L.I.S.T.E.N. brings hope to Virginia Tech students
April 24, 2019 | Sophia Trout
Photo: Sophia Trout
BLACKSBURG, VA - On Tuesday, April 23rd, students from all around Virginia Tech’s campus gathered on the Drillfield on a warm, spring evening to surround themselves with music and hope before the upcoming week of exams. Kayley Manarchuck, a Junior at Virginia Tech, helped organize L.I.S.T.E.N with the aid of Newman Catholic to show fellow students and community members that there is hope even in the darkest hour and that people are willing to listen and help those struggling to overcome their grievances.
The event features all six of Virginia Tech’s a capella groups which include Naturally Sharp, Sensations, Technotes, Juxtaposition, Soulstice, and Mixed Emotions, which Manarchuck herself participates in. A Praise and Worship group also sang at the event. The groups will perform songs submitted anonymously by students who want their voices heard and to share uplifting messages through song. “L.I.S.T.E.N.’s mission is to show people that they deserve to be heard and understood” Manarchuck explains, “[Some people care] for them in their brokenness and there’s truly a light in the hope that we can share with each and every one of us.” L.I.S.T.E.N. provides an opportunity for every type of Hokie to relax in each others company and strengthen each other by listening to the songs and absorbing their messages of hope.
L.I.S.T.E.N. stands for “living in solidarity transforming each other's needs”. Manarchuck stresses the importance of each letter and how it applies to everyone’s unique life:
“L stands for ‘living.’ We’re not made to simply survive. We’re born to thrive and to grace this world with our individual gifts and talents. We’re wonderfully made, and the second we lose sight of that, we lose sight of who we are...the I and S stand for ‘in solidarity.’ Togetherness, community, friendship, relationships, support. These are all things we need to do, and we need to do them together. When we walk a troubled or dark road, we often think we are doing it alone...seek help, confide in others, and bring the darkness to remind yourself that you’re not alone...T stands for ‘transforming’... more often than not we need to uprooting changes that are going to move us and make us stronger. We need to be transformed by the renewal of our minds...N stands for ‘need.’ I need this event. I need [everyone there]. I need to look into each and everyone one of [their] eyes and tell [them that they are] individually loved.”
The event also encompasses the unity of Virginia Tech and how together people can overcome life’s trials, and Manarchuck had a creative way of establishing that. “This is a unity event. We [will be] literally in the center of campus to celebrate hope, one another's company, and the hope that comes from sung and written word. There [will be] so many people who are drawn here for one way or another...either way, someone will think hope, I need that, and I need that right now.”
Manarchuck got the inspiration to make L.I.S.T.E.N. happen January of this year, but she continuously thanks Newman Catholic for “[putting] a lot of trust and faith in me to figure this out.” Newman is a Catholic community at Virginia Tech and spreads its mission through three pillars, Faith, Service, and Community. Newman contributed to the event by providing a share prayer board, called the hope board for the evening, for students to take a moment to reflect on their hopes. They also have a group of individuals with listening ears to receive people as they are and be there to engage with if anyone needs to be heard. Finally, there is a L.I.S.T.E.N. sends hope and L.I.S.T.E.N. give hope area for people to go light a candle for themselves, friends, family, whomever, to send hope and “positive vibes” to, Manarchuck describes.
The evening breeze began to blow away the lingering warm air from the day as students and community members gathered on the Drillfield. Blankets are strewn around on the grass like a mismatched quilt, and people begin to take their seats as Kayley Manarchuck takes the mic to start the night's festivities. From Home by Phillip Phillips, Reaper by Sia, to You Will Be Found from Dear Evan Hansen, a capella groups comprised of every type of person sang from their souls the songs submitted by students. The lyrics lift the audience, the music reverberates around campus making it feel like the songs are coming at the Drillfield from all different directions, and the unity and hope pulsing through each person is vibrant. Each group exits the stage with a satisfied smile, knowing they are apart of something bigger than themselves. Mixed Emotions, the last group to perform, got the evening sky as their backdrop with Burrus illuminated in the back creating a serene ambiance. After the sun set behind the mountains, the cool air caused people to wrap themselves in blankets and soon after the show concluded. Events like this are vital for students because it provides an opportunity to disconnect from life and sit and be present in this moment surrounded by peers. Bailey Blair, a sophomore in Mixed Emotions, recounts the impact of L.I.S.T.E.N. after the event, “L.I.S.T.E.N. provided the opportunity for students to be heard. It was a very emotional and impactful experience to sing songs that you know mean so much to people. I know it was neat to see that someone else’s hope song that got them through a hard time was also one of my hop songs, and it was neat to connect with Hokies through music on the Drillfield and just slow life down a little.” Virginia Tech senior Austin Reddin, a performer in Juxtaposition, agrees with Blair’s statement, adding “it is so important to remind students, especially this time of year, that their voices can be heard and that they are valued.”
Young people have many things expected of them, especially in college. Often, this can lead to stress and loss of hope. Events like L.I.S.T.E.N. are vital to recharge students and remind them that they are cared about and that by accepting each other, they can conquer life’s trials. Manarchuck hopes people will walk away from this event feeling that sense of hope and community. That the songs submitted help lift and inspired those who listened and that L.I.S.T.E.N. stands as a reminder of connectivity between others on Virginia Tech’s campus. With the success of the event this year, Manarchuck has high hopes that L.I.S.T.E.N. will happen again in the future to impact even more Hokies.