Let me set the record straight, I love Virginia Tech. I think it is a wonderful college full of interesting and intelligent people who truly will “invent the future.” However, just as our famous tagline suggests, let us start thinking about the future.

I still can not wrap my head around the idea that such an advanced college would still allow many professors to require paper submission of essays and homework.

Yes, I understand some things are best submitted in hard copy. That is fine. However, as an English major I use a lot of paper.

I mean a lot of paper. In fact, I did the math. I used almost two full packs of computer paper (I was 315 pages short) last year alone. Each pack contains 500 sheets of paper. That means I printed 685 sheets of paper.

In addition, I used 5 ink cartridges. To me, that is appalling.

To play devils advocate, I will address opposing viewpoints and admit that I realize some professors do not know how to properly operate a computer. However, I think it is worth the time spent learning than the amount of trees 31,000 students may be using to print required documents and homework.