Skip to main content

Background Image for Header:

Emma LaBombard

Emma LaBombard

Why did you choose WVU?

The people and opportunities. On some visits to campus, I found a lot of kind-hearted and like-minded people who would help me grow both professionally and individually. These people have become my friends, mentors, and professors. They helped guide me to opportunities, such as the Career Readiness Program in the Chambers College and the Presidential Student Ambassador Program, that will give me the tools to strengthen my technical and durable skills before my career. WVU is here to prepare students for their future, and that is why I decided to become a Mountaineer.

What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?

My favorite Mountaineer memory was going kayaking with Adventure WV down the Monongahela river with my roommate before the first semester started for my freshman year. It was a great way to grow our friendship and I successfully kayaked for the first time!

Why did you want to become a PSA?

I became a PSA so I could represent the University I am proud to be part of. My mission as a PSA is to show others why WVU is an amazing University. A goal of mine in this role is to improve my public speaking skills and collaboration skills with my fellow PSAs.

What did you learn from the PSA experience?

The PSA experience taught me how to give an effective speech. Now, I am more aware of the tone of my voice, the volume I speak, how my nonverbal communication looks, and how long my speech is. With these tools I am setting myself up to be able to better communicate my thoughts and beliefs without accidentally hurting other people’s feelings.

The PSA experience also taught me that I need to make a brand for myself. Taking time to know how I want others to view me is important so that I can then take actions that represent that view. This includes being more inclusive, hardworking, and willing to step out of my comfort zone. Lots of different ideas were thrown at me and I have been given the chance to decide which ideas I agree with and learn how to be respectful of differing viewpoints.

The PSA experience was great. I have grown as a person and am excited to see how I can help change WVU and the world for the better.


Videos