I live in southern West Virginia, located in hills of Mercer County, or better known as “Four Seasons Country”. Throughout my life, I have continuously heard the ridiculous clichés of our state: our “southern drawl”, inability to wear shoes, the ‘toothless’ concept, and who can forget the most infamous of the outlandish statements, incest!
I am appalled every time I hear such a horrible statement about my home. Our state is no different than any other as far as general population is concerned. I live about fifteen minutes from the Virginia border and when I have to drive across the state line to get gas, I see no difference in people whatsoever. I realize that our history has led some to believe that we are a bunch of ‘whiskey drinking yokels’ who are uneducated with a lack of any common sense, but I can assure you that it is all miscommunication.
I, myself, graduated from a Christian high school, obtained a college degree, and am married to a wonderful man who is nowhere near any relation to me. However, there are times when a little bit of an accent may come out when I get upset or deep into conversation. Other than that, I am no different than someone you may meet in any other state. The reputation of where I live does not define who I am, but allows me to show others that everything they hear is not true.
Sure, West Virginia may rank a little higher in poverty, but we aren’t as populated as other states either. No matter where you go, there will always be a diverse mix of people. It shouldn’t matter where we come from, but rather who we have turned out to be individually. What matters most to me is the impact that I leave on others and the accomplishments I fulfill within my own life. The vehicle I drive, the house I live in, or where I come from should not matter to anyone. We are only as good as what we let ourselves believe. Our individuality possesses so much that nothing should tear us down to where we don’t feel like we matter; especially when someone tries to judge another on where they live or how their lifestyle is. We all face different circumstances throughout our life, some that allows us to better ourselves, and for others maybe not so much. All in all, no matter if we come from rags or riches, we are all given the same opportunities; meaning, in whatever we want to do, if we apply ourselves to the greatest extent, we will be great!
I am proud to say that I was born in raised in the great state of West Virginia, and yes, I am not ashamed to say that I still reside here with my spouse and wonderful family! I am who I am, and that is because I chose it for myself.
