At Virginia Tech, our motto is Ut Prosim, latin meaning “that I may serve.”At face value, this motto kindly reminds me that we should serve others when the opportunity presents itself. To some this might mean simply holding the door for someone or participating in community service. While these are great things that we can and definitely should do, I think there is a second, larger meaning within Ut Prosim that describes how we can serve in an even larger way.

President John McBryde coined this motto for Virginia Tech over a century ago, and as the president of what was then Virginia Polytechnic Institute, I believe that he had a greater meaning for this motto as well.

We are all unique individuals that have been given special gifts and talents by God meaning that we all have the ability to serve others in our own individual ways. This leads to the greater meaning. While at Virginia Tech, we are not only getting an amazing education, but we are also developing our passions and finding our drive.

When we find what drives us and what we are passionate about, we can then use those talents and passions to serve others. Think about how great it would be if everyone not only developed their strengths and talents for themselves, but also used them to align with others for the greatest good. With this meaning, the application of the motto to Virginia Tech suddenly means so much more.

While at Virginia Tech (and in life), we absolutely, 100% should participate in community service and nation or worldwide causes. April is a huge month for this at VT with The Big Event, Relay for Life, and many philanthropies, and I would strongly suggest everyone to participate in all of these things. These things, while all wonderful things, are in-the-moment acts of service. If we use our time here to not only participate in these community events but also develop our strengths and passions, then we can use these things to wholeheartedly serve others in ways that are near and dear to our hearts.

Albert Einstein once said "only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." So let us use our time at this wonderful university to better ourselves so that we can better the world throughout our lives.

Ut Prosim forever and for always.