I have been asked so many times since my acceptance to Virginia Tech in December of 2015, “Sloan, what’s a Hokie?” Along with the other 30,598 students (Courtesy of the 2015-16 On-campus Enrollment Profile), this question is humorous in a way, because only Hokies know what a Hokie really is.

Some will argue that a Hokie is a type of turkey. Some will argue that a Hokie is a type of maroon and orange rooster or chicken (Those incorrect assumptions are physically painful for me to write). But, I encourage you to challenge those common misconceptions for the next few moments. For, near the end of the article, you’ll be able to answer the question for yourself.

A Hokie is someone who’s joyful, and ecstatic at the fact that they are a Hokie. Virginia Tech simply soars above other schools in Virginia when it comes to the amount of school spirit and pride that comes with being a Hokie. In fact, The Princeton Review votes Hokie students to be the #1 Happiest Students at a college. I fully agree with this statistic viewing friends and family members that have attended Tech, and attending Tech myself. Being known for my peppy, positive, optimistic outlook, this idea was motivating and definitely a deciding factor for me when deciding colleges, and I am overjoyed when thinking of the pride that comes along with being part of a well-known, renowned tradition, of being overly charismatic, encompassing everything good that a Hokie can be.

Hokies know what true beauty looks like. Think of the Neo-Gothic architecture encompassing Lane Stadium, the renowned Drill Field, and the deep grey of surrounding Hokie Stone. The landscape and atmosphere of Virginia Tech is absolutely breathtaking. People will try and argue the idea that Hokie Stone is “ugly," but at that moment, you officially know that the sadly confused person with whom you are speaking is definitely NOT a Hokie. For, all Hokies are appreciative and overwhelmed at the beauty that Hokie Stone has. In case you don’t know, Hokie Stone is dolomite mineral found in the Appalachian Mountains. This mineral has become a staple of Virginia Tech, with roughly 1,500 tons of stone on EACH building that is made of it, and there are dozens of Hokie Stone buildings on campus. With that put into perspective, the “gray” that people talk about encompassing Tech is actually a “Stone of Tradition,” as put best by the university’s fifth president, Joseph D. Eggleston. So, when you ask “What’s a Hokie?” the next piece of the puzzle is understanding the idea that Hokies know beauty.

A Hokie knows good food. It’s no secret that VT’s campus food is ranked #1 in the nation by the Princeton Review, and “to be Frank,” food is incredibly important to me (and everyone else, I presume). There’s West End Market (the place to go for anything from mouthwatering soups and salads to sports-bar-like wings and burgers), DX (the place to go for late-night bites, seeing as they’re open until 2a.m.), Deet’s Place (coffee, ice cream, sandwiches, etc.), Turner Place (If someone doesn’t love Turner, that’s another sign that they are NOT a Hokie), Owen’s Food Court, Hokie Grill, and a plethora of others. Hokies know what good food is supposed to be like, from a homemade granola bar on a Monday to flank steak and eggs Benedict on a Tuesday.

Lastly, a Hokie knows what it means to serve. Most know that Virginia Tech’s motto is ‘Ut Prosim,"
Latin for “That I May Serve." This was adopted in 1896 unofficially, and was sealed in 1963 as the official slogan of Virginia Tech. It's as common for someone to hold the door for their fellow Hokies for 5 minutes at a time as it is to wear orange and maroon (which is a very common aspect of Hokie life). Hokies will smile and say hello to a stranger just because they look stressed. Hokies will buy meals for their fellow Hokies if they're seeking monetary assistance. Hokies will drop everything and serve upon request, because that's just what Hokies do. Another staple of Virginia Tech is the Pylons, which are 8 columns that each display a different virtue. These 8 virtues include brotherhood, duty, honor, leadership, loyalty, sacrifice, service and Ut Prosim. Hokies know how to serve, and they all have an incredible desire to.

I encourage you to approach anyone who you know for sure is a Hokie, and ask them the same question. It will go something like this:

Non-Hokie: “What’s a Hokie?”

Any Hokie since 1872: “I AM!”

For more information on what a Hokie is, why everyone loves a Hokie and why everyone wants to be a Hokie, please click on the link. You'll surely be sold.