Class of 2024 - Hunter Wright
1) Why did you choose WVU?
Being a West Virginia native and growing up watching the Mountaineers on TV, I have always aspired to represent the gold and blue. Fortunately, I was able to visit Morgantown and attend a few football and basketball games. I instantly fell in love with the atmosphere and vibe of Morgantown and knew if I ever had the opportunity to be a student at WVU, I would take it. My brother also influenced why I chose WVU. My brother is an alumnus of WVU's School of Dentistry and has been a huge role model for me throughout my academic career. He told me stories of his experiences and time as a WVU dental student, which furthered my interest. He spoke of how challenging and gritty the school of dentistry's curriculum was, but always reminded me of the fun and memories made while being a student at WVU. Experiencing Morgantown firsthand and hearing those stories made my decision to attend WVU's School of Dentistry quite easy.
2) What is your favorite activity?
As long as I'm with people I love spending time with, it isn't hard for me to have a good time. However, if I had to be specific, I would say my favorite activities are being outdoors like hunting, fishing, bird watching and hiking. I also enjoy playing videogames with my brothers and friends, playing pickup basketball, flag football, softball and weightlifting.
3) What is your favorite TV program, movie, and who is your favorite music artist?
My favorite TV programs are The Office and Chicago P.D. My favorite movie is Disturbia with Shia LaBeouf. My favorite musical artist is Mac Miller.
4) Who has been your greatest influence in your life, other than a family member, and why?
My high school quarterback coach, Glen August, affected how I conducted myself as a young man and helped shape the man I hope to be in the future. He taught me so much about the quarterback position but even more about being morally responsible and a person of integrity. It wasn't so much through his words, but more so through example. No matter who he spoke to or interacted with, he displayed the same amount of respect for everyone regardless of social status. Coach August is a humble, soft-spoken man who takes life one day at a time and never seems to be in a rush or worry about tomorrow. That's how I want to live my life, treasuring every moment and not taking for granted what could be taken away at any moment.
5) If you could be anyone, other than yourself, who would that be and why?
Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, and Damian Lewis did a magnificent job portraying Major Richard "Dick" Winters through the miniseries Band of Brothers. Dick Winters served in Easy Company of the 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, of the U.S. Army during World War II. Winters had undeniable leadership, kindness, humbleness, and belief in his fellow soldiers. His confidence and determination within himself oozed to the men he was leading. They fed off of his braveness and courage, making the men of Easy Company one of the most decorated and critical companies in the entire Second World War. If I could go back and take the place of anyone, it would be Dick Winters. Ever since the first time I watched the miniseries, I always looked up to Mr. Winters and wanted to be like him. I would love to experience the leadership it took to have a group of men, scared to death, follow you into battle with no questions asked. He was a simple man, fighting next to his brothers whom he would die for. He was the type of man that would take the blame first and not point fingers at others. He did what was asked of him with his best effort and never expected to receive medals for it. A quote from Dick Winters states, "Before I dozed off, I did not forget to get on my knees and thank God for helping me to live through this day and to ask His help on D+1. I would live this war one day at a time, and I promised myself that if I survived, I would find a small farm somewhere in the Pennsylvania countryside and spend the remainder of my life in quiet and peace."
6) What are your biggest worries about coming to the WVU dental school this fall?
I'm nervous about keeping up with my studies and being prepared for everything that will be expected of me. Along with the course load, I'm also concerned about attending a new school and living in a different environment. However, with time, everything eventually smooths out.
7) How do you deal with stress?
When I'm stressed, I like to exercise or listen to music. It allows me to take a step back and get away from the source of the stress. The majority of the time all I need is a different perspective on the current situation. Once I do this, I realize that the stress isn't necessary, and it isn't as big of a deal as I'm making it out to be.
8) If you could change the world, what would you do?
The opioid epidemic has destroyed countless families and friends throughout the state of West Virginia. I'm sure it has left its mark elsewhere in the world as well. For people who are fortunate enough not to experience this epidemic, they may not know the severity of the issue. However, for West Virginians, its occurring right before our eyes, and it doesn't seem to be slowing down. If I could change the world, I would completely erase the opioid problem that many states, like West Virginia, are experiencing. I would also implement universal healthcare. As future health professionals, our main priority will be to help and aid those in need. From my shadowing experiences, I've witnessed people settling for less or not being able to receive treatment due to financial inabilities or a lack of insurance coverage. Everyone has a right to receive treatment, especially if that treatment will improve someone's oral health or appearance. The smile is as important for confidence and self-worth, and as a future dentist, I believe I must provide the absolute best work and care to any patient seeking treatment.