Little Did I Know, My “Dream School” Was Just a Detour
Believe it or not, unlike so many North Carolinians, UNC-Chapel Hill was never my dream school. Actually, I never even considered Carolina because I never thought it was attainable. In fact, I used to joke that Chapel Hill was "boring," "no fun," and full of "try-hard nerds." Don't get me wrong–I always excelled in school, held leadership positions, and checked all the right boxes. But I've always struggled with imposter syndrome, questioning whether I truly deserve success, no matter how hard I've worked for it. I thought, me? At a top-five public university? No way.
But little did I know... here I am graduating in May with distinction and a double major.
My journey to Carolina wasn't linear. I started at what my 18-year-old self believed to be my dream school, Auburn University. I had worked hard in high school, and by senior year, I was ready for the full SEC experience: big football, Greek life, and an out-of-state adventure. Like most teenagers, I couldn't wait to get away from my hometown–500 miles away sounded just right. But little did I know less than a year later, I would be happier than even to be just 25 minutes from home, with a new found love and appreciation for the place and people that raised me.
It only took about two weeks at Auburn to realize Alabama wasn't where I belonged. I met some of the most incredible people and had experiences I'll always cherish, but deep down, I knew something was missing. Instead of dwelling on this feeling, I quickly turned it into motivation. A switch flipped within me. I never missed a class, always turned in exceptional work on time, developed strong relationships with my professors, and earned a 4.0 GPA–all while pouring my heart into my transfer applications.
Despite being waitlisted in high school and receiving perfect grades my freshman year, my jaw still dropped when I saw the Carolina blue confetti across my computer screen with the words "Congratulations!" I sat there in disbelief, trying to comprehend how my life had just changed. My sweet roommates did their best to be supportive, even as the reality set in that I wouldn't be returning in the fall.
So, to my past self: No, you don't have it all figured out. And that's okay. In the end, you'll find yourself exactly where you're supposed to be. And yes, you are now one of those try-hard nerds. But it turns out, UNC isn't boring at all. In fact, it's filled with your favorite people, unforgettable experiences, and an education that will more than prepare you for whatever comes next.
