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Sometimes it’s tough to break with tradition. For Harmony Wilson, that break meant attending college somewhere other than Davis & Elkins, as three generations of her family had already gone here. “SA���ʴ�ý was not my first choice,” she says.  “Growing up in Elkins, I always said that I would never go to SA���ʴ�ý because I wanted to leave for college. I ended up committing to play D3 volleyball at Goucher College in Towson, Maryland.”

Those plans were derailed by the pandemic, and when she found out that SA���ʴ�ý was going to be in person in the spring of 2021, she transferred back home: “Even though it was never in my cards, everything fell into place at SA���ʴ�ý, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”

A 2024 graduate, Wilson majored in Hospitality & Tourism Management, and she also picked up an associate degree in Business. That combination, she says, “provided me with a well-rounded education that has been crucial in my career. The hospitality classes gave me in-depth knowledge of the industry, from guest services and event management to resort operations.” The business classes, on the other hand, “offered a strong foundation in management, finance, and organizational behavior, which are essential skills for navigating the complexities of any industry.”

Wilson says she can now “approach hospitality from a strategic perspective, to see the bigger picture of operations and decision-making.” She does just that in her current role at the Tygart Hotel, where she serves as a front desk agent and will soon move over to helping with events.

There are two big reasons that Wilson believes she is well prepared for her life after SA���ʴ�ý: Chef Mel and her capstone project. “Some of my absolute favorite classes,” she says, “were the cooking classes offered by Chef Mel (Melanie Campbell).” Wilson recommends that anyone take the courses, as you get hands-on experience in a professional kitchen setting, learning how to create everything from simple comfort food to more advanced gourmet dishes. Chef Mel’s cooking classes, says Wilson, “are a perfect blend of learning, creativity, and fun.” In addition, Chef Mel encouraged and challenged Wilson every day: “Chef Mel is someone that I want in my corner forever. Without her, and the contributions of my other professors, I would not be the person or professional I am today.”

Then, for her capstone course, Wilson had the opportunity to work at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, WV, where she served as the front desk manager and event specialist at the Yamagata Lodge. The most valuable lesson she took from this experience came when a colleague shared this insight: “Exceed their expectations by doing the small things.” Wilson says this simple advice has stayed with her and greatly influenced her approach to her work. “At the beginning,” she says, “the capstone project may seem like an overwhelming task, but by the end of the presentation you find yourself questioning, ‘Why was I so stressed?’”

Even though SA���ʴ�ý might not have been her first choice, Wilson would now recommend it to anyone. “It’s a place,” she says, “where you’ll truly feel supported and valued, both academically and personally. The faculty and staff genuinely care about your growth—not just as a student, but as an individual. You’ll have the opportunity to build close relationships with professors who take an interest in your life outside the classroom, helping guide you along your academic and career path.” Some of those professors who helped Wilson, in addition to Chef Mel, are Dr. Osborne, Dr. Carter, Dr. Douglas, Professor Smith, Dr. Jones, and Dr. Neumann.

Though her path to the Tygart Hotel was not the most direct, it does seem like it has been the most rewarding. And, Wilson also found that her SA���ʴ�ý experience stretched her learning in new ways, forcing her out of her comfort zone and allowing her to discover her passion. She stresses that students shouldn’t be “afraid to explore majors or minors that you might not have considered initially.” SA���ʴ�ý will be supportive of the exploration and allow you to grow.

And, you never know when one of those small things you discover turns out to be something big.

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