I am proudly a part of UNC’s Hussman School of Journalism and Media on the Advertising and Public Relations track. The courses I have taken in this program have allowed me to strengthen my writing skills and introduced me to effective advertising/marketing strategies to incorporate into campaigns. I have become proficient in using platforms such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and Canva.
I hold a double major in Human and Organizational Leadership Development through UNC’s School of Education. The courses I have taken throughout this program have taught me how to effectively organize within business, non-profit, and governmental agencies. It has helped me grow in my communication skills was various stakeholders regarding quantitative and quantitative social science research and data-informed decision-making.
My Backstory
In 2004, I was born and raised in Holly Springs, NC. The second my parents brought me home from the hospital, I would be born into a group of neighbors who I hold so special to my heart. I have lived on the same street since the day I was born. The Holly Springs community might know our street for its canopy of Christmas lights on all our trees, our neighbor’s spooky Halloween decorations that even I was afraid of until age 14, and our NC State vs UNC rivalry. But to me, it means so much more. It is a place where I am surrounded by my best friends, who have been by my side since birth, and by adults who I consider to be my family. Not many people’s neighbors stick together forever, but there is no doubt in my mind that all these people will be with me every step of the way. Our parents all made a pact to never move, so yes, we are literally stuck together forever!
Ever since the age of 4, I fell in love with soccer. I played for Holly Springs Parks and Recreation till I was 8, then started playing club soccer at Wake FC. Wake FC and club soccer have been my life, pride, and joy for as long as I can remember. From playing challenge, to select, to classic, I knew soccer was my passion.
All of the weekend tournament trips, running up and down the hotel halls, and building the most remarkable relationships with my teammates and coaches made me realize that soccer did way more for me as a person than it did physically. It brought me to my best friends and to people who wanted to see me succeed in all aspects of my life. It taught me how to push through adversity, build quality relationships, and never stop pushing yourself.
Life tried knocking me down multiple times with two knee surgeries, wrist surgery, and having to take months and months off at a time. You don’t realize how much you love something until it is taken away from you, but I knew I couldn’t give up the sport that made me, ME.
To all the coaches who never stopped believing in me and my ability, who pushed me when I thought I couldn’t do it anymore, and who helped me realize how much love I have for the game, thank you. You have changed my life forever and I will strive to mirror your selflessness, passion and dedication to others.
My high school experience was so amazing, and I credit that directly to my best friends, teachers, teammates, and family. I have the most amazing group of best friends who will be stuck by my side forever. Whether we went to our FNL football games together, got milkshakes at Cookout at 12 am, or simply watched a movie, our time together is always filled with immense laughter. Their families became my family, and our siblings all became friends. Although we are all at different colleges right now, our friendship is timeless and one that never fades.
Ever since I was a child, UNC has been my dream school. I grew up watching the UNC women’s soccer team and was mesmerized by the national championship-winning program and dynasty Anson Dorrance built. Seeing the close-knit community of UNC students, sports teams, and alumni made me realize that UNC is where I wanted to spend my college years. After I submitted my application, the waiting period began. I happened to be in a Bojangles parking lot with my brother when I got word the decisions came out. Anxiously, I opened my application portal and looked at the letter. I GOT IN! The most surreal feeling hit me as I realized I would be going to the school I used to dream about going to as a kid!