Many people view these beautiful mountains as merely the habitat in which backwoods people live there monotonous, meaningless lives, going from one bad thing to another, never truly inspiring or influencing the world around them. This is where the rest of the world is wrong. Appalachia is not only home to some of the finest people in the entire world, but it is also a generator of art, music, revenue, religious traditions, and so many other things that are influential in modern, American culture. Appalachian has always been, and will continue to be a driving force in this country. From our music to our dialect, to our religious traditions, Appalachia has helped to shape the modern world we live in. Although many things such as the media and mainstream disregard to Appalachia threaten to destroy our culture, Appalachia is still alive and well.

Southern Appalachia isn’t like what you see on television or in the media, it’s made up of human beings, just like everywhere else, that live and love and hope to leave their mark on the world. One could safely say that we have. We have ensured that the unique, Appalachian flavor is maintained throughout modern society. Although we face opposition and hurtful stereotypes, we are stronger as a region because of our unwillingness to be slandered and defeated. As Matt Wasson from Appalachian Voices once stated, modern America is “letting a unique and distinctly American culture and the oldest and most biologically diverse mountains be destroyed.” I beg anyone reading this to not stand by and let this happen. Appalachia has brought many good things to the world and deserves to be reverenced and treated with respect. Although some people may refuse to acknowledge it, Appalachia has influenced modern America, and will continue to do so, as long as we Appalachians hold true to ourselves, our past, and our future.

Appalachian culture has provided me with a backbone, a will to stand up for myself, and a love for my home and those around it that is unmatched. Appalachian culture is full of rich traditions and heritage that even when almost quenched by naysayers, is never extinguished. Appalachian families are among the most tight-knit, strong, loving units on the earth and anyone raised in one counts themselves as a blessed individual—I know I do.

So Appalachia, I want to say thank you. Thank you for making me who I am today and for adding your unique flavor into every aspect of life that I have come to know and love. Thank you for teaching me valuable lessons about life, love, loyalty, and so many more things that I could never even begin to name. Thank you for always welcoming me into the homes, hearts, and lives of your people and for showing me what it means to truly be a part of something bigger than myself. Appalachia, you are tough, and Appalachia, I am proud to know you.