collegenews
Rebecca Iozzi Newton, New Jersey One of the most important items on my desk is a small dream catcher that hangs from the corner. I brought it all the way down from New Jersey with me. It was given to me by my boyfriend, Chris. He told me when he was in the store buying it, it took him a long time to choose which one to give me and said he must have looked like a nut standing there so long trying to decide. It’s special to me because every time my eyes settle on it, I am instantly transported back to his smile and hand laced in mine. It takes me to the small dock by Saxton Falls we shared on sunny afternoons and Old Mine Road where his truck kicked up dust as it led us to Crater Lake. The dream catcher takes me back home to where I created some of my best memories, and more specifically, with Chris.
Maegan Walton Clifton Forge, Virginia
Alexandria Gurrisi Merrimac, Massachusetts The one thing I could not part with is my little stuffed bear. My dad bought Orangey — yes, that is his name — when I was really little. He is just a little orange Beanie Babies bear, but he means the world to me. He has gotten me through tough times and play time. I just can’t see how he wouldn’t come with me to help me through the biggest transition so far in my life.
Katie Jensen Bethel Park, Pennsylvania I’m an incoming freshman from Pittsburgh, so I’m gonna be pretty far from my friends and family. I had my closest friends make me CDs of their favorite songs so I can pop them into my computer whenever I miss them, and it reminds me of them. I feel that someone’s taste in music really defines them, and having that reminder of them helps me forget that they’re so far away.
My cherished item that I am bringing to Roanoke College is a butterfly pin given to me by my grandparents. I’ve always loved butterflies, and having the pin gives me a small reminder of my family and my childhood.
Rachel Hall Clifton Forge, Virginia My object from home is this teddy bear that my aunts had made for me from my grandma’s faux fur coat after she passed. It was a coat that my grandpa gave her. It had her initials in the back that are now on the front of the bear. The head, arms and legs all move.
Madison Kunstman Kathleen Kelly San Clemente, California I brought different things to remind me of home. Most specifically I brought a stuffed dog named Douglas that I have had since I was about 7. I also have photos of my family and professionally taken photographs of my hometown’s beaches and pier.
Rockville, Maryland I will be bringing my favorite pair of shoes to college. They have been with me across Germany, Austria and Switzerland. They helped me build an igloo in the Austrian Alps and then traversed Vienna with me the next morning. They slushed through the snow in Munich and were with me when I got Black Forest cake — in the Black Forest! I am looking forward to wearing them across campus and making new memories in them.
Scott Swearingen Waynesboro, Virginia
Makenzie Haymaker
I’m bringing my 1991 silver dollar. It was my inheritance from my late grandfather years ago and ever since I received it, it’s always been with me. I always keep it by my side as a reminder of him and that he’s still watching over me.
Salem, Virginia Something I would never dream of living without is my yellow baby blankie! It goes with me everywhere and it has been through everything with me. It definitely is classified as a security thing and I plan to keep it and give it to my son and daughter one day! Photos by Brendan Bush
Roanoke College Magazine
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