OPINION: Alumnus recounts the Appalachian soul of Athens
Photo via: David Wilson/Public domain/Wikimedia Commons
Dylan DeMonte is an alum of Ohio University, a former member of Ohio U’s Student Senate and a bi-weekly opinion columnist for The New Political.
During this Homecoming week, I find myself reflecting on what makes Ohio U so beloved. It’s more than the typical youthful escapism or nostalgia; what truly sets the place apart is the Appalachian soul that breathes life into Athens.
There’s been a lot of discussion about misconceptions of the Appalachian region over the years, and the issue has only grown on the wider political stage this election year. As noted in recent reporting by TNP, the common portrayal of Appalachians is often reduced to stereotypes, and many Appalachians feel that recent narratives fail to capture the region's culture of resilience. And while the notion of a shared Appalachian culture may have romanticized connotations, it also reflects the deep sense of identity of many people in the region.
Athens County is marked by a history of resilience, defiance, and close-knit community, traits which also define greater Appalachia. It is the quintessential picture of a former coal town: no stranger to boom and bust; generations grappled with economic devastation. The communities of Athens County, bound by a shared history, never really gave up. People adapted, turning to their shared love of the land, each other, and the traditions passed down through generations. They found beauty in the natural surroundings and survived against all odds, with values woven into the social fabric.
This social fabric is the soul of Athens. It's something that’s felt on those nights at the bar, where friends gather to share stories, to laugh, feeling like you could go on forever. It's watching the sunset from the seventh floor of the library, across the hills rolling past the Hocking River. It’s in the ubiquitous spirit of activism and the way people stop to greet every other person they see on a brick path, even if you’re late to class.
These are not simply moments of my nostalgia; they’re reflections of a community that for generations has valued connection over capital and commodities. Appalachia represents looking out for your own, questioning authority, and resilience. Athens taught me that you cannot take community for granted; you must build, nurture, and protect community.
Alumni return to Athens not just to relive the “good ol’ days,” but to reconnect with the community that helped shape them. Athens teaches us to cherish the small moments, to find joy in simplicity, and to understand that meaningful value cannot be found in possessions, but in the relationships you build and the traditions you carry forward.