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VT Prepares For Freshmen

July 8, 2007

By Lindsey Henley

Blacksburg, Va. — Orientation leaders at Virginia Tech have spent weeks preparing for questions from students — and parents.

After the events of April 16th, they say Hokie pride is the perfect way to make incoming freshmen feel as comfortable as possible.

"It kind of feels like things are getting back to normal now, and seeing these new faces and new members of the Hokie community is really important to just to try to restore some normalcy and help keep life going on," orientation leader, Ron Forbes, said.

"We've had some speakers come in during our training sessions this week and talk to us about how we should approach questions about 4-16 and of course other training. We really feel like we're well prepared," orientation leader, Mary Beth Starkey, said.

But orientation leaders say the students won't be the only ones asking questions.

"Most of the things we're going to get are going to be from the parents," Starkey said.

"Some things may be a little more sensitive. We always have a thing with how people are feeling coming to the school. How safe are they feeling? I think the general sense to all of us at least and to everyone who's been here this summer is they've never felt safer to be around Virginia Tech," Forbes said.

There are reminders all over campus of what happened on April 16th, and orientation leaders say those things have become an important part of the community.

"I think seeing those things is going to help prepare the freshmen for the coming year. For the most part, I think they're already excited to be a part of the Hokie family, and they're just excited to be here," Starkey said.

Lindsey Henley is a reporter for WSLS NewsChannel 10.