Paula C.

As an alumni of Radford University and a teacher in Christiansburg, Elliston, and Blacksburg, Virginia, I have had many opportunities to work with administrators, teachers, parents, and students in several Appalacian public schools. 
Although most of the families in this area are local natives to Virginia, the area also hosts a large transient population of students that are affluent and well educated, multicultural, and diverse. The local school and social systems have had remarkable success in attending to the educational and social needs of the area population. 
Transient families generally find Appalachian natives friendly and accommodating, however, I do think that this comes as somewhat of a surprise to transient families because of stereotypes that have been generated by movies, television, and social media. Often people assume that most Appalachian residents come from backgrounds of poverty generated by the coal and agriculture industries. And although there are some economically depressed families living within Appalachia, there are also many other occupations that drive a thriving economy and affluent society. Both, Appalachian natives and transient cultures seem to coexist in a cooperative relationship that involves local business and charities that meet the needs of most all native and transient citizens. 
J.D. Vance and other authors have unfortunately perpetuated the myth that Appalachian cultures are poorly educated, drug addicted, and socially inhospitable towards one another. Derogratory labels such as rednecks, hillbillies, mountain folk, and backwoods, seem to now be trending on social media and television and are also misleading as they tend to suggest lack of intelligence and poor self control.
I am personally impressed with our Appalachian culture and how it serves one another. I am also impressed that although some areas within Appalachia are diverse, the culture has managed to not only embrace transient cultures but still remain unique and true to the artistry of its roots. Through its music, art, crafts, and creative writing, Appalachian authors , artisans, and musicians have preserved the culture that our earliest founders brought with them from throughout the world as they settled in this cradle of American government and society. 
The Appalachian culture has provided a firm foundation for growth and progress within our nation, and I am pleased to be a part of the education and artistry upon which this nation was affirmed. Keeping this unique, rich culture alive should be a goal for every Appalachian citizen to aspire to. By contributing the gifts and talents of each individual within every Appalachian community while celebrating our unique heritage, we continue to give to all who reside in Appalachia and within the great nation it founded.

-Paula C.