Student Spotlight Emily Knorr

One thing you told me before you left for college was simple, but powerful: Talk more. No more shyness. You encouraged me to raise my hand, speak up in class, and put myself out there to make friends, try new things, and not let fear hold me back. I know how scared you were. Leaving home, stepping away from everything familiar, and being apart from your twin sister for the first time felt like jumping off a cliff into the unknown.

But here’s the best part: you did it! And not only did you survive, but you also grew. You thrived. You became someone that both of us can be incredibly proud of.

Guess what, Emily? You can talk to anyone now … even a brick wall.

One of the most transformative parts of your college journey was becoming part of the WVU Swim and Diving Team. You walked onto that pool deck unsure of where you’d fit in. But what you found wasn’t just a team, but a family. Who would’ve thought that the decision you made as a junior in high school would lead you to something so substantial and meaningful?

You learned what it meant to truly push yourself – to show up early, experience the toughest practices, travel for meets, and give your all, even on the hardest days. You committed to something bigger than yourself, and that commitment shaped you in ways you never expected.

Looking back, I’m proud of how far you’ve come, not just as a student or an athlete, but as a person. You’re no longer the girl who hesitates to speak or wonders if she belongs. You walk into rooms with confidence. You’ve found your voice, and you use it with strength, compassion, and authenticity.

So thank you for dreaming big, even when you were scared. For believing in a version of yourself you hadn’t met yet. Because of your courage, I’m now walking across that graduation stage with a degree in hand, unforgettable memories in my heart, lifelong friendships, and pride in every lap, every late night, and every moment that led me here.

You were braver than you ever realized, and because of that, we made it.

With love and Mountaineer pride,

Emily