What I wish I knew in 12th grade

Look everywhere—even your own backyard—to find what you like and don't like

Dear students,

As a high school senior, I wasn't fully aware of all the wonders of this university. Having grown up in a Carolina family in North Carolina, I was a little wary of becoming yet another member of my family to attend this school. I was convinced that Carolina was too close to home and that it would not be able to offer me the diverse and new experiences of an out-of-state-university. Yet, after visiting schools all across the country, I still had not found the environment I was looking for. After being accepted to the Honors program here at Carolina, I decided that it perhaps warranted a visit, and I made my first trek to the Hill as a prospective new student.

If only I had done it sooner! It was April when I came to visit, and the campus was in full bloom: trees blossomed everywhere, the occasional Frisbee soared through the quad, and professors and their classes deep in discussion speckled the springtime landscape of the university. The wonderful dynamic that I had been seeking was here at Carolina, and I realized that I had been discounting a great opportunity solely because of its proximity to my hometown.

Because of my experience, I would indeed encourage you to look everywhere; by seeing what you do not like in universities, you will be much more capable of defining what you want and ultimately need for a happy college experience. Yet, everywhere does include everywhere—even your own backyard. You never know what enticing things could be awaiting you there.

I wish you the best of luck with the rest of your senior year.