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Before the sun could rise over the market stalls in Ghana, a young Sandra Ayivor was already on her feet—completing her house chores, setting up tables, organizing wares, and helping her “auntie” prepare for the day’s sales. Then, with barely a pause, she made the long walk to school. There was no complaint. No thought of another way. It was just what needed to be done.

“It’s just what I did,” she says simply, reflecting on her upbringing in a God-fearing home where the values of faith, hard work, determination, and kindness were instilled and serve as the bedrock of who she is today.

A conversation with a West Virginia University alumnus helped John Mizerak realize he didn’t have to leave sports behind after high school. The Mechanicsburg, Pa., native came to Morgantown to become a Mountaineer and major in sport management. Over three years with WVU Athletics Marketing, he worked his way up to a student assistant role, helping shape game-day experiences across multiple sports. After graduation, he will pursue his MBA at Western Kentucky University and serve as the marketing graduate assistant for women’s soccer and softball.

Hope Wright, an elementary education major from Franklin Park, Pa., was inspired by a teacher at an early age and knew she wanted to be a similar role model to others. At West Virginia University, she balanced her academics with her love of music as a member of "The Pride of West Virginia." Wright’s hands-on experience in area schools helped her grow into the kind of teacher she once looked up to and strengthened her goal of returning to teach in her hometown.

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.

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, Emily Knorr, 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,Zsoófi Bevardi, a counseling 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.

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.