Every incoming freshman has his or her own reason for choosing the college each will attend. It could be class size, reputation, job placement, a coach, a recruiter, a certain major or course of study, or even that the school itself is linked emotionally to the new student because a favorite family member or friend attended the same campus.
All the above reasons – and then some - are applicable to students attending WVU Potomac State College this fall. During a recent New Student Orientation, we stopped a few fresh faces starting school this semester to ask why they chose PSC. In some cases, the parents, significant others, and even in one case, a twin brother wanted to contribute as well.
“I chose Potomac State College because of the opportunity to play baseball.” - Sven Dupree, Ranson, WV
“And I like that he chose Potomac State College because the education here is great and it’s a small and intimate atmosphere that I believe he will be successful in.” - Julie Dupree, Sven’s mother
“I chose Potomac State College because I love the area. I will be playing baseball, and so I also chose it because of Coach (Doug) Little’s reputation and how he treats his players. After a player’s softball season, they succeed and go on to play higher and keep excelling.” - Connor Burcker, Oxford, NC
“We wanted it because his dad and I – even though we are in North Carolina now- we are originally from West Virginia. I was a West Virginia state trooper from Moorefield, and my husband went to Jefferson High School and played baseball there. It’s nice because even though we are from North Carolina, we do have our West Virginia roots.” - Ginger Burcker, Connor’s mother.
“I chose Potomac State College because it was more affordable for me and it felt like my hometown here on campus. I love that everything here is a nice, close area and I can walk to all my classes inside of five minutes. Plus, they also have a track team, which I was really excited about.” - Seleana Williams, Saxton, Pa.
“I chose Potomac State College because of its affordability, and it’s not far from home, but it’s just far enough away from home.” - Julia Kanundowi, Martinsburg, WV
“Once we visited here and talked to Coach (Doug) Little, and we saw the atmosphere here, because we are from a little town, this just felt like home. We got here, and the school colors are the same as our high school, so we are still representing gold and blue colors.” - Luca Signorini, Buffalo, WV
“Honestly, the campus size and the classroom size helped me choose Potomac State. I am excited because I have heard great things about the baseball team coaching staff, and I am super excited to spend a couple of years with them.” - Attilio Signorini, Luca’s twin brother (Note: Both brothers will be playing baseball in the spring, and both are biology majors.)
“I picked Potomac State because of the great nursing program here. There’s a smaller class size here, so I feel like I will actually be able to talk to and have one-on-one conversations with the professors here. And I prefer that instead of being in a huge class size.” - Violet Nine, Morgantown, WV
“I think Potomac State is going to be a great fit for Violet because it’s a small campus and in town that feels very safe. It’s close to home but far enough away for her to have her own unique college experience.” - Whitney Barnett, Violet’s mother
“When our daughter, Violet, picked Potomac State I was very comforted and reassured because of the excellent reputation of WVU and all of the services and opportunities that this campus provides.” - Alan Barnett, Violet’s father
“I picked PSC because I visited here and I liked the small class sizes and I liked the family atmosphere.” - Sullivan Watkins, Cumberland, MD
“Originally, Sully was recruited to play track and field, and for throwing, and then once he came here and toured the campus, he fell in love with it, and it does seem like home.” - Allison Watkins, Sullivan’s mother
“I chose Potomac State College because it’s convenient and it's close. I get to keep my community, and I get to keep my friends. I am able to go to a college for at least two years and keep my close friend group with me and be with my family and still live at home." - Madison Ault, Keyser, WV
“I chose Potomac State because of its convenience to my house. I also chose it because my mother was an alumna here and graduated with her teaching degree about a decade ago. West Virginia University is where my dad went to college. I was destined to come here I think.” - Nicholas Ault, Keyser, WV
That said, just one question remains:
Why did you choose WVU Potomac State College?