Shepherd University professor speaks to high school students about new novel and mental health

ISSUED: 16 January 2025
MEDIA CONTACT: Hans Fogle

MOOREFIELD, WV - Dr. Matthew Kushin, professor of communication at Shepherd University, traveled to Hardy County, West Virginia, on December 13 to speak with students at East Hardy and Moorefield High Schools about his recently published coming-of-age novel "Beware the Smart Kids" and its message on the mental health crisis.

Kushin focused much of his talk on happiness, challenging students to consider how they define it and what they can ultimately do to lead a happier life.

"We all get caught up in chasing things we think will make us live happily ever after but ultimately don't - things that give us temporary boosts in happiness," said Kushin. "Ultimately, my goal is for the students to have the knowledge to start shifting their view on what happiness is and to take actions to avoid some of the roadblocks that we all face in our relationship with happiness."

The event was hosted by WordPlay Connects, a nonprofit organization that connects youth in West Virgina with authors, illustrators, and books. Wordplay Connects also donated 50 copies of Kushin's novel to the students at both high schools.

After his talk, students had the opportunity to meet Kushin and have their copy of "Beware the Smart Kids" signed.

"Beware the Smart Kids" was released this past fall and follows the story of a lonely high school troublemaker in an Appalachian community. His life is turned upside down when an ex-convict who knows the secret to happiness returns to town.

Since the novel's publication, Kushin has been inspired by the support it has received and the impact it has made on readers.

"I've had young people as well as parents and grandparents tell me that this book really affected them," Kushin explained. "When I wrote [the book], I thought that because the story was about a high school teenager, it would only really resonate with young people. But I've found that the messages in the book are universal."

"Beware the Smart Kids" is available for purchase at Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, Fuzzy Dog Books & Music in Charles Town, West Virginia, and Curious Iguana in Frederick, Maryland. The book is also available for purchase online through major online book retailers, including BookShop.org, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.

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