Why Carolina?

The Carolina girls are the “Best in the World” and the guys are the best brothers one can have. The students take their academics seriously, but understand that college offers more than a library desk.

I never chose Carolina, but rather Carolina chose me. I cannot recall a time in my life when I didn’t want to go to UNC. When I flip through the photo albums at my house, I immediately notice that I’m wearing Carolina clothes in just about every picture. My love for UNC initially came from my dad who is an alumnus of the school. He’s the one who put the stuffed ram in my crib and from an early age taught me about the history of UNC.

When it came time to pick a college, however, I knew that I could not base my decision solely on what school I followed as a child. Rather, I needed to pick a school on the basis of which one fit my personality and offered a great education. There were three criteria that I considered: academics, athletics, and social life. I always knew that Carolina was a great academic and athletic institution, so on my senior year visit I focused on whether UNC could offer me the best four years of my life.

Nothing was more influential to me than walking around the UNC campus and interacting with current students. There is something special about Carolina that few colleges can offer. What struck me on my visit was the passion that current students had for the school. Perhaps, this passion resonates from UNC being the first public university in the nation or maybe it results from athletic success. Personally, however, I think it comes from having an awesome student body. The Carolina girls are the “Best in the World” and the guys are the best brothers one can have. The students at UNC take their academics seriously, but understand that college offers more than a library desk.

My biggest concern with coming to UNC was that I practically knew nobody in that I was from out-of-state. I quickly realized, however, that this was not going to be a problem. I am blessed with the greatest friends. Many of my best friends even originate from my first days and weeks at UNC.

Picking the right college is not easy and not a decision that can be reached lightly. After visiting Carolina, I knew it was for me. My desire to attend Carolina grew to the point that I didn’t want to apply to any other schools. I had to be influenced by my dad just to apply to other colleges because of the reality of how hard it is to get into Carolina from out of state.

My hope is not for you to come to UNC, but for you to find a place that makes you feel as happy as I am here. When you find the right school, it is a great feeling. Perhaps, I will see you around. Good luck!