If you've never been to Virginia Tech, hearing someone with ties to the school say, "I never dreamed it would happen here..." sounds like the very typical after something like this happens.

For 4 years, this was my home.
Not far from what I was used to...plenty of wide open spaces, plenty of green pastures with cattle and horses, plenty of "small town-ness".

My dad graduated from Tech. It is my alma mater. My brother will be part of the Class of 2011. It's part of my family tradition.

Today I watched cnn.com from work. I sat there glued to the computer in disbelief...but when I came home and watched the tv, I was in total shock. I guess it hit.

I never ever felt unsafe there. I had night classes where I walked out into the parking lot by myself after class was over. I know that there are crazy people everywhere...and I guess the sleepy laid-back town of Blacksburg makes you feel extremely comfortable.

I just hate this. I can't believe something so terrible will now be linked to a place that I love so much...that holds so much meaning in my heart. One thing I know for sure, my Hokie pride does not falter. Virginia Tech is still a great place and I know Hokie Nation will rise up.