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Sophia Flower
I grew up less than 30 minutes away from Morgantown, so WVU was a large part of my childhood. From a young age I attended football and basketball games, but upon touring WVU, I discovered a side of the school that I had never seen before. There is so much more to WVU than meets the eye, and I knew that I could find my place here. There is truly something for everyone at WVU, and I quickly found my people, my niche, and my home here. WVU could offer me so many diverse and unique experiences that I could not get anywhere else. I am so thankful to have found my home at WVU.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
My favorite Mountaineer memory was campaigning for the annual SGA elections in the spring of my freshman year. Being a freshman in a pandemic, I had been involved with SGA for nearly two semesters, but I had yet to meet anyone face-to-face. During the week of campaigning, I finally met people who would become some of my best friends. For the first time since the pandemic began, I felt like I had a place on campus and that what I did mattered. I had so much fun meeting students and expressing my passions to the University.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
West Virginia University, the Morgantown community, and the state of West Virginia have given me so much in my lifetime. The University has given me a place to be a leader and make a difference in the lives of other students. The Morgantown community has made WVU feel like home, and the state of West Virginia has shaped me into the person I am today. I wanted to become a PSA to give back to the University, community, and state that have all given so much to me.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
The PSA program has taught me so many lifelong lessons, however the most important takeaway is that while there are a plethora of ways to be an effective leader, all good leaders have one thing in common— passion. This passion drives progress. This passion is what makes Mountaineers go first. Through the inspiring words of speakers, the guidance of a wonderful mentor, and the support of my fellow PSAs, the PSA program has rebuilt my confidence as a leader and as a person.