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Thomas Williams
I grew up in an area of West Virginia in which 10 generations of my family have lived and farmed. I have deep West Virginia roots and I love this state. My family has been blessed to be able to send my two older brothers and I to WVU. I had visited them in Morgantown often before eventually coming out here myself and it always felt like a home away from home. I am also thrilled that I have the ability to go to Dental School at WVU and to be able to stay in West Virginia and develop my career. West Virginia needs more Dentists and I have the ability to make an impact on my state’s health. No matter where I roam, WVU will always be my home sweet home.
What is your favorite Mountaineer memory?
My favorite Mountaineer memory is from when I was in middle school and my dad brought me to a WVU vs. Oklahoma football game. I remember how exciting and fun the atmosphere was before the game and during pre-game. It was a night game in late November and both teams were highly ranked. It was a great game, but what I remember most is that right before kickoff during the national anthem, a small snowstorm came through and it was almost a blizzard. It was one of the most beautiful moments I can remember, with the snow swirling through a sea of blue and gold fans while honoring our country. Moments like this were what made me fall in love with WVU, not only the place, but the great people of this State and University as well.
Why did you want to become a PSA?
I want to become a WVU Presidential Student Ambassador because I have a deep love for the state of West Virginia and West Virginia University. From a young age, WVU was the University I wanted to go to. Anytime I visited the campus, Morgantown always felt like my home away from home. Getting the opportunity to be a WVU Presidential Student Ambassador is an honor for me as I would get a chance to represent my state and my school in the most effective way by assisting/serving others in our communities and communicating WVU’s values/mission to prospective students, alumni, and others.
What did you learn from the PSA experience?
From my semester as a PSA, I gained many valuable skills and had unique experiences along the way. Throughout this program I became a better public speaker, servant, and leader. What I learned the most from my PSA experience was about others. Through Diversity Training and other training we did as PSAs, I was better able to understand others’ points of view in order to be a more effective leader in my own right. I also learned from my PSA experience that service and leadership look different for each person and coming to understand what your own unique style is makes you a more effective leader. I am proud to have had the opportunity to complete this program and recommend it to any student who wishes to become more involved on campus and in the community while also experiencing personal growth.