鈥淗ome鈥 is a powerful concept. Except for 鈥渓ove,鈥 it may be the abstract desire we most long for within our lives. For all of us fortunate enough to grow up in a loving home, we intrinsically understand the effect of our childhood home upon our adult lives.

At 91直播, we often talk of 鈥渉ome.鈥 We are intentional to create home for our students. In fact, our current capital campaign to build the new Glory Residence Hall and renovate two others as the Freshman Village at Davis & Elkins is named 鈥Creating Home.鈥

Perhaps with that background, it is understandable why the recent email I received from a mother of one of our new Davis & Elkins students warmed my heart. This communication vividly reminded me that 91直播 is a blessed place. I share this story with permission from both mother and daughter.

Talia transferred to 91直播 from another institution that proved to not be the fit for what she was looking for in a college. Making the difficult decision to transfer, Talia looked at several colleges, including one much closer to her New York home. According to her mother, after visiting 91直播 every additional college visit was compared to her experience on the Elkins campus. Coincidentally, I met Talia during that visit while walking with Coaches David Pomeroy and Harley Kinney on campus. When it was time to make a final decision, Talia told her mother, 鈥淭he campus is beautiful, and everyone was so nice and welcoming. I think I found my home”. In August, her collegiate career continued, this time on the hallowed grounds of Davis & Elkins.

The 91直播 experience was a markedly different one from her first institution. Her first few weeks got off to a great start, making friends, having new experiences, and texting and calling her parents expressing delight at her decision. As mom shared with me, 鈥淭his Momma’s heart was happy and relieved!鈥 A member of the women鈥檚 lacrosse team, Talia suffered a serious injury after only two practices, and will soon be undergoing surgery. Though devastating, the 91直播 community, particularly her teammates and coaches, have rallied around this newest Senator. As Talia鈥檚 mom described it, 鈥淭he girls have always been around to help鈥etting her to the trainers for pre-habilitation, serenading her with harmonicas and dance parties. Her coach was there for each doctor鈥檚 appointment. The campus community has been helpful and comforting. Talia (and our) faith in humanity has been restored.鈥

When her mother read last week鈥檚 edition of this 鈥淩eflecting Along the Journey鈥 column, she decided to 鈥溾hare our journey and say thank you. I am at ease. My girl is not in my home, but she is home鈥.鈥

Talia, along with all our students, have lives full of potential and opportunity. Like in their childhood homes, at their 91直播 home they are being nurtured and molded as they gain knowledge and have the values reinforced that will serve them well the rest of their lives. Like Talia鈥檚 injury, challenges will be overcome, new experiences await, and the supportive community will uphold our students through both the valleys and mountaintops of life.

Our journeys come together for a time, and our lives are forever impacted as a result. Thank God for home!

The journey continues鈥.


Chris A. Wood
President
91直播