Cohort 10 - Fall 2023

Ronalie Abeyratne

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I grew up in Morgantown. I wanted to save the cost of moving out and living in a dorm so I chose WVU to live with my parents. Since I grew up in Morgantown I had already made a lot connections inside WVU before I even got to college. I got introduced to many opportunities I wanted to pursue before I got to be a freshman. And I already knew the layout of the campus and there was no need to go through the stages of adjustment.

Victoria (Tori) Alger

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because I wanted to explore the east coast while attending a school that would provide me with an abundance of opportunities. As a west coast native, I have been able to learn about the diverse Appalachian culture, see the beautiful native plants of the state, and discover all of the exciting possibilities this school has to offer.

Reese Allen

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

As an R1 Research Institution, WVU is dedicated to supporting academic research and advancements. As a native West Virginian, I recognize that the resources of any university can be leveraged to progress academia and promote personal growth. A diverse community of thought allows for a global collection of culture, experience, and understanding to enrich education, and the deep Appalachian roots support countless opportunities for students to see their potential bloom.

Kelsey Clodfelter

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU for its vast opportunities and programs. WVU is the only university in the U.S. to offer a degree in Technical Art History. The university also works hard to fund and provide scholarships to make these programs accessible to students like me.

Avery Conner

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

West Virginia University allowed me the opportunity to pursue a degree in political science while being taught by some of the most phenomenal minds in the state and to connect with other students and community members that love being a Mountaineer. WVU is home to a great number of student organizations and opportunities for involvement, but still maintains a close-knit and community-oriented culture. WVU is a place that can feel like home for anyone and everyone, and it is most definitely mine.

Isabella Ferrell

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because it is home. Growing up in Morgantown, WVU has always been part of my life, but I originally considered attending different universities. However, a maybe-not-so-coincidental happening changed my mind. As I was about to visit an out-of-state university, Good Morning America aired a segment highlighting both West Virginia and WVU. It was extremely moving, and I felt a strong sense of belonging to this tight-knit university community that exemplifies what it means to be a West Virginian. At that moment, I knew that WVU would not only provide a personally fulfilling undergraduate experience, but it would also bring me a happiness like no other.

Ella Holley

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I love the spirit of the campus and the size of the student body. The university is large enough to provide diverse opportunities and incredible resources yet small enough that you feel valued as a member of the community.

Mary-Katherine (MK) Morris

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because I knew it would be my home away from home. Everyone here is so welcoming, supportive, and encouraging. The opportunities for success and limitless - everyone here wants to see you succeed.

Liam Risk

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

Many generations of my family have attended this university. My grandmother graduated from the first nursing class at WVU, and my grandfather was on the golf team. Some of my earliest memories were games in Milan Puskar. Still, I initially had some reservations about attending WVU. What resonated the most with me was the universities missions to provide education and resources for a state that I have been lucky enough to call home. WVU provides me with a unique opportunity not only to display my own capabilities but also to use that to give back to the communities which raised me and my family. Furthermore, being selected for such a great scholarship made me know that there were people here who actively wanted to have me on campus and not somewhere else.

Delaney Sedgley

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because the first time I visited campus, I could see myself here. When I did my research, I got to see all the amazing opportunities and resources WVU has to offer. I knew that this would be a place where I would succeed.

Liza Wan

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I had my eyes set on WVU after I attended a summer camp called “Appalachian GeoSTEM” camp during high school. The program was run jointly by the United States Geological Survey and Adventure WV. The program brought my attention to WVU’s wonderful outdoor activities, and I immediately knew I wanted to be a part of Adventure WV. Now, as an Adventure WV First-Year-Trip leader, I can educate and help other students become passionate about the Morgantown area and other parts of the state! As a Morgantown native, I was further propelled to choose WVU in my senior year of high school, when I took on-campus classes through WVU’s HS ACCESS program. After taking Sociology 101 and Art History 101, I knew WVU was the right choice for me. I’m someone who gets easily distracted in class, yet, I found myself glued to the seat during lectures. The professors at WVU are passionate and exemplary in their respective fields.