sunfoundation:

Poverty in Rural America

Few issues touch me as much as rural poverty.  Because most of us live in cities, and because rural poverty looks quite different than urban poverty, it is hard for us to see it. When we do see it, it’s hard to empathize with it because many don’t quite understand it.  It’s a much more hidden, but trapping kind of poverty, and it infects our countryside “from sea to shining sea.” 

I genuinely cannot wait to move back home (to WV) after I finish my education.

My life may be more “fun” or whatever if I live somewhere else, but I honestly believe I can go back and make a difference there. Nothing matters to me more than helping the people who are constantly being exploited and taken advantage of by their political system. WV is set up in such a way that many of it’s inhabitants have been taught that there is no point is having dreams because they’ll never be able to reach them.

It breaks my heart and is an absolute fallacy. My home state has some of the kindest, hardest working people I’ve ever had the honor of meeting. They deserve better than what they’ve been given, and I hope to be in a position to help them get it. <3

My ultimate goal is to go back home and open a community mental health clinic that is truly income-based. It may not be the large-scale aid that I’d like it to be, but it’s a start!