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Marleah Knights

Presidential Student Ambassador, Marleah Knights

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE WVU?

There are many reasons why I chose to attend West Virginia University. Most people do not realize that WVU is ranked as an R1 research institution, placing it among the top institutes in the United States. There are also so many organizations aimed at helping students to make a difference: classes like the Presidential Student Ambassadors program, organizations like the Residence Hall Association, and even our Student Government are open and accessible for students to become involved. But most importantly, one of the largest issues facing West Virginia is the “Brain Drain” – where West Virginia’s best and brightest are leaving in huge numbers. Overall, I chose West Virginia University so that I could remain here in WV and try to make an impact on West Virginia’s economy, environment, and people.

  • What is the BEST reason to attend WVU?
The amount of diversity at West Virginia University is truly astounding – people from different regions, cultures, and ethnicities all come to West Virginia University for its amazing programs and opportunities. But despite having so many students with so many different backgrounds, WVU is able to feel like home.

  • What is your favorite Mountaineer memory? 

My favorite Mountaineer memory would have to be flooding the field of Milan Puskar stadium with hundreds of my fellow Freshmen and singing “Country Roads” together – the sense of community and fellowship was overwhelmingly beautiful and I could not have been more excited to spend the next four years with my 2023 family.

  • Why did you want to become a Presidential Student Ambassador? 

Because WVU is such a large school, coming to this school and learning about the culture and what resources were available was extremely difficult. However, what made the process so much easier and much more comfortable were the Student Ambassadors guiding us through our Orientation and first days on campus. I want to become a PSA so that I can be a guide and mentor to the future classes of West Virginia, helping to lead them through their years at WVU and helping to make the process less overwhelming.

  • What did you learn from the PSA experience?  

As a PSA, I learned how I operate as a leader, how leadership and service are intertwined, and how to execute the change I want to see on campus. I now know that the power of my leadership does not only depend on me, but the strength and support of my team.

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