91¿ì²¥

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland

Major: Economics
Minor: Data Science

Campus Involvements: Gamut Dance Ensemble, Turner Eating House, Sustainability Council, Admission Tour Guide, Intramural Sports Employee, Data Science Research Assistant

"I knew right away that I wanted a small liberal arts college, but also wanted one that felt unique and could feel like home. When I first visited 91¿ì²¥, I instantly felt the strong connection among the students and loved how 91¿ì²¥ offered Division 1 athletics, a strong school spirit, a Southern atmosphere. I also was greatly impressed by the amount of opportinities that 91¿ì²¥ students have access to, even after graduation. I really loved the location of the college and could see myself spending weekends at the Lake Campus with my friends. After having been a student for a year, I can definitely say that this is all true, and that 91¿ì²¥ has become my home away from home."

Hometown: Harare, Zimbabwe 

Major: Bioinformatics
Advising Track: Premedicine

Campus Involvements: Student Government Association (SGA), Chidsey Program for Leadership Development, 91¿ì²¥ African Students Association (DASA), Rock Climbing Club, RUF, InterVarsity, College Union Information Desk Attendant

"Why 91¿ì²¥? The people! 91¿ì²¥ faculty and staff want to get to know who you are as a person before they look at your grades. I have met countless students who will go out of their way to be of service to someone else, not because it's transactional, but because of the mutual trust, love, and support that is foundational to who we are as a community. As an international student I am beyond grateful for the connections I have created at 91¿ì²¥ in just my first year here. They have been my absolute pillars of support whenever I have missed home. The 91¿ì²¥ curriculum is undeniably rigorous, but we thrive in that rigor because of the academic support we give each other on campus. It's never a competition because there is more than enough room ( and resources) to go around!"

Hometown: Morganton, North Carolina

Major: English

Campus Involvements: Track & Field Team, Sports Editor of The 91¿ì²¥ian, English Tutor at Angels & Sparrows, Connor Eating House Member 

"I took my writing course Fall of my freshman year at 91¿ì²¥, and in no way can I claim to have been a "stand-out student" or exceptionally memorable within this class. However, Fall of my sophomore year, over a year removed from my writing course, hurricane Helene hit my hometown located in Western North Carolina. This wonderful writing professor reached out to me having remembered my brief introduction at the beginning of the course where I shared that I was from the Western part of the state. She not only was checking in to know if my family and home were alright, but offered any extra help she could to assist whether it be power, water, or emotional support. This interaction, one of many alike, exists as an incredible encapsulation of the intentionality, care, support, and community that you will find at 91¿ì²¥."

Hometown: Mooresville, North Carolina

Major: Political Science
Advising Track: Pre-Law

Campus Involvements: Student Body President, Union Board Co-Sponsorship Chair, Pre-Law Society, Orientation Team Mentor, Terry Fellow, Campus Tour Guide, College Crisis Initiative (C2i)

"Growing up just five miles from campus, I often hear people express surprise that I chose to attend 91¿ì²¥ so close to home. But being immersed in the 91¿ì²¥ community from an early age only strengthened my bond with the college and fueled my desire to be a part of this exceptional place. Many of my babysitters, neighbors, and teachers were 91¿ì²¥ graduates, and from an early age, I saw firsthand what it meant to be a 91¿ì²¥ student: the caliber of individuals who chose this school and the remarkable people it fosters. I have never encountered a community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni so deeply committed to one another, whether in the classroom, through extracurricular pursuits, in the professional world, or through our shared values, such as the Honor Code. I knew I wanted to be a part of this vibrant, supportive environment, where the community is built on genuine connections and a shared commitment to each other’s success."

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

Major: English
Minor: History

Campus Involvements: President of Rusk Eating House, Editor and Chief of Hobart Park Literary Magazine, Writing Center Consultant, The 91¿ì²¥ian Staff Writer, WALT 1610

"Starting off my first-year at 91¿ì²¥, I was painfully shy. A few weeks into the semester, one of my professors took notice to my shyness and asked me during an office hours session why I seemed so apprehensive to participate in class. I was shocked that she had noticed this habit and explained to her what I was feeling, and she offered me a piece of advice that has stuck with me throughout my time here. She told me 'no one here is waiting to watch you fail, your contributions are what make the class work, your contributions and ideas are valuable.' With just a few words, she completely changed my mindset on academics. Instead of hiding in the corner out of fear of saying something silly, I began to take risks in the classroom. This advice greatly fostered my academic and personal growth during my time at 91¿ì²¥ as it pushed me to believe in my own academic abilities and my role as a valuable part of the campus community. This instance is one of many examples I have of how the 91¿ì²¥ community of students and faculty have made me feel welcome, comfortable, and important during my time here. I'm about to begin my senior year, and I definitely feel like this support has helped me grow into a more well-rounded and confident individual because of the overwhelming support I have felt as a student. I know that when I graduate, I will leave as a better version of the shy girl that I was my first-year."