Remember West Virginians: Today's Attitudes Reflect Tomorrow's Reality

I am proud to have been born, raised, and educated in West Virginia. Given that I chose to stay in the state, I am somewhat of an anomoly, as many of my peers sought greener pastures in other areas of the country. The exodus of the state's youth may be a consequence of an overall negative attitude promoted within Appalachian-culture that discourages innovation within politics and business.

I tried not to let such misperceptions curb my belief in progress and decided that my professional and civic efforts would be most effective at home. Perhaps this was the path of least resistance, but I'd like to think it's just the opposite. It's easy to be a naysayer and lambast the Mountain State as behind the times economically, politically, and socially. It's another thing to take responsibility for the challenges that exist, and address them accordingly, in a manner that promotes cooperation, growth, and investment.

Unless the mature and young citizens of the state become more concerned, involved and self-empowered, the likelihood of progress will remain unnervingly slow. Instead, we must educate ourselves more on the state's complicated social history, apprise ourselves of the existing political and economic landscape, and use our individual talents and ambitions in a manner that helps create a better tomorrow, and not sustain the status quo.

To the young people of West Virginia, you can make a difference here. There is no better time than now to begin taking the reigns. Make yourself ready and be excited, for you are the future, and your involvement is critical for progress to be made. To the aged, don't fear change, but embrace it. Erase the cynicism you have learned, and believe in better days, in which West Virginia is seen as a progressive state, and celebrated as a national treasure.