Having grown up in the wonders of West Virginia, I’ve never really thought about living in a city.  The cool mountain breezes, beautiful scenic views, and wild hillside sounds have made an indelible impression on me.  I love being a country girl, and I know that I’ll always be one at heart.

I find myself thinking more and more about my next step.

As I am preparing to enter my senior year of high school, naturally, I find myself thinking more and more about my next step.  I know that I want to attend college, but for what, and where are still up in the air.

Like many of my peers, I have started my college search right in my own backyard.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the larger cities and towns that I have visited.  From the wide variety of worldly foods, and the energetic bustle of people, to the easy access to ice cream (or anything, really) at midnight, it’s easy to see their appeal.  But inevitably, after a few fun-filled days in the city, I am always eager to return home to my little slice of heaven.  I miss the dark, quiet nights, and I am always ready to replace the energetic bustle of people with the lovely menagerie of woodland sounds. And, just to keep my bases covered, I am always sure to have a gallon of ice cream in the freezer, since the grocery store is quite a ways away.

Like many of my peers, I have started my college search right in my own backyard.  West Virginia has a diverse array of colleges that offer a mix of both rural and urban campus experiences.

I am looking forward to exploring more of my options throughout this next year in our mountain state. 

Just last week, I visited a campus that had this perfect mix while attending a summer camp at Marshall University in Huntington WV.  I absolutely loved the experience as well as the campus.  It was so beautiful, as the lush plants filled the walkways and flowerbeds with all sorts of vivid colors, and the squirrels scampered around the trees.

I am looking forward to exploring more of my options throughout this next year in our mountain state.  Next on my list of schools to visit is West Virginia University (WVU), the state’s largest public college located in Morgantown.  Our mountain state may be small, but it has lots of different college options, also including Shepherd University, located in Shepherdstown WV, and West Virginia Wesleyan, located in Buckhannon WV.   It is fun to think about new beginnings and new experiences as we move into the future.

– Willow Ferguson, HashtagWV #134. August 2021. Read more of Willow’s writing at willowgraceferguson.com