I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to grow up in the beautiful state of West Virginia. Not only has my state played a crucial role in shaping my view of the world, but it has made me become the person that I am today. The Mountain State is filled with breathtaking views that I had the privilege of growing up around. West Virginians are recognizably outgoing and generous in their nature. Growing up in West Virginia has allowed me to enjoy a close-knit community that promotes hospitality and has instilled morals and values within me. Growing up in my small town of Welch, WV, it was more uncommon to run into someone that you did not know rather than someone that you did. Being able to grow up in this community has allowed me to connect with people and build relationships that will last a lifetime. I have met people that have made a lasting impact on my life and have made connections that a big city would not provide. Being in such an intimate and close community has provided a sense of belonging. I know that no matter where I go and what I do, I will always have a supporting and loving community of people to fall back on. Welch West Virginia has made a significant impact on my life and will always be the place I call home. An undeniable characteristic of the people of West Virginians is their hospitality. Any time a relative or family friend would come to town to visit, the most common thing that they recognized about Welch and West Virginia in general is the welcoming and friendliness of the people that live here. Having the privilege of growing up in such a welcoming and accepting community has given me the confidence to always be myself. The sociable environment promotes a positive attitude that is contagious and leaves a lasting impact on those within it. Because of my upbringing, I am naturally hospitable and look out for others. This warm, friendly environment is unique to West Virginia. My small West Virginia town still prioritizes old fashioned values and morals. Saying please and thank you, yes ma’am and no ma’am, holding the door for someone, and even helping a stranger with something are all things that can be expected out of West Virginians. The saying “it takes a village” when referring to raising a child, could not be more true of my small town. Everyone looks out for each other's kids and treats them as if they were their own. Growing up in this environment has taught me manners and to show respect for others. Having learned these morals and values so early in life has helped guide me and has built my character. I am now able to appreciate and enjoy the values and morals that my small town instilled in me. Growing up in a small West Virginia town is something that I wish everyone got to experience. It has shaped my world view by teaching me to value the people around me, make others feel welcome and loved, and by teaching me morals and values that helped me form long term life goals. I hope to attend college to major in nursing, and eventually return to my community to give back. I hope to be able to show others that it is possible to make something of yourself without leaving your hometown and never coming back. I am grateful for the impact that the state of West Virginia and the people in it have made on my life.