Kiari Davis, an animal science major from Delray, W.Va., has been presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award by Interim Campus President Paul Kreider at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Kiari Davis, an animal science major from Delray, W.Va., has been presented with the Catamounts Climb Higher award at West Virginia University Potomac State College.
Davis has participated in numerous events and activities around campus enabling her to enjoy the full college experience. She is active in her home community as well, volunteering with the Department of Education, and, as an FFA member, she helped plant trees and flowers in her community, held benefit dinners and assisted with farm work.
Davis stated that as a first-time college student, she faced a few challenges which included learning to organize her time and remain focused while going through personal issues, such as family health and transportation.
“Time management was needed due to being a full-time student, working, and helping take care of my siblings while my parents worked full-time as well. I chose PSC because it is a much calmer campus for me to focus on my studies and work on my social anxiety,” Davis said.
Davis stated that Instructor Farren Smith has been her greatest mentor and confidant. “No matter what time of day or how busy she was, she prioritized every single one of her students’ successes. She made me feel comfortable when asking for help and always reminded me that it was okay to struggle,” she added.
She continued by stating that Smith often reminded her that she is smarter and stronger than she realizes. “Instructor Smith never fails to lift my spirit – no matter the issue, and for that, I will forever be grateful.”
Davis believes that students who are new to college life need to recognize where they struggle and get help creating a plan to improve. “Whether they believe in themselves or not, there are always ways to improve,” and cautions them to, “take time for yourself and allow yourself to have bad days – you will get through them.”
After graduation, Davis plans to work as a veterinary assistant in the Winchester, Va. area, giving her hand’s-on experience which will aid her in her future educational goals and career aspirations. Davis revealed that she has dreamed of owning an animal rescue facility from a very young age.
“Owning an animal rescue will be beneficial for my community and to the animals. After working as a vet assistant for a time, I plan to continue my education to obtain an animal-assisted therapy degree."