“Thank You, Carolina”
Sometimes, I feel a little duped being a transfer student at UNC. It’s hard not to think about the memories I might’ve missed or the moments I regret not being more involved in from the start. But when I remember the joy I felt the day I was accepted to the University of North Carolina, I realize this place truly lived up to every one of my expectations.
The other day, my mom asked me, “Was it worth it? If you could do it again, would you?”
I paused. I really had to think about it.
When I first moved here, I didn’t know a single person. I was lonely. I had to build my own community from the ground up and step out of my comfort zone—over and over again. There were times I wanted to quit, and to move back home. But I had a goal: to get into my dream school and become a Tar Heel.
And I did it. Even after becoming a Tar Heel, there were moments I doubted if I had truly experienced all that Carolina had to offer. But when I took a step back and looked at everything as a whole, I realized—yes. If I could do it all over again, I absolutely would.
Carolina was where I was meant to be.
I know it might sound corny, but I feel truly blessed by every experience I’ve had, every friendship I’ve built, every memory I’ve created, and every academic challenge I’ve taken on. I wouldn’t trade any of it.
So, in closing, I wanted to reflect on my top 10 moments at UNC—moments that remind me why I’ll always hold this place close:
Meeting my best friend on the very first day of classes.
Attending my first UNC football game—a nail-biter win over App State.
Watching UNC vs. NC State men’s basketball during a snow day—and laughing as everyone slid across an iced-over bridge leaving the stadium (let’s just say, North Carolina doesn't handle snow well).
Scoring Phase 1 tickets to the UNC vs. Duke game.
Climbing the bell tower.
Working at The Daily Tar Heel.
Learning from amazing professors who truly care—like the first day of Gary Kayye’s class, which left me texting my parents about how incredible it was.
Watching the solar eclipse on the quad—and soaking in every sunny afternoon spent there with friends.
Sharing this campus and Franklin Street with friends and family from home.
Getting into UNC.
If I had to sum it all up into one point, it would be this: I have loved experiencing the Carolina community every single day.
Thank you, UNC—for everything.
