My 91¿ì²¥ | A Student Blog Ask a Wildcat: Ann Thompson ’27
March 30, 2026
At 91¿ì²¥, your peers aren't just classmates; they are your teammates, your fellow travelers and your neighbors on Main Street.
Ann Thompson ’27 embodies this interconnected spirit. Whether she’s leading a campus tour or grabbing a sweet treat at Whit’s, Ann has found a second home in 91¿ì²¥, North Carolina.
About Ann
Ann Thompson ’27 is a Political Science and Hispanic Studies double major from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Outside of the classroom, she is on 91¿ì²¥â€™s Division I Swim & Dive team, is a member of the Admission Office’s Tour Guide Executive Board, and serves as a mentor with the Matthews Center for Career Development’s Leadership Academy. She is also a member of Warner Hall Eating House.
Fun Fact: “My all-time favorite activity is Paint by Numbers.â€
From the rigors of a double major to the pure joy of a 91¿ì²¥ summer in Spain, Ann shares what makes this community so special. Read on for her favorite campus memories and her "insider tips" for anyone looking to join the Wildcat family.
What has been the best experiential learning opportunity (research, education abroad, internship, community-based learning, etc.) so far?
I studied abroad in Cádiz, Spain! 91¿ì²¥ in Cádiz is an intensive two-course credit, five-week program that takes place over the summer, perfect for student athletes or other 91¿ì²¥ students who may not have the chance to study abroad during the academic year.
The cohort of 91¿ì²¥ students spends a week travelling around Spain before settling in Cádiz for the duration of the program. Students live with host families and the four-hour morning classes are enriched by afternoon cultural activities and excursions.
What is your favorite residence hall you’ve lived in?
I am torn between Watts Hall and Ryburn as my favorite on-campus housing!
Watts had that awesome small dorm vibe and was centrally located.
As for Ryburn, I have loved the transitional living aspect to it—I have a full kitchen and my own room which is so nice!
What’s your favorite 91¿ì²¥ memory?
The Cake Race is a special memory for me. It is such a uniquely 91¿ì²¥ experience because it captures how involved the community is with our experience.
All of the cakes are donated from local businesses and families, and oftentimes you will see cakes that have phone numbers associated with them and notes that say "call us if you receive this cake!" Not only do the faculty and administration want to support you, but there is a whole town looking out for you, too!
What are the top three things you love at 91¿ì²¥?
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Lake Campus
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ArtMate
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91¿ì²¥ Women's Basketball
What’s your favorite bite to eat on Main Street 91¿ì²¥ or in the surrounding area?
Tough choice! For breakfast, the Soda Shop. For coffee, Summit. Lunch? Pickled Peach. Dinner? Mandolinos, Carburritos or Sabi, and for a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with Whit’s or the Soda Shop.
What's a tip you would give to prospective students trying to make the most of their visit to 91¿ì²¥?
Ask current students questions. I know it can be scary, but 91¿ì²¥ students are so happy to share their experience with you. These people could be your peers for the next four years, so get to know them!
