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Isabella Ferrell
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.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
My favorite Mountaineer memory was participating in the WVU Honors College Cross-Cultural Explorations: Rome and Florence trip. I had always wanted to go to Italy, and it was through WVU that this dream became a reality. I still cannot believe that I had the opportunity to visit the Colosseum, the Florence Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, and the tomb of Machiavelli.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
I wanted to contribute to the sense of belonging that the university community cultivates. The PSA program will help me achieve this goal by providing opportunities to represent WVU as the welcoming and all-encompassing place that it is. Furthermore, I wanted to strengthen the link between WVU and the wider Morgantown community through the service opportunities provided by the PSA program.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
The PSA experience has taught me how to be a better leader, speaker, and person. I learned about my leadership style, explored my strengths, and received valuable insights from guest speakers that I have applied to my own life. My public speaking has improved greatly, as I have a higher comfort level, increased naturalness, and a more persuasive writing ability. This program has facilitated my professional development and equipped me with the tools to cultivate an inclusive and encompassing atmosphere for all at WVU.