“My name is Billy Lin, and I know so many of you are asking who I am? A lot of people think I’m a FaceBook celebrity but… Well, I’m a Hokie just like everyone here. If you cut me, I’ll bleed Maroon and Orange, and I eat Wahoo Fish for breakfast. My identical twin brother is a Wahoo, but let’s not talk about him, let’s talk about Virginia Tech. For me, Virginia Tech has always been what I called The Dream. The day I found out I got in, I’m going to admit, I cried. Not just because I knew I was going to such an amazing school, but I also knew I was going to be a part of the most wonderful and inspiring family in the world, the Hokie Family. And here I am, living the dream as a Freshman Baby Hokie.
But enough about my story, I want to talk to the love of my life, the Class of 2019.
Class of 2019, close your eyes, and say the dreams you have for yourself. Now open your eyes. Every dream you have is precious, and I want all of you to protect them. No matter how hard life gets, never lose the dreams you have for yourself. And there’s no better place to reach our dreams than Virginia Tech. Every day spent here is a blessing. Appreciate it every single day, and never ever take it for granted.
My inspiration is the Hokie Family. Every single one of you has the power to make a change for Virginia Tech and our world. And that’s beautiful. We have four years here to forge friendships that will last a lifetime, four years to create our legacy, and for many of us four years to find our soulmate. Promise me, that whatever these next four years bring, we always be one Hokie family. Promise we will always be willing to give each other a shoulder to cry on in times of sorrow, but also be ready to give each other a big hug in times of happiness. To every Hokie, you make me proud, I love you, and the Hokie Nation will always love you.
I know some people might think I intend to be a celebrity or something, but that’s not what I do. What I intend to be is your friend that will always have your back, your friend that will help cheer you up when things aren’t going so well and at the end of the day your friend that will give you a warm hug when you need one. Seeing a Hokie smile is a beautiful thing, and that’s what I live for!
Class of 2019, we have a legendary four years ahead of us. Four years we will remember for a lifetime. Now let’s get out there, and show Virginia Tech and the world the greatness of the Class of 2019. I love you Class of 2019 and I love you Hokie Nation. Forever.”
