As a Blacksburg local, I covered a few stories on the events that took place here on April 16. The stories aired on our National Public Radio affiliate:
Students returned to campus over the weekend where memorials dotted the landscape. WVTF's Krisha Chachra reports. LISTEN
Students returned to classes at Virginia Tech. But it's not that easy for the Korean-American community to put the incident behind them. WVTF's Krisha Chachra explains. LISTEN
Despite the horrible tragedy that took place in my hometown April 16, 2007 - one that affected my whole community and personally many people that I knew - the Hokies have survived and served as an example of what strong faith, perseverance and gratitude can manifest. I'll never forget what happened here and I believe moving back to Blacksburg in 2006 after living in Williamsburg, Prague, DC, NY, and then Honolulu happened for a reason. Many people complain about returning home or living in this small town. But I believe it is a privilege and an opportunity to live in abundance. Heck, I even wrote a book about it (see below).
"Life is a constant journey home, and sometimes I think if I could be back where I started, I'd be where I'm going."
If nothing else, coming home meant being with my friends and family and community on April 16, 2007 but since then, I have made it my mission to spread the gospel of this town in opportunities that unraveled themselves to me. After April, I traveled to South Korea, South Africa, Vegas, New Orleans and now India. Living here has afforded me to see the world with new eyes and find ways to expand my sight when I get back. And I've taken full advantage. "Rock Starring Round the World" my friends tease me...
My trip to Korea was extensive and revealing but it just reaffirmed that I’m a ‘native’ American…ironically, as some people know - I was always mistaken for one growing up! Actually the trip is neither work related nor pleasure. I was awarded a scholarship for cultural exchange through Rotary International. I was traveling, giving presentations and talking about what I do and where I’m from to many people throughout the country…I never would have seen this much of the South Korea (not to mention stepping into North Korea for six minutes!) if I went there with my own agenda. Interestingly, I left for Korea on the eve after my book release party, two weeks after the tragedy in Blacksburg. Since the tragedy had such an international effect, when I arrived there all the Koreans were familiar with Blacksburg and I received a lot of attention talking about what happened here. It was exciting to be covered in the Korean city newspapers and I was honored to have this opportunity to discuss and promote my town, and my work, in this way.
Feel free to check out the pictures of South Korea and the amazing safari I took in South Africa - check out the blog about the Big 5! Or if you're interested, feel free to read my blog about my adventures in Korea. Looking forward to India next!
