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Addison Blackwell

Addison Blackwell. Photo credit: Christina Franusich
Addison Blackwell. Photo credit: Christina Franusich

As a first-year student, Addison Blackwell watched as some of her peers struggled with alcohol and substance abuse—and, ultimately, their overall well-being. She knew then she wanted to help lead change on campus.

Addison joined the IMPACT Peer Education and Prevention Team through Hokie Wellness after learning about the team’s mission. IMPACT stands for Initiating and Motivating a Positive Alcohol Culture Together. Team members facilitate workshops, promote a Party Positive message, educate students about the negative side effects of high-risk drinking, and collect data.

Her nominator wrote, “While Addison could turn a blind eye or try to minimize these issues as just part of college, she instead chooses to step up to the challenge to enact positive change again and again. In my understanding, this is what it means to be a courageous leader.”

Addison is, in her nominator’s words, “nonjudgmental, caring, curious, and hilarious.” This is all part of what makes her an effective leader. She is also mindful that leaders must be continual learners. When she is not working with IMPACT, she volunteers with College Mentors for Kids and serves as a house manager for her sorority, Sigma Kappa.

Her nominator wrote, “From the moment she steps in front of a room or meets with a student, she is able to put them at ease. She is not there to shake her finger and shame them. She is there to share her expertise and support to help them grow, learn, and make informed decisions. It is truly amazing to watch a student’s entire demeanor change because Addison makes them laugh and meets them where they are.”

To walk across campus with Addison is to see her leadership style and get a glimpse of how she has spent her four years.

“It isn’t unusual for someone to walk up to her to thank her and share a change they have made in their life,” her nominator shared. “By the time she graduates in May, she will have spent three of her four years in college educating thousands of Hokies and will have truly left an example of what it means to be a peer educator, and, ultimately, a peer leader.”

Addison defines courageous leadership this way: “Speaking up when it is tough. Talking about issues that make people uncomfortable and making them less uncomfortable. Being willing to be the underdog and fight for something you truly believe in, even if people don’t accept it right away.”

She continued, “It is forming a group that includes others instead of rejecting them, and being confident in yourself and your abilities to better the community around you—wherever you are.”

Addison, well said. We are so glad you chose THIS community. Thank you for your contributions to making Virginia Tech a better place to live and learn and grow. I am pleased to present the Aspire! Award for COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Addison Blackwell.

Written by Tammy Tripp