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Ronalie Abeyratne
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.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
It was a course I took, Math 126 and that professor made the course a very entertaining semester. Every class, it was something. I really enjoyed that class.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
I aspire to become a Presidential Student Ambassador, primarily to get more involved with the university community. I believe a student ambassador embodies the character, discipline, and diversity of the university. They represent the college to future generations and as such are required to actively participate and inspire students to uphold the university’s reputation as students and representatives of the administration. Not only is this position a chance to make a positive change but an opportunity for me to gain experience in public speaking, building connections and developing leadership skills. It offers me a responsibility that can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. I admire student ambassadors because they add a layer of authenticity to the campus for incoming students. They represent the college and freshman-experience for what it is. They are products of a successful university, and give credibility to the best that this university could produce. While staff-members are often seen as authority figures, students generally see ambassadors as relatable peers. Students are more comfortable asking them pointed questions about day-to-day college-life. I admire these traits in ambassadors as I was one of these new arrivals a semester back. My interaction with a student ambassador revealed a world of opportunity and I later used this information to advance in my academic strides. She inspired me to choose West Virginia University and because of her I want to become a presidential student ambassador to pay it forward to the university and in turn to my fellow students.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
The
PSA program has played a pivotal role in advancing my leadership
skills. It bolstered my confidence in public speaking and provided
valuable insights into effective oratory skills. Guest speakers
broadened my view, sparking a renewed sense of interest in my goals. As a
leader, I strive to appreciate others' strengths, foster humility, and
become a leader that combines diverse strengths into a single unit. The
PSA program, with its emphasis on excellence, service, and community,
has instilled in me a sense of responsibility. I am confident that the
skills and insights gained will guide me in my journey as a dedicated
and effective leader, shaping me into a more unique leader along the
path to greatness