I was born and raised in a small community nestled in the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Now that is pronounced Appa-LATCH-un not, Appa-LAY-shuh-un, unless you are a "flatland outsider".

Now I use the term "flatlander" to characterize people, not from the area. It is a parallel to "hillbilly" as it was put upon us.

The people from the area have a unique dialect that is often considered unintelligent or uneducated by flatlanders. I also had this same sentiment and went out of my way to use proper English. But my opinion changed after living away from home for 7 years.

I moved to Richmond, Virginia for a job promotion with my company and was shocked to realize just how socially acceptable the "joke of the Appalcachian" was in other parts of the state. When I first met people I was often seen as an unintelligent backward savage that escaped by hitching a ride out of the area.

In reality, I come from a long line of hardworking, intelligent Appalachian people that taught me to work with what I have.

After returning home to this beautiful gem of the world, I realized the area is unique, different from any other place in the world. The people here are open and acceptable of all and will go out of their way to help someone in need. This was how we were raised. To care for one another and help someone when they are in need. These simple life values are sorely missing in other parts of the world.

This is why I proudly reside in the holler and use a buggy at the grocery store. I put my groceries in a poke, not a bag. I wash with a warsh-kloth, not a washcloth. I am Appalachian Proud!

#Appa-LATCH-un Proud

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