Written by: Isaiah Smart

A light breeze brushed across my graphic T-shirt, the sunrays tugging at my basketball shorts and the Spanish architecture welcoming me to the university I’d call home for the next four years.

Welcome to Valdosta State University.

My first time visiting the VSU campus was during orientation. I did not visit the school prior to coming because, like many of us, I didn’t intend to be a VSU student.

I was supposed to be a student at the Art Institute of Atlanta or Johnson & Wales University (North Miami campus), but due to sacrifices made for my family, I chose VSU.

Orientation could be the most deceptive day I’ve witnessed in Valdosta, at least heat-wise; it was a mild day with rain in the forecast, although only a few scattered clouds materialized.

As we toured the campus, I took notice of all the small-scale wonders of VSU−the palm trees, the new Student Union and Georgia Hall.

What really spoke to me was the glamour of the Spanish mission architecture. Having always been interested in design and architecture, I loved the overall look of a campus that was sprinkled with palm trees.

This Saturday, prospective students and guests will arrive at this same campus, but they will experience a much more beautiful campus than I originally witnessed.

Ashley Hall is newly renovated, including an attractive front courtyard. We also have a fairly new psychology building, art installations scattered around campus, and of course, who can forget the bread-winner of them all−the front lawn.

This weekend’s guests will be shown the wonders of the Student Recreation Center and all parts of the main campus, including the residence halls that we hope they will be living in by Fall 2014.

My first visit to campus was quite nice; I managed to avoid the forecasted rain and the blazing heat.

We all know how unpredictable the weather here can be (especially lately), but hopefully Valdosta will be on its best behavior. I hope those who arrive on campus Saturday morning will share a VSU experience that is similar to−or even better than−mine.

Go Blazers!