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As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Isaac Jones, a health and well-being student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Tori Zukowski, an elementary education student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Sarah Krusinski, a health and well-being student from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. This letter provides reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

As part of West Virginia University’s May 2025 Commencement celebration, Lauren Marquart, an elementary education major from the College of Applied Human Sciences, shares a personal letter to her high school self—reflecting on the growth, challenges, and moments that shaped her WVU experience. These letters are thoughtful reflections from students as they approach graduation and begin their professional careers.

Chloe Hardesty, an Elementary Education major from Marlinton, W.Va., inspired by her family's deep roots in education, embraced her passion for teaching early in life. During her time at WVU she found a community with her cohort and gained more than 900 hours of classroom experience that helped her develop her teaching style. On the verge of graduation, she will soon begin her career as a classroom teacher while also pursuing a master’s degree in education with a focus on mathematics.

Kim Floyd, professor in the WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, was recently honored as a co-author of the 2024 Article of the Year by Rural Special Education Quarterly. The paper, What Do Rural Special Education Teachers Say?: Examining the Reported Needs and Recommendations for Retention, was selected by the journal’s editorial team for its impact, citations, and readership.

Floyd and her co-authors received the award during the annual American Council on Rural Special Education (ACRES) conference, held April 4.

Darius Redman came to WVU unsure of his path, but found his purpose through mentorship, field experience, and meaningful community connections. From student placements to coaching at Suncrest Middle School, he discovered the power of presence and positivity in education. A first-generation college graduate, Redman plans to take his Mountaineer skills and pride south to teach and coach cross country and track and field.

Hayden Apel, a Health and Well-Being major from Hilliard, Ohio, embraced his time at WVU by combining academic growth with athletic achievement. Through his academic studies and practical experience at Advantage Health and Wellness, Apel discovered the importance of a holistic approach to health. His time as a Division I student-athlete as a diver for the Mountaineers shaped his resilience and commitment in all aspects of his life. Apel will continue his Mountaineer journey by pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy at WVU.

Jadyn Collins, a Sport Management major from Weirton, W.Va., found her place at WVU by turning a love for sports into hands-on experience with the Mountaineer baseball team. Through three years of real-world involvement and mentorship from coaches, Collins built the foundation for a future in scouting and player evaluation. After graduation, she will head to Cape Cod to scout for the Oakland A’s and continue the momentum she created as a proud Mountaineer.

Ella Wix, a Mental Health and Addiction Studies major from Vienna, W.Va., is graduating with a clear purpose—to make a difference in the lives of others. A lifelong WVU fan, she was drawn to a new program that aligned perfectly with her passion for counseling. Along the way, Wix built strong relationships with faculty, embraced real-world experiences, and grew into a leader ready to combat the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. As she prepares to continue her education in WVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling master’s program, Wix reflects on the powerful community, mentorship, and hands-on learning that shaped her success.