Last Thursday I was talking about plans for a trip to New York City next month with a friend. After exchanging goodbyes, I decided to turn my attention to the mountain of grant applications and contest entry deadlines that are scattered over my desk. Just as I was settling into a working rhythm, my phone started buzzing- it was a New York area code. If you’re a working photographer a call from an NYC area code typically means a commission or an assignment is coming your way.

I picked up the phone and immediately said I was available. The editor told me that they needed me to get to Blacksburg, Virginia because two people had been shot on the campus of Virginia Tech and the suspect had not been identified or apprehended yet. My heart sunk, this was the first that I had heard of this situation and I hoped that this would not be a copycat of 2007. With instructions from the editor I headed to Blacksburg.

When I arrived, the entire campus was on lockdown. Tactical units from neighboring counties and cities patrolled the sidewalks and buildings where students would normally be milling around. It was eerie to be walking around the sprawling campus alone. Media outlets from across the state began to trickle in as minutes passed. Later it would be reported that Deriek Crouse, 39, a Virginia Tech police officer, was killed during a traffic stop on the Virginia Tech campus by a Radford University student, Ross Truett Ashley, 22, who soon after killed himself.

Please follow the coverage of my former co-workers at The Roanoke Times by clicking here.

To see more of my coverage for Getty Images please click here.

Last month I was given the opportunity by The Washington Post to spend part of a day exploring East Ambler Johnston Hall, a newly renovated dormitory on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. The university’s idea with regard to the renovations was to building a community within the six floors of the hall. Students have the choice of living in the dorm for all four years. Along with residence hall staples such as communal lounges and suite rooms, East Ambler houses a movie theater, fitness center, game room, library and a full kitchen on the sixth floor. Additionally, two professors and their dog live among the students as well.

My time at East Ambler was split between an open house event and documenting daily dorm life. The open house consisted of a tour for alumni and university employees. After weaving through halls and rooms with a student guide, I left the group tour in search of moments. Here are a few outtakes and favorites from the assignment.

To read Jenna Johnson’s story please click here and to see the photo gallery that accompanied the report please click here.