Sometimes, circumstances can make things a little overwhelming. It’s in times like these we realize friends are more than friends; they’re family. In many cases, MV’s come together to make one another feel at home when situations get tough or uncomfortable. Take a peek at just a few of many comforting MV stories.
Lexie and Alison
Lexie Hackman and Alison Ritz happily holding each other during the start of a football game; Source: MV Guard Member
During the marching season, Lexie experienced some hardcore stomach pains. One practice, Alison, a member of colorguard, took her by the hand and led her back to the guard’s cubby area, got her a nice cool popsicle, and sat with her for a little while. Alison talked with her about many things while they relaxed in the shade of the Marching Virginians Center until Lexie felt better. Though it felt like a small gesture to Alison, Lexie holds this experience very dearly and loves that she has many people like Alison to rely on within the band.
Caroline and Trumpet Pals
Caroline’s travel group during the 2019 Belk Bowl; Source: MV Trumpet
When the MV’s traveled to North Carolina for this year's Belk Bowl, there were a lot of peanuts littering the stadium seats and ground where the trumpets stood. Caroline is severely allergic to peanuts, and knowing this, the nearest trumpets helped to wipe her seat down. They also held her horn while she went to the restroom, so that she didn’t have to worry about accidentally coming into contact with the nuts had she set it down herself. Andi, another MV Trumpet, let Caroline put her bag on top of Andi’s MV hat so Caroline wouldn’t have to worry about her bag coming into contact with peanuts either. The entire game Caroline felt terrified, but the trumpet section helped her throughout. Without them, she would’ve had to sit or stand somewhere else.
Sara and Colleen
Sara Elwood and Colleen Peters acting quirky together for the camera! Source: Instagram
Whenever Sara feels like she needs a good laugh, cry, hug, or exquisite meme, Colleen, a fellow MV trumpet player, is always there for her. When either of them says something so funny that the other laughs really hard, it can sometimes carry past the twenty minute mark, always spreading smiles to those around them. As things seemed to get tougher this semester with classes and balancing time management, Colleen was Sara’s pillar of strength. She couldn’t be more thankful for a friend like Colleen. Sara says Colleen’s one of the best people she’s met, and she knows Colleen will be a part of even greater things after she graduates this Spring.
Jada and Emily
Jada Braxton and Emily Newton during the freshman orientation picnic; Source: Jada Braxton
On the first game day of Jada’s freshman year marching, she sprained her ankle. Flashbacks of her senior year of high school flooded her memory from not being able to march most of the season because of another injury. All she could think about was how she could contribute to the Marching Virginians while being partially immobilized —Jada considers herself to be accident-prone. It was pretty difficult physically (especially since that was the first time she had ever been on crutches, let alone sprained something) and emotionally. She understood that she wasn’t alone, but still did not want to let anyone down! She was afraid to face the band and tell her piccolo section the bad news, but they instantly gave her love and support, especially Emily, one her very first friends made during that season. Emily would always check on Jada, asking if Jada ever needed anything. It made Jada really happy knowing that Emily was there with her for support, even with the little things like holding the door or carrying their piccs. Sometimes, Emily even offered to pull Jada’s mandatory scooter support up treacherous campus hills.
“It’s people like [this] why I continued showing up to MV rehearsals, sitting on the sideline watching the people I love march. It also didn’t stop me from playing sectionals! Seeing everyone’s faces was extremely important to me and enough to keep me going.”
-Jada Braxton
Their words of encouragement as she scooted across the turf (even when her wheels would get caught in the grass), and their friendly smiles, or just a simple hello from fellow MV’s impacted her well-being greatly and she will forever appreciate that. Every kind gesture, no matter how small was extremely uplifting and brightened her day. Jada is truly thankful for people like her wonderful best friend, Emily.