Then, his older brother, Sam, was accepted to and attended Potomac State College. And on a tour of the facility to visit his brother, Levi walked the College's three farm properties. On that family tour, he saw the greenhouses, and the cattle, and the horses, and the goats, and the maple syrup production. He realized this was a College with a love of agriculture that matched his own. And at that moment, something he never thought he would do, he signed up to do. Attend college.
“I come from a corn, soybean, and sheep farm located in central Pennsylvania,” he said. “When I was younger, college was not really a plan that I had. At least not until my brother graduated high school in 2017 and was looking to attend a two -year college for a degree in agriculture. Since there are no associate's degrees in Pennsylvania, West Virginia gained some students from Amish country.”
Attending Potomac State College became a Ferster family affair. Levi’s brother, Sam, not only attended here, so did their sister, as well as Sam’s wife, and also Levi’s girlfriend. All of them came to this college to pursue higher education in a field that colleges in their home state did not offer. Levi is the last of the Ferster family to graduate from PSC.
“And within no time, my brother had graduated and found what would be his future wife right here on this campus. I even remember telling others, ‘I am going to college in West Virginia for two years like Sam and I will find my soulmate down there,” he said. “But what I didn’t know was that the girl that I was dating in high school, named Kylie, would jump in the passenger seat and ride with me every weekend back and forth to college.”
“Potomac State College is a place that many hold deeply in their heart,” he said. “In my case, that equaled degrees and unforgettable memories for my brother, sister, sister-in-law, girlfriend, and many friends along the way.”
Levi said his graduation from PSC is bittersweet. He leaves behind great memories of collaborating with leaders and with folks dedicated to the agricultural community.
“Whether this was going out to breakfast on Friday mornings with John Stone, Bobby Cheves, and Ms. Mariah Pritts, driving back from Nashville with Jeff Jones through a snowstorm on I-68, or learning how to artificially inseminate cattle and horses with Tyler and Natasha, we all have our own stories,” he said.
He said he hopes his speech is inspiring.
“My favorite quote is ‘Time is the most valuable aspect in life,’” he said. “You can’t buy it, you can’t sell it, and you certainly cannot slow it down. It feels like it was just a month ago that I was moving into college for the first time. I encourage my fellow graduates to sit back, look at the people sitting around you, and take this moment in because we will never be here with our friends, family, or professors ever again.”
Ferster said his address will focus on the ever-changing times this graduating class faces. Job uncertainty. War. Higher prices. The cost of living that seems insurmountable. However, he believes his generation is one that can turn the tide and, through actions and commitment, make necessary changes and influence policy.
"You may be going through a time right now where you are conflicted, saddened, or frustrated. But I tell you that there is a much bigger plan for you. Something much bigger than any of us could ever fathom,” he said. “And if you are doubting yourself because you wished you were better or wished you were more active, do not let your past hold you back.”
Levi said growing up, his mother was one of his biggest inspirations. He wants the speech he gives to reflect her influence.
“My mother has told me to live my life with no regrets. At the time, I brushed it off and didn’t think too much about it. But the older I get, the more I believe it,” he said, indicating both of his parents will be in attendance Saturday. “At the end of the day, I am thankful that I took the time and the opportunity to gain experience, to grow, and to make a difference. And I hope my fellow graduates take that time too, to reflect and to be grateful."
Levi said his one wish for his fellow graduates as they prepare for life beyond classrooms is to follow their individual and unique journeys.
“Embrace those challenges, lead with kindness, and pursue your ideal career,” he said. “Like country roads, may your journey lead you home to success and a fulfillment of happiness.”