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Liam Risk
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.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
Even though I have only been in Morgantown for a year, I have been lucky enough to make some great memories. Perhaps my favorite memory from my freshmen year was the Maniac trip to Pittsburgh for the Backyard Brawl, both for basketball and football. I was lucky enough to meet some really great new people and I was able to see games that I wouldn't have otherwise. It was also very satisfying sitting in the Peterson Event Center at the end of the game and only WVU fans were left to sing Country Roads.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
I wanted to become a PSA because it gives me a direct link to the administration which makes so many decisions which impacts myself and the people close to me who also want to succeed here. I believe first and foremost in this program and its ability to connect students and administration and to be the voice of the common student. I hope to be able to use my time in this program to grow its awareness on campus and let students know that there are people who are vested in their success and concerns and that even those who do not always speak up have something to add.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
From the PSA experience I believe we all became better speakers and better leaders. We heard from people around campus and in the community that work to make both better. Each guest taught us something about leadership, life, and service. I have been lucky enough to reflect on time spent with this incredible group of dedicated students and a great mentor, and I could not be prouder of what we have done. The PSA program not only taught me how to explore my own leadership style but how to change and adapt it as well. Through this class and this program, I feel I have gained unique opportunities for personal development, professional development, and knowledge of the resources and work done here on campus.