In an idyllic town where the white steeple of my childhood church rises above the trees tops, where the pastures feed cows, sheep, and flocks of deer, where the world’s largest, fully-steerable telescopes juts upward from the base of the Appalachian Mountains, and where the snow pours down on a majestic ski resort, is a place I will forever call “home.”
Driving through my home town one would imagine it on the cover of Ideal Magazine and upon seeing a photo of its natural beauty assume it to be nestled in the iconic, northern mountains of New England.
It’s not. It’s nowhere near New England and can be barely classified as north, except maybe by those fleeing the winter storms to sunny weather in Florida. It’s the town, unincorporated mind you, of Green Bank, WV located in Pocahontas County, one of the most rural counties in WV.
It is the town, community, and environment that has influenced, guided, shaped, and balanced my life. I, of course, must credit my family with building the foundation of beliefs and values I navigate life with, but where I was raised reinforced all those important values: a passion for outdoor recreation; conservation of natural resources, animals, and land; being a genuine, enthusiastic, hard-working person; and living a simple, fulfilling life.
I’ll never forget the many times I have realized and unfortunately learned the hard way that many people do not share my utopian view of West Virginia. One of those times was when my college roommate, of Oakland Maryland and now a dear friend, imparted the information that when her teachers found out her potential roommate was from Pocahontas County, WV they collectively agreed, “Those people are backwards.”
Those words are seared into my brain as if some branded my skin. I have no adversarial, gut-wrenching story to tell - luckily my life was pleasantly mundane, but I was labeled. Labeled by people who didn’t know a true West Virginian. It frustrated and angered me to be judged, but more importantly, it motivated me. The lesson I take from these “outsiders” is not to care what others think of me. The bigger picture is I take the lessons of a true West Virginian with me everywhere. I take the time to chat, wave at each car that passes, and most importantly I appreciate the hard work and sacrifices people make in this life to benefit myself and others.
I’ve lived in the metro area of Knoxville, TN, Seattle, WA, and even did time on the rock people call Maui. I’ve seen and appreciated the natural beauty and man-made wonders, experienced and even enjoyed the cover of anonymity that city-life provides. I am grateful for all the adventure my travels have led me to and hope to find many more. But most of all I am thankful for that winding, switchback-riddled, route called 92 that takes me home to West Virginia after each adventure - where I belong.
Driving through my home town one would imagine it on the cover of Ideal Magazine and upon seeing a photo of its natural beauty assume it to be nestled in the iconic, northern mountains of New England.
It’s not. It’s nowhere near New England and can be barely classified as north, except maybe by those fleeing the winter storms to sunny weather in Florida. It’s the town, unincorporated mind you, of Green Bank, WV located in Pocahontas County, one of the most rural counties in WV.
It is the town, community, and environment that has influenced, guided, shaped, and balanced my life. I, of course, must credit my family with building the foundation of beliefs and values I navigate life with, but where I was raised reinforced all those important values: a passion for outdoor recreation; conservation of natural resources, animals, and land; being a genuine, enthusiastic, hard-working person; and living a simple, fulfilling life.
I’ll never forget the many times I have realized and unfortunately learned the hard way that many people do not share my utopian view of West Virginia. One of those times was when my college roommate, of Oakland Maryland and now a dear friend, imparted the information that when her teachers found out her potential roommate was from Pocahontas County, WV they collectively agreed, “Those people are backwards.”
Those words are seared into my brain as if some branded my skin. I have no adversarial, gut-wrenching story to tell - luckily my life was pleasantly mundane, but I was labeled. Labeled by people who didn’t know a true West Virginian. It frustrated and angered me to be judged, but more importantly, it motivated me. The lesson I take from these “outsiders” is not to care what others think of me. The bigger picture is I take the lessons of a true West Virginian with me everywhere. I take the time to chat, wave at each car that passes, and most importantly I appreciate the hard work and sacrifices people make in this life to benefit myself and others.
I’ve lived in the metro area of Knoxville, TN, Seattle, WA, and even did time on the rock people call Maui. I’ve seen and appreciated the natural beauty and man-made wonders, experienced and even enjoyed the cover of anonymity that city-life provides. I am grateful for all the adventure my travels have led me to and hope to find many more. But most of all I am thankful for that winding, switchback-riddled, route called 92 that takes me home to West Virginia after each adventure - where I belong.
