Cohort 13 - Spring 2025

David Brannon

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

As a lifelong West Virginian, I have seen the impact that our University has on our state. My entire life, I have watched Mountaineer sports and watched my fellow West Virginians embrace our great University. When I toured campus, it felt like home to me. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, the campus was beautiful, and I fell in love with it during my tour. I left my tour knowing that this was the place for me.

Bryson Calamita

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I immediately liked the people, campus, and the area in which the university resides. Where else can you get these awesome views and still be studying at college?

Shelby Lynn Davis

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because I was interested in their engineering programs. However, I quickly found out engineering was not for me, and I switched to landscape architecture. I love my new major, and I am so happy to be in the program. I also chose WVU as I am from Morgantown. I am thankful that I can see my family and dogs often.

Rozaireo Jones

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

My choice to attend WVU was a last-minute decision. In high school, I was intensely struggling when thinking about what career path I wanted to venture down in my college journey. However, I ended up deciding on WVU. I'm from Fairmont so Morgantown is an extension of home to me. After I was given the opportunity to see the resources and the acclaim of WVU's School of Media, I was sold. I have a passion for journalism but I also have an intense passion for political science. Through my double major, WVU has allowed me extraordinary opportunities to explore both of those passions. The friends and the 'roots' I've been able to establish, not only because of my involvement but also because of the chances WVU has given me, make me feel welcomed and involved. That is why I'm happy I chose WVU.

Ryan Linder

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I grew up coming to Morgantown to watch football and basketball games with my family, and I always wanted to be a Mountaineer. When I visited WVU, I was impressed by the opportunities for undergraduate students to get involved in research and also by the overall commitment to student success.

Camryn Morgan

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU because I want to go to WVU School of Law. I have grown up and lived in West Virginia my entire life and have family from the tip of West Virginia in Hancock County to the bottom in Logan County. Growing up in a family saturated in Appalachia has exposed me to some of the downfalls of our region. Therefore, it is my goal to graduate from WVU Law to better suit myself to advocate and protect my fellow West Virginians. Choosing WVU for my undergraduate studies is the first step to reach my ultimate goal of becoming the first person in my family to graduate from law school. WVU represents all of West Virginia, just like I hope to do one day.

Joss Poteet

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I chose WVU when selecting a university because its environment and atmosphere stood out to me. The community seemed committed to fostering the growth of future leaders of this state and this nation as a whole. I fell in love with what the Mountaineer represents and came to realize this would be the best place to cultivate my own (hopefully) bright future.

Ayaan Shaik

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

West Virginia University offered a welcoming balance of familiarity and academics that, as an unknowing first time student, felt inviting and supportive. WVU’s growth, particularly in healthcare, was a key factor in my decision. My understanding and experience with this university offered a far more confidence in my future. At WVU, I could succeed with a plan that was far less uncertain. As a West Virginian, WVU was always a big part of my culture despite having parents who neither attended the school or grew up here. That culture gave me a better understanding of the university and, thereby, made my decision far easier.

Lauren Shaw

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

I choose WVU because when I first visited the school I felt right at home. Being able to find the right place for me was very important. WVU made this possible.

Alexander Zorio

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

WVU provided me with the best engineering opportunities within the state of West Virginia. I always knew I wanted to pursue some path in engineering, and WVU provided me with the opportunity to get my degree and plentiful opportunities to get involved with engineering work before graduation.