Im a Child of Apalachia Writing Contest

Hunter was chosen as Lawrence County's 8th grade winner for the 2009 I'm a Child of Appalachia writing contest. He found out in July, but his published essay just arrived. This contest is for 6th through 9th grades, and involves 31 other counties. His teacher was awarded a $500 curriculum grant as a result.

Recently, my family and I moved to Lawrence County, Ohio. Although I have had my fair share of moving around, I was extremely nervous and anxious. After doing some quick research on Google, I was beginning to worry.

Eighteen hours of driving brought us into Lawrence County. Nothing could have prepared me for moving here. I thoroughly enjoyed residing in Texas, but could not have predicted the joy I would experience living in Ohio; the tri-state area felt like heaven. Before our family had time to unlock the front door, neighbors from up and down the street offered to help unload our U-Haul moving van, cook dinner for us, or anything else that might help us. Appalachia Ohio had already moved me.

Only three days later, school started. My nervousness had returned. Once again the area residents helped me feel right at home. Nobody ever stopped trying to assist me. These experiences have motivated me to this day.

The influence this area has had on me is huge. Because of others lending a helping hand to me, I want to help others. Before moving here I could have been considered selfish. Now I try to go out of the way to aid others. I am trying to replicate the service that others gave me. They invited me to join clubs, participate in sports and sit with them at lunch. It did not end there. If I needed a ride to anything, my new friends and inspirers would go out of their way to assist me.

I think that because of the service that was given willingly to me, I should never stop trying to help others. I can volunteer at charities, at hospitals or schools. I can help the next new kid at school. I want to inspire, motivate, and make a change now and in the generations to come, just like I was inspired and helped.