In association with the ongoing generosity of the Eberly family, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board established the Eberly Scholars program in 1988. Each year, up to 25 students majoring in the arts and sciences are designated as Eberly Scholars. They are provided with scholarship support in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement. This award is the Eberly College’s most prestigious scholarship honor for undergraduate students. Meet all of this year's Eberly Scholars.
How did you choose your major?
My first semester I came in as an international studies major and randomly took a philosophy class. I was so enamored by this class that by the second week I had added philosophy as a second major.
How would you explain your major to a new WVU student? What advice would you give them?
Philosophy is the major for people who want to break their brains over the nature of existence, knowledge and reality. My advice to incoming students is to keep in mind that any major is practical if you are willing to work hard enough to be among the best in their field.
How has your major prepared you for your future career?
It has helped me to develop my critical thinking skills and taught me to challenge everything and to be meticulous in my examination and analysis of everything no matter how minute or inconsequential it may seem. These are things that I know will aid me in any career I choose to pursue.What was the hardest (Eberly College) class that you loved? Why?
The hardest Eberly College class I have taken so far was Introduction to Symbolic Logic with Dr. Geoff Georgi. I had a love-hate relationship with that class. I was in tutoring constantly and spent many nights fretting in my dorm over it. Afterward, I realized how it made me a stronger philosophy student in my other courses. Now, I tell everyone to take it regardless of their major.What makes you feel connected to WVU? What have been your keys to success?
The family atmosphere is by far what makes me feel most connected to WVU. Ultimately, I think that has been the key to my success. Everyone in my department is so incredibly supportive and kind; they are always there to lend a helping hand. I have had so many wonderful opportunities in just two years at WVU because of the Department of Philosophy. Even outside the department, everyone at WVU is so genuine and caring about each other. I know that I have made lifelong friends here. When I did my first tour of the University, everyone said how WVU is a family, and they were absolutely 100% right.
Why would you recommend WVU to a sibling or friend? I am already trying to talk my sister into coming here, and she is just now a freshman in high school! What does it mean to be a Mountaineer?
To be a Mountaineer means always being the first to step up when something is unjust, being the first to innovate and pushing yourself and others to succeed. Describe the best thing that’s happened to you at WVU. The best thing that’s happened to me at WVU is simply coming to WVU. It has truly been the best decision I have ever made because WVU has helped me grow not just academically but as a person. I strive the best I can be, and thatʼs because of the Mountaineer mentality.
What was your reaction when you heard you were selected as an Eberly Scholar? How has this opportunity made a difference in your life?
I was so surprised! The first thing I did was do the most embarrassing happy dance in my living room. Then, I immediately emailed Dr. Sharon Ryan and Dr. David Hoinski to thank them again for writing my recommendation letters and for supporting me throughout the application process. I found out the news during the pandemic, which I was not handling well. When I got the news, it did a lot to help out with feeling connected to the University.
