11/27/21

Zach Thomas
Appalachian and Me: What Impact Did I Have
1. Answer the following questions:
a. What components of the App State Mission Statement prior did you embody this
semester? How? Why? I believe that I embodied multiple aspects of the
mission statement, specifically the “spirit of inclusion”, critical thinking,
effective communication, community engagement aspects. Throughout my
first semester I’ve done my best to give back to the community through
volunteer work, donations, and random acts of kindness. By doing this I
clearly embodied the “spirit of inclusion” and community engagement
components. However, while I’ve become involved and inclusive, I’ve also
been working very hard between school and my jobs. I currently have 3 jobs
and 6 classes, and I also and am active currency trader. Handling all of this
at the same time has given me the opportunity to embody the critical
thinking and responsible components of the mission statement. Lastly, I’ve
embodied the communication aspect by meeting tons of new people,
especially at work where I have to effectively communicate to ensure that the
best job is done.
b. Based on your experiences at App, how does App’s student body embody the
Core Values? App’s students embody the Core Values everyday simply by
appreciating the beauty of the region. Furthermore, the students actively
participate in classes, volunteer groups, and clubs to preserve and enhance
the environment that we enjoy around us.
c. What was your favorite experience during this semester? Why? My favorite
experience has been getting a new job at the Off-Campus Chick-Fil-A and
getting the opportunity to meet and work with new and very great people.
Overall, it’s just been so fun and I’ve enjoyed the new experience of working
there. It also makes me happy knowing that I can have fun and enjoy
different aspects of my life, even if I’m working my hardest every day and
not participating in things that the average student would call fun such as
parties.
d. Is there anything that you are nervous about regarding App State? Why? I try not
to ever be nervous, however there are times when I get a little nervous such
as when I have important exams, projects, or interviews.
e. Do you believe that you made a difference here at App State this semester? Give
an example. I believe I have, but I want to do much more in the future. As I
previously mentioned, I often volunteer, especially during the holidays.
During this volunteer work I’m usually helping food banks feed the ones in
need. Other than that, I always do my best to spread joy, and I do random
acts of kindness whenever possible. My reasoning for this is because no
 matter what the situation you never truly know what someone may be going
through, so spreading love never hurts. An example of a time I did something
like this would be when a couple of girls in a dorm down the hall had some
things stolen from them (I found out because they posted a note on their door
going off on the culprit), and I went out of my way to buy and replace the
things that got taken.
f. What are you most excited about during your future here at App State? I’m
excited to advance and achieve the goals I’ve always dreamed of. It may
sound weird to many, but I’m excited to work as hard as I can every single
day in hopes of being the man I’ve always wanted to be some day.
2. Create a visual representation, in the format of your choice, that depicts your time here at
App State.
g. Think of activities/events/experiences that you enjoyed or challenged you, as well
as those that may not have been as exciting for you.
h. Use images, artifacts, sound, etc. to bring your memories to life for your
classmates.
A Collage Featuring Some of My Most Memorable Moments Here at App: