Tarey Gettys

"Would you believe in what you believed in if you were the only one who believed in it?"

Tarey Gettys is a sophomore at Virginia Tech, pursuing a B.S. in Computer Engineering with a 3.75 GPA. Originally from Durham, North Carolina, he appreciates the wealth of opportunities within the College of Engineering and how accessible they are for students looking to get involved.

Tarey is a former CEED mentee and is currently conducting research within the College of Engineering. He was involved in the SOLE Project and will be participating in The Big Event, demonstrating his commitment to both academic and community engagement.

Growing up, Tarey dreamed of becoming an NFL coach, but his passion for technology has led him to computer engineering. He now aspires to develop augmented reality headsets and glasses for pilots, first responders, and the military, aiming to create cutting-edge solutions that enhance safety and efficiency.

Outside of academics, Tarey enjoys playing the piano and guitar, watching football, and spending time outdoors. His favorite cartoon character is Spider-Man from an old Netflix series, and he’s a fan of '90s rock music. His favorite movie is Catch Me If You Can, and he looks up to his father, who taught him the importance of work ethic and perseverance.

Tarey has a 11-year-old dog named Charlie, who has been his loyal companion. If he could change one thing, he’d get rid of the wind in Blacksburg. He lives by the thought-provoking question:
“Would you believe in what you believed in if you were the only one who believed in it?”—a reflection of his independent mindset and commitment to his values.