It was late last week when Jamie called me in from the
office to watch a short, four-minute video. The video was part of an interview
on Conan O’Brien with West Virginia native, Jennifer Garner.
Personally, I’ve always been proud to be a West Virginian.
I’m proud of this beautiful state that so many call home. I’m proud of the fact
that part of every West Virginian’s eighth grade year of school is dedicated to
taking a test about West Virginia history and for those who do very well on the
test, they receive the Golden Horseshoe award.
I’m proud of athletes like Jerry West, John Kruk, and GeorgeBrett who help others discover our great state. I'm proud of musicians like Kathy Mattea and Brad Paisley, who also raise the profile of our state. I’m proud of knowing my state
flower, state tree, state bird, and even state song. Every time there is a new
business or new venture of some type started by a West Virginia native I feel a
certain sense of unparalleled pride in being a West Virginian, and I’m proud of
other people in our state who are choosing to carve a new path forward for the
people of our state and beyond.
As much as I love the fact that Nuru International, the
organization my friends John and Jake from my freshman year in Arnold Hall at
WVU started is making a significant impact in fighting global poverty. My joy
swells to a new level because this organization has deep West Virginia and WVU
roots.
And so when Jamie called me out of a really full and busy
day working on a few projects for Nuru, I was overjoyed to hear Jennifer
Garner’s remarks on Conan. She is yet another example of great West Virginians
who are leaving their mark on the world, but not forgetting their home.
I love the fact that Jennifer Garner stated that when you
are in West Virginia, you know that you are not in any other place in the
world. There’s no place like West Virginia. Whether it’s a visit to
Blennerhassett Island or the capitol in Charleston, or a hike to the summit of
Seneca Rocks, or a descent to Blackwater Falls or Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia
has a unique feel and sense of home to all who were born, raised, or had the
privilege of living in this heartland of Appalachia during their lives.
Thank you Jennifer Garner for using your celebrity status to
invite all West Virginians to be proud of their roots, their heritage and their
wild and wonderful home among the West Virginia hills.
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