Hundreds of Virginia Tech students find community at Thanksgiving celebration on campus

BLACKSBURG, Va. (WSET) — 300 students filled the data and decision sciences building at Virginia Tech and celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday away from home.

For some, home is just too far away.

“We are actually from Sri Lanka, we are far away from here,” said Ruwanthika Kularathna, an international student.

“I’m from Nevada, I would have to fly back,” said Alexander Novotni, another student.

Others simply wanted to stay.

“I wanted to do some assignments and stuff like that,” said student Ben Hotaling.

“I had some friends who lived in Blacksburg, so I decided to stay here and then go home for Thanksgiving,” said another student, Barrett Ferguson.

So the school brought them Thanksgiving.

“We sent out emails to students everywhere and said, ‘Hey, if you’re in town for Thanksgiving and want to grab something to eat and hang out with your friends, come join us,'” said Kevin Pitts, the college’s dean Science of the school.

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This festival is also a great way to make friends and stay in touch.

“When you’re here alone during break, you don’t see many people. Coming here was like a breath of fresh air. So many people, everyone pretty much likes to talk and most people only came in groups of about one to three, so everyone really wants to make those connections,” Hotaling said.

“Last year I spent my Thanksgiving break alone because it was my first year and I didn’t know many people. But this sense of community this holiday has been amazing so far,” said Balu Adekanbi, an international student.

Even though they won’t be home for the holidays, students say this event gives them a little piece of home in Blacksburg.

“Having this option is really amazing for people to get out of their comfort zone and connect with other people. And it is a gentle reminder that you are never alone,” Adekanbi said.

Students told us they appreciated Virginia Tech doing this for them.

And this Thanksgiving, they are especially grateful that they are attending a university that cares so deeply about them.