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Atlanta, GA | Posted: December 16, 2014
Steven Norris
@sociallysteven
Georgia Tech Social Media
Summary Sentence:
The driver of Georgia Tech’s 1930 Model A Ford gives late-night rides home to students studying for exams.
Full Summary:
Finals week may be the most stressful time on Georgia Tech's campus. That's primetime for the driver of Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck to give students a once-in-a-lifetime ride.
Georgia Tech's Wreck Driver
A Surprise Ride in the Ramblin' WreckIt’s easily one of the most recognizable cars in America, but only a handful of people ever get to ride in it.
The Ramblin’ Wreck serves as the mechanical mascot of the student body. The old gold and white 1930 Ford Model A can be seen leading the Georgia Tech football team into Bobby Dodd Stadium on Saturdays in the fall.
The sports coupe serves as a symbol of the hands-on hard work that has become so entrenched in Georgia Tech’s culture. There is no team of expert mechanics or automotive geniuses that keep the 84-year-old car running. Fifty students in the Georgia Tech Ramblin’ Reck Club keep the car pristine.
“I kind of like to stay behind the scenes,” says Raj Desai, the elected driver of Georgia Tech's Ramblin' Wreck. “It’s more about the Wreck than me.”
But it’s more than just keeping the car in working order. Desai and the Reck Club use the iconic vehicle to boost morale and instill pride in Yellow Jackets who may need some encouragement.
“What if the Wreck went to the Library or [Clough Commons] and picked up students who were down or depressed about having to study for finals?” Desai explains.
Many late nights during exams, you can find Desai in the driver's seat, waiting to give a ride to an unsuspecting student.
“I have been doing integrals for hours,” says one student, who cheered with delight touching the car for the first time.
She could barely contain her excitement on her ride back to her residence hall.
“Jason! Jason! It’s me!” she yelled to a group of friends from the passenger seat as she passed by.
Desai will spend several hours just giving rides to students who are exhausted from studying.
“It’s more to just kind of lift their spirits,” Desai says. “You get really excited. You’re like, ‘Wow! I just got a ride in the Wreck! That was awesome! I was having this terrible night and now this night’s going way better!’”
Desai approaches his role as driver of the Ramblin’ Wreck with pride and professionalism. He says he’s always mindful of being the best representative of Georgia Tech he can be.
But when asked why he goes the extra mile to give a once-in-a-lifetime experience to a fellow student, Desai’s answer is simple.
“Honestly, I just really like making people smile.”
