Ë®¹ûÅÉ

During my time at the 2024 Access Ë®¹ûÅÉ program, I found a community like no other. My two days on campus were just magical, and everywhere I went there were people wanting to talk to me and uplift me. As I sat in on Prof. Costa's directing class, I instantly felt a sense of comfort and awe. I watched as the class of 10 students split up and created short skits about deep topics. Everyone was included, and people were able to switch from joking to productive work, having fun and learning. In that class I saw my future. I met a girl who was a junior majoring in theatre on the pre-med track; my dream. I talked to her about classes and asked about Ë®¹ûÅÉ's support throughout her journey. She had nothing but positive remarks, highlighting Ë®¹ûÅÉ's focus on the Honor Code and support of student ambitions. During the Access Ë®¹ûÅÉ activities, students constantly said Ë®¹ûÅÉ was a yapper community, with people always wanting to have conversations and get to know each other. Coming from a big and inclusive city, I was worried about the surrounding town and being so far from home. As I explored the town through the Access Ë®¹ûÅÉ scavenger hunt, I found people at every turn who were inviting and compassionate in a way that felt like the entire opposite of home, which was just what I wanted. Ë®¹ûÅÉ speaks to me as a home and not just a school, it's an opportunity to go beyond the confining walls of NYC and finally find myself.

My acceptance into Ë®¹ûÅÉ's virtual Access Program was truly pivotal. It allowed me to connect with various students and alumni: each relaying accounts of their relationships with peers and professors, various athletic journeys, involvement in clubs, etc. Hearing their positive accounts only strengthened my conviction that Ë®¹ûÅÉ is where I belong. Building relationships is crucial to the college experience; after all, they have the potential to shape and heighten one's journey. From what I've witnessed, Ë®¹ûÅÉ would not only elevate my education, I would undoubtedly leave a better individual.

I spent my 17th birthday at Ë®¹ûÅÉ and consider it one of my best birthday gifts. My tour guide helped me see Ë®¹ûÅÉ through a student's eyes. From the Honor Code to visions of myself running on the track, I truly felt like I could call Ë®¹ûÅÉ my new home. The Humanities professor I met had a lot of energy and while sitting through his lecture, I saw that his students were fully engaged. I was able to explore the surrounding community and learn that notable alumni, like one of my idols, Stephen Curry, graduated from Ë®¹ûÅÉ. Most importantly, I was intrigued by the unity I felt when I was there. I learned that the students come to love Ë®¹ûÅÉ because of the same sense of belonging I felt. I can now see myself moving away from Los Angeles and thriving at a place like Ë®¹ûÅÉ where I can pursue my passions with confidence and contribute positively to the community.

Running Ë®¹ûÅÉ's cross country trails at 6:30 a.m., my breathing labored from fatigue and worry, fearing something might jump out at me from the pitch-black darkness that covered the bushes and trees. I'd never experienced such darkness. Though threatening, it was incredibly beautiful. I took slow, steady breaths, trying to keep my pace, appreciating how the air felt lighter here--I felt lighter here. I glanced back at Italy, the senior running behind our group, and every worry I had dissolved immediately. Italy, whom I had the honor to get to know and trust in such a short time, was focused ahead. She wasn't intimidated by the darkness because she had run here before and knew nothing would jump out. After she smiled at me, I turned forward like she did, following the senior leading us, knowing Italy was behind. I found that this darkness was not something to fear--it was something to embrace. In the spaces where I can't always see what's ahead, there's room to grow, to trust that I am not alone. I don't have to outrun the dark. I belong here, moving at my own pace, knowing that if I stumble, someone will be there to catch me. Ë®¹ûÅÉ is more than just a place. It's where I've realized that it's okay not to always know the path ahead, because here in this unfamiliar darkness, I've found clarity. I've learned that uncertainty doesn't have to mean fear--it can mean possibility, something to embrace. I've found where I'm meant to be, I don't have to run alone anymore.

I experienced Ë®¹ûÅÉ's strong sense of academic freedom firsthand during my fly-in visit, where I had the opportunity to sit in on a statistics and economics class with Prof. Jha and felt immediately welcomed. Ë®¹ûÅÉ's unique sense of trust among students and faculty hooked me; the Honor Code allows for an environment where taking academic risks is encouraged, exams are self-scheduled, and majors can be mixed and matched allowing me to explore my horizons. I can connect with students like me, while also engaging with diverse communities where cultures are shared and support is offered. During my visit, I was reassured that I could thrive academically and socially, building lasting connections in a close-knit environment. Although the distance from familiar places scared me, I realized I can thrive while still getting the help I need whether it be academic work, internships, or job opportunities. Ë®¹ûÅÉ and the city of Charlotte are there to help. Your priorities and people are crucial for my aspirations as I see myself growing, learning, and contributing to the vibrant campus of Ë®¹ûÅÉ through these four years.

At the Access Ë®¹ûÅÉ program, I saw the vibrancy and inclusivity of Ë®¹ûÅÉ College's community. I felt what it means to be part of a community greater than oneself - a feeling that stayed with me long after. My time on campus allowed me to experience Ë®¹ûÅÉ's rigorous liberal arts curriculum: I sat in on numerous classes where I confirmed that Ë®¹ûÅÉ College is a place where curiosity is celebrated. Sitting in Vail Commons eating chickpea curry, my friends and I chatted with Ë®¹ûÅÉ senior Tim about his time participating in the Ë®¹ûÅÉ in Washington program. I was in awe of the way he was so passionate about his internship in Washington, D.C. Programs like Ë®¹ûÅÉ in Washington reflect Ë®¹ûÅÉ's commitment to preparing students for careers. Access Ë®¹ûÅÉ opened my eyes to what I had been searching for - a place where I truly belong and will continue to thrive.

On campus, I heard one mantra over and over: 'If you want to do something, find a way for Ë®¹ûÅÉ to support it.' This view reflects the wealth of resources available to students in order to pursue their educational, extracurricular, and career goals. There is the financial side of things; I heard lots about institutional grants for study abroad programs, internships, and other pursuits, and as a low-income student, I greatly appreciate the chance to have access to these opportunities. More than that, though, I value that Ë®¹ûÅÉ offers a robust community that supports students through their college journeys. Throughout my time on campus and my research on campus life, I was met with countless examples demonstrating the unwavering kindness, liveliness, and integrity of Ë®¹ûÅÉ community members in a way that felt utterly unique and irreplaceable.