This week took me to Letcher County, Kentucky, and as the summer continues, I find myself learning that every county has something new to teach me. Whether it’s through conversations with homeowners, time spent with volunteers, or even exploring the backroads between counties, each place adds another piece to my understanding of Appalachia.
One of my favorite parts of this week was getting to sit down and talk with homeowners. During one interview, a homeowner shared a story and used the phrase “stepping out on him” instead of saying someone had cheated. It was such a small detail, but it reminded me that every region has its own way of speaking. The language people use carries history, culture, and tradition, and it’s something I’ve found myself paying more attention to as I’ve traveled throughout Central Appalachia.
That same homeowner said something else that has stayed with me all week. She talked about traveling away from the mountains, but when she finally saw them again, she knew she was home. It was such a simple statement, but it made me think about how powerful the feeling of home can be. Exploring new places has been one of my favorite parts of this summer. I’ve loved waking up somewhere different almost every week and getting to experience communities I never would have visited otherwise. But hearing her describe that feeling reminded me that no matter how exciting it is to explore, there’s something special about the place that always feels like home.
Another thing this summer has taught me is that I’m not only learning about Appalachia—I’m learning about people from all over the United States. Every week brings volunteers from different states, backgrounds, and experiences, and some of my favorite memories come from simply spending time together after the workday ends.
This week, that meant learning new card games. I got to play Euchre and Cribbage with volunteers, games that I didn’t grow up playing but that many of them had played with their families for years. It was fun to learn something new, but even more meaningful was hearing everyone share stories about who taught them to play or memories of playing when they were younger. It’s funny how something as simple as a deck of cards can spark conversations, bring people together, and remind us that we have more in common than we might think. Back at the center, we also managed to fit in a game of Monopoly with the staff, proving once again that a little friendly competition is never far away.
Later in the week, we traveled to Carter County. Even though our home base is only about twenty minutes away, it felt like stepping into a completely different place. I also hadn’t realized just how close Carter County is to North Carolina. While I was out on a run with Kyra and Mackenzie, Kyra casually asked, “Did you think you were going to be in North Carolina today?” I’ll admit, I was completely caught off guard.
As it turned out, we were heading to one of ASP’s New Build projects just across the state line—a project I had actually visited earlier this summer while I was in Avery County. It was a full-circle moment that reminded me how connected these communities really are. County lines and state borders may separate them on a map, but the people and the work don’t stop there. Neighboring counties work together, share resources, and support one another to make sure as many families as possible can have homes that are warmer, safer, and drier.
As another week comes to an end, I’m realizing that this summer isn’t just about the miles traveled. It’s about the conversations that stay with you, the games that become shared memories, and the people who remind you what home means. Every county has its own story, and I’m grateful that I get to hear a little more of it with each place we visit.
Until next time,
Cassidy Smith
Story Gathering Intern
