins. This program has been so impactful for students that many go on to become HUG leaders after Freshman year.
Ultimately, there is no secret recipe for success in life or college. However, as Dr. Howell and Treptow discussed, the college experience is fundamentally about relationships. With that one note in mind, incoming students have the key to their full potential. College is an opportunity to find an all-around, deeper understanding of yourself. That includes emotionally, socially, and mentally. However, as mentioned before, we cannot do this on our own. For centuries, humans have been helping humans, and this is how we got to where we are today.
“Be patient, be present, and be brave. ”
It’s important to start to invest in yourself and notice the people around you who already are.
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