The Appalachians Yearn for Sidewalks and Third Spaces by Zoey

The Appalachians Yearn for Sidewalks and Third Spaces by Zoey - June 2026 Scholarship Essay

One way I would love to improve my community is to build more sidewalks and third spaces. I am from West Virginia, one of the most beautiful places to be, but our infrastructure is simply bad. Our hollers are spread apart from any real sense of the world, ultimately segregating us and making it extremely difficult to do ordinary things like go to the grocery store, the bank, a doctor's appointment, and more. Humans thrive through connection, and without it, we suffer. Sidewalks and third spaces offer a simple solution to this problem. Not only do they offer connection, but they also offer a way to get free exercise, which is greatly needed in my state. Exercise is a foundation for positive physical and mental health, two factors that are the cause of many health issues.

When I left for college, I had a space where I could practically walk to wherever I needed to go, and I loved it. It provided a sense of a connected community, and it made me want to get out and be active! This was something I did not have the luxury of back home. Humans need to use their bodies, and with the overwhelming implementation of ways for us to avoid getting outside with remote jobs, delivery services, online shopping, and more, I believe a simple way to fix this issue is to build sidewalks and third spaces!