see you later, Carolina

It’s hard to put into words what these last four years at Carolina have meant to me.

As I think about leaving this place I’ve lived in for the past four years, tears are forming in my eyes (although it doesn’t take much to make me cry). I have made memories to last a lifetime and beyond. They tell you that college is some of the best years of your life - they were right.

I think about how much I’ve grown since I arrived as a freshman to Horton Residence Hall in 2016 to now, a graduating senior. I’m proud of all that's happened in between.

If you would have told me that this would be how I would end my time at Carolina, I would laugh in your face. Although I'm upset about the ways things ended, this does not diminish any of the hard work and achievements I’ve accomplished over the past 3.75 years.

I came to this university not knowing what I wanted to study and found my home at the Hussman School of Journalism and Media (though it will always be the School of Media and Journalism to me). I discovered my passion for advertising, public relations and branding in one of the most top-ranked journalism schools in the country. The people I met through this school, both classmates and professors, guided me to be the best version of myself. This will impact me for the years to come. It gave me opportunities to join organizations like Coulture Magazine and set the groundwork for me to have some of the most incredible internship experiences. Choosing MEJO as a major is one of my greatest decisions to date and I have no regrets.

Carolina also gave me friends that will last a lifetime, both old and new. I came here with many of the same friends from high school and while some have faded while others blossomed, they will always be part of my Carolina experience. To the new friends I have made here, I wish we didn’t have to leave each other so abruptly and start our lives in new cities. It’s hard knowing that many of the best friends I made in college will be living in different places after graduation, but that doesn’t mean goodbye forever. The memories we made here are too many to count. From concerts at Cat’s Cradle to sledding down the Dean Smith Center hill to the many dance parties in the kitchen, just to name some favorites. In my opinion, the people that you surround yourself with are the ones that make a home, a home. The people I met here sure made me feel at home.

Many college students can attest to this, but simply being at college has taught me more about myself than I think I’ll ever learn in my lifetime. My values became clearer to me and I found a confidence in myself I never thought I would be able to unlock. All of the experiences I've had and the people I've met have molded me into the woman I am now. I realized what was truly important to me and I think I could have only found that through my time here at Carolina.

If I could do college over again, I would in a heartbeat. To all you incoming freshman and current underclassmen, take advantage of every opportunity. Go to Sunset Serenade. Study hard and get to know your professors. Eat ice cream at Maple View. Stay up chatting and laughing with your roommates until 2 a.m. Make memories that last a lifetime. And even when you do leave this place, these memories will follow you. We’re forever Tar Heels.

This isn't goodbye, it’s see you later Carolina.