Being from Augusta, Georgia, you can imagine my hesitation to venture so far from home and throwing myself into a fiery pit of discomfort, but I couldn’t imagine being anywhere other than here for college.
I’m one of the few freshman lucky enough to be taking classes associated with my major already, meaning I have opportunities to connect with people I’ll be having classes with throughout my time earning my undergrad. I can’t express the thankfulness I have for my small group of friends, especially since I came to West Virginia University knowing absolutely no one other than my roommate.
Morgantown has stolen my heart. I’ve realized that I’m learning more and more secrets about the area, and I find myself getting excited to show my family and friends around the downtown area in hopes of them seeing the town in the same way I do.
Whether it’s as simple as getting a vanilla latte from the Grind, or exploring the pet store on North High Street, I’ve been grateful for the tiny gems found with the area.
It’s been a difficult transition, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s one that I’m grateful I get to experience with such a tight knit group of friends.
Throughout my time adjusting to the hustle and bustle that coincides with not only being a college student but being so far from my parents and my dog, will always be a challenge, no matter my age. Living somewhere like Morgantown has made that transition one that has allowed me to mature in a way that other college towns wouldn’t have. The quirkiness of Morgantown is what really charms someone from the outside. The variety of food and bar options and the various hole-in-the-walls are what have made me fall in love with it.
West Virginia quickly became my home. I’ve been living here for the last month, which my phone GPS noticed and has updated my address from Augusta, Georgia to here and was quite a shock to me. It’s easy for somewhere new to become your home when you’re surrounded by people who are welcoming and thriving the way the students at WVU seem to be. I couldn’t have picked a better school or a better town to move to in order to begin this new chapter of my life.