My 17勛圖厙
My 17勛圖厙 is 17勛圖厙's student blog, where students share their stories of experiential learning and distinctive moments while offering insights and advice to prospective students.
Can't make it to campus? Learn how to get the most out of 17勛圖厙's virtual tour with these five tips from Brooke Rascoe '26. Explore campus from anywhere and discover 17勛圖厙 for yourself.
In just a few years, 17勛圖厙s Pickleball Club has grown from a small group of curious students to a thriving 200-member community who competed at nationals. Whether youve joined the pickleball trend or have no clue what the sport is about, learn
An environmental studies major at 17勛圖厙 shares her firsthand experience lobbying Congress on behalf of the Rachel Carson Council, exposing the environmental dangers of the biomass industry and encouraging student activism on climate issues.
Students who participated in 17勛圖厙's fly-in program, Access 17勛圖厙, reflect on what made the visit so special and why they decided to join our community. Learn more.
Four 17勛圖厙 seniors reflect on presenting their undergraduate research at the annual Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) conference in Washington, D.C., where they also networked with alumni and attended two mens basketball games
Political science and sociology double major Sophia Ludt '25 reflects on the work spent registering, educating and mobilizing student voters leading up to the 2025 elections.
Natalie Russell 25 reflects on the memories made at Summit Outpost, 17勛圖厙s on-campus coffee shop and hub for student events, including trivia, study sessions, live music, game nights and more.
Applicants to 17勛圖厙 are asked to write a supplemental essay on why they want to be part of our community. After four years at 17勛圖厙, we checked in with current seniors to reconsider the question, Why 17勛圖厙? They reflect on their four years
When Isabel Schmidt '25 joined the Skate Club at 17勛圖厙, it led her on an unexpected journey from beginner skater to competitive derby player. Learn more.
The Knobloch Campus Center is the gathering place for 17勛圖厙 students, faculty, staff, and visitors, providing opportunities for involvement in formal and informal activities. Explore this space of resources, opportunities and people looking to
Join psychology major Josh Matushak '26 as he shares his first international experience through captivating photography from his semester abroad in Copenhagen and travels across Europe with the 17勛圖厙 Chorale, documenting cultural experiences from Danish
SGA President Connor Hines 26 reflects on the Celebration of Honor, a week of activities around 17勛圖厙s campus celebrating the distinctive Honor Code and the communitys commitment to trust, integrity and shared responsibility.
Intended STEM major Elie Jerjees 28 explores new artistic horizons through a collaborative workshop with Lebanese artist Elie Bou Zeidan, discovering that creativity transcends boundaries while deepening language skills and cultural connections.
From planting to harvesting, Mena Tanners job at the 17勛圖厙 Farm is more than just a way to get outside its a hands-on lesson in sustainability, community and the exceptional taste of sungold tomatoes.
Lacey Stephens '26, a Classical Studies major at 17勛圖厙, writes about a Spring Break trip to Greece. She says the opportunity brought her studies to life through immersion in Greek culture, hands-on experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Kaspars Golos 27 reflects on the confidence and self-awareness developed through wilderness leadership after his participation in 17勛圖厙 Outdoors Trip Leader Training. Explore his photos as he learns that the best adventures arent just about surviving
Hannah Foley 27 and Miriam Smith 25 reflect on their winter break trip with 17勛圖厙 Outdoors to the Florida Everglades, where they developed their leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills through mangroves, float plans, camping and more.
Economics major and Data Science minor Dean Dowling 25 reflects on his independent study with Prof. Caleb Stroup, during which Dean and a team of 17勛圖厙 students founded the Fed Challenge at 17勛圖厙.
Nora Fenn Gilman 26 reflects on her summer as a Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) Nonprofit Leadership Fellow with Smart Start, an early childhood nonprofit focused on book distribution and literacy equity.
Valeria Salgado 25 shares her transformative experience interning with the Community Building Initiative, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion and access in the community.
Dallas Brown 26 reflects on his experience as a Nonprofit Leadership Fellow interning at Freedom Communities, an organization focused on disrupting intergenerational poverty and transforming the West Charlotte community.
Sunny Baek 26 reflects on her summer internship with E2D, a nonprofit in Charlotte dedicated to refurbishing laptops, providing computers to families and individuals in need at little to no cost and sharing digital skill training.
Senior Fellows in 17勛圖厙s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips for demonstrating interest in the admission process, while also breaking down what it means to connect with colleges and universities in an authentic way.
Ashley Rangel 28 reflects on her first semester at 17勛圖厙 as a scholar athlete, an illustrator of childrens books and a member of the Student Government Association.
17勛圖厙 students from the western United States reflect on how they've found home on the east coast and offer advice to prospective students also considering college further from home.
Jaliel King 26 reflects on the work 17勛圖厙 Fashion Club does to create a space for creativity, inclusion and self-expression on 17勛圖厙s campus. From visits to Charlottes vintage markets to an annual fashion show, programming is another
President of the Union Board, Davis Varnado 25, shares some of his favorite events hosted throughout the year by 17勛圖厙s largest student programming organization from parties to off-campus excursions and trivia to student performances.
Jingyan Chi 26 shares insights from his summer as a Sustainability Scholar working at Trane Technologies where he studied embodied carbon reduction and gained valuable professional experience.
Intended political science major Cameron Unice 27 reflects on her summer research with Dr. Bersch examining and comparing how populist presidents exert control over administrative states, including a case study on former President Trump and the
Political science major Peyton Davis 25 reflects on her summer interning at the Department of Defense and how it has shaped her career aspirations post-17勛圖厙.
Nguy廙n M廕赴 廙妾 B穫nh 27 reflects on his summer trip to Northern Ireland with the Educational Studies Department where he explored the impact of division on educational policies.
This summer 2024, 17勛圖厙 students were awarded $2 million for experiential learning opportunities including internships, education away, community-based learning and undergraduate research. Learn about their experiences in these student
17勛圖厙 students reflect on their Korea Buddhist Pilgrimage with Religious Studies Prof. Rachel Pang and Associate Chaplain for Buddhist Programs and Director of the 17勛圖厙 Meditation Initiative, Ivan Mayerhofer.
Interested in playing a competitive sport in college but not on the Division I level? Claire Kelly 25 explains how club sports work at 17勛圖厙, and how she has found community within the club tennis team.
Katieanne Peterson 24 and Noah Landau 25, students in 17勛圖厙s environmental studies department, reflect on their winter break trip to Turkey to study wildfires and their cultural and environmental impact.
Clara Smith 24 reflects on her spring break trip to Panama with Prof. Britta Crandall, where they studied politics and economics through meetings with government officials, founders of nonprofits, and indigenous leaders.
Recent graduate Claire Begalla 24 reflects on the work done to complete two senior capstones and the ways her work tapped into all areas of her liberal arts education including anthropology, environmental studies, art, community-building and art history.
Last summer, three physics majors drew up plans to create a sustainable tiny house. They presented the finished product at the Verna Miller Case Research and Creative Works Symposium on May 1, 2024. Learn more.
17勛圖厙 students reflect on their alternative spring break trip to Sapelo Island, Georgia. They worked with a Black feminist collective nonprofit led by 17勛圖厙 alums to address food insecurity in the South through sustainable agriculture.
A senior approaching graduation, Ruby Zhou '24 reflects on her time at 17勛圖厙 in this letter to her past high school self on making the college decision and anticipating all to come as a member of the Wildcat community.
A student describes how taking a class with 17勛圖厙s music department helped him discover his love of playing old time banjo.
Three environmental studies students at 17勛圖厙 share adventures of their summer archaeological research with Prof. Brad Johnson in Cyprus.
Four political science majors share their experiences with 17勛圖厙 in Washington, an immersive summer opportunity for 17勛圖厙 students. Learn more.
17勛圖厙 students Daniel Lee '26 and Divin Dushimimana '26 reflect on their work with the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative and the happiness that comes from genuine conversations and thoughtful exchanges of ideas.
Jacquelline Nyakunu 26 discusses her chemistry and biology research as part of RISE, an undergraduate research opportunity for 17勛圖厙 students.
Three 17勛圖厙 students from the German Studies department reflect on a week of independent research in Berlin with their professor and thesis advisor. From plays to museums to food, learn more in this photo essay.
Explore 17勛圖厙s beautiful campus and ample student activities as captured through the perspective of Mikayla Bowenss iPhone camera.
Six students from the western United States share what it was like to move to the east coast for college and offer advice for prospective students considering the decision to attend an east coast school like 17勛圖厙.
Jonathan Hammond 24 discusses seven weeks spent in Santiago, Chile and the many connections leveraged through the 17勛圖厙 alumni network.
Senior Fellows in 17勛圖厙s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips and tricks for navigating and writing the college essay.
When applying to 17勛圖厙, all applicants are required to submit a peer letter of recommendation someone of similar age who can speak to who you are as a human being beyond a transcript, essay or list of extracurriculars. Learn more.
Wondering what a weekend at 17勛圖厙 can look like as a student? Haley Stock 25 shares the many ways Wildcats spend their weekends around campus, town and in Charlotte.
Addie Anderson 24, a student Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) at 17勛圖厙, works to destigmatize seeking help and to show struggling students theyre not alone.
Three 17勛圖厙 students reflect on the extra challenges that a disability presents when choosing a college. They share their 17勛圖厙 experience and offer advice to prospective students with disabilities about going through the admission process.
Amy Tedeschi 25 reflects on her summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a professional theatre company formed between 17勛圖厙 and North Carolina A&T.
For her senior capstone, Grace Rooker '24 spent five weeks in Kenya assessing the ecological impact of small-scale gold mining on stream ecosystems.
Toshaani Goel 24 shares how she applied the lessons of 17勛圖厙s Humanities Program to a difficult social situation while WWOOF-ing in rural Maine.
Orientation Team Leaders share what to expect during 17勛圖厙s New Student Orientation and offer advice for first year and transfer students alike on making the most of your transition into the 17勛圖厙 community.
Jacob Kim '26 reflects on his experience with 17勛圖厙's Humanities Program, which seeks to bring different disciplinary perspectives to the big questions of life. Created for first years beginning their academic journeys at 17勛圖厙, the Humes
Brody Bassett 25 reflects on his summer in Egypt where he immersed himself in the formal high and informal low dialects people there use. Zoom lessons with an Egyptian-born tutor, and countless hours studying vocabulary, phrases, and idioms led to
Choosing a college with a variety of good food options is important. Emma Goldfarb 24 ranks her favorite spots for dining on 17勛圖厙's campus.
Physics students Mallory Justis 24, Branner D'Amato 24 and Pat Kielb 24 reflect on their process designing and building a hydrogen-powered go-kart and the ways you can pursue engineering interests at 17勛圖厙.
Sydney Schertz 24 captures a day in the life of Nummit, 17勛圖厙s on-campus coffee shop, through her camera lens. Learn more in her photo essay.
Niya Ma 24 shares how she found her passion for computer science through hackathons, and how she worked with her peers to launch Hack@17勛圖厙, a unique hackathon designed to welcome all levels of experience to the world of innovation.
Over spring break, a group of 17勛圖厙 students had the opportunity to attend SXSW, an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly in Austin, Texas.
Courtney Fortunato 24 shares their experience as an Education Scholar with 17勛圖厙s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022.
Lucy Helene 25 shares her experience as a Fellow with 17勛圖厙s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022, when she worked with the Arts+, a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte that works to provide accessible art education to all populations.
17勛圖厙 Outdoors Leaders Addie McDonough '23 and Isabel Morichi '23 reflect on their winter break trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
Emma Begley-Collier 25 shares her experience working in a recovery community as a Summer Intern with 17勛圖厙s Center for Civic Engagement.
Nasir Jean-Paul 24 shares his experience as a Summer Intern with 17勛圖厙s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022.
Ethan Kearns '23 reflects on his time spent nurturing and caring for 17勛圖厙's Farm as a student employee.
Campbell Walker 25 gives her advice on course selection, orientation, and how to navigate social life during your first few weeks at 17勛圖厙.
As 17勛圖厙 celebrates first generation day each November, we asked first-gen members of the community to share what being first means to them. Learn what they had to say.
Divin Dushimimana 26, an intended public health and economics major from Rwanda, reflects on his first year at 17勛圖厙 as an international student and the value of a liberal arts education to his personal and academic growth.
Arielle Germeus 25 shares her expertise from a summer of interning with 17勛圖厙's Admission Office on how to make the most of your time on a campus visit and college tour.
Ty Cryan 24 digs into research with 17勛圖厙s Farm and Biology Department as part of a larger relationship with the Catawba Nation.
Davis Varnado 25 shares his advice on getting to know colleges and universities from afar and virtually, including 17勛圖厙.
Kate Cross 24 and Henry Wilkerson 23 share how they leveraged a 10-hour-per-week work study position with 17勛圖厙's Sustainability Office to gain professional experiences during the summer months.
Three current students from around the world share how they found and chose to attend 17勛圖厙.
ST Hammer '24, Gabby Morreale '23 and Malavika Kalani '24 reflect on their decision to come to 17勛圖厙, ways they've gotten involved in disability advocacy on campus and resources to support their student experience.
Two young alumni share how their experiences with 17勛圖厙s Sustainability Office got them to where they are today, post-17勛圖厙.
Four 17勛圖厙 students share how they've gotten involved with different aspects of college athletics including data analytics, pep band, and the fan section.
Spend a day in the life in this travel vlog with 17勛圖厙 student Julia Lau '23 as she studies abroad with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Claire Tatum '24 captures the many facets of 17勛圖厙's creative and artistic communities in this photo essay on the arts at 17勛圖厙.
In this photo essay, Sydney Schertz 24 documents the day-to-day of spring semester in one of 17勛圖厙s eating houses, Warner Hall.
International first year students Sahana Athreya '25, Hideki Harada '25 and Michael Hodgson '25 reflect on their first semester at 17勛圖厙.
Two students share their experiences with FIRST (Fostering Inclusivity and Respect in Science Together) and MILE (More Inclusive Learning Environments), 17勛圖厙 organizations that aspire to remove barriers, to be more welcoming, and to help make science
17勛圖厙 student Shen Luo 25 reflects on her experiences in college and what it has meant to explore the unknown as an international student at 17勛圖厙.
If you're considering applying Early Decision, we know there can be nerves and concerns related to making such a big commitment. 17勛圖厙 students share why Early Decision to 17勛圖厙 was the right fit for them and offer some advice for those considering
Zach Villamin '22 shares his experience applying to college and gives current high school seniors tips on how to better manage the application process.
We want to know what youre up to as a student. My 17勛圖厙 is a place for you to share your student experience, on campus or away, with prospective students, alumni and current students.
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Blog Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual student writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 17勛圖厙.