It's Great Here. Really.

I know that most of you have probably heard numerous things about Carolina. You've heard that it's great. You've heard that you'll have the time of your life. You've probably also heard that this is the one of the best college experiences that you could have. Well, I'm here to tell you that IT'S ALL TRUE. UNC was the best choice that I could make for school, academically and financially.


But let's back up for a moment. Before I do this, I suppose I should introduce myself: My name is LaDarian Smith. I'm a Sophomore here at Carolina and a proud English and Communication Studies double major (with the possibility of a minor in Writing for the Screen and Stage). It sounds like a lot, I know, but talk to virtually anyone on this campus and you'll find that double majors aren't that uncommon! I've met a Music and Chemistry double major, a French and Philosophy double major, a Public Relations and Anthropology double major....see where this is going? Take your interests and find a program of study that works for you! I can honestly say that I came into college with the wrong major. I wasn't happy with anything that I was doing, and my grades reflected that. Do what makes you happy, and I'll leave it at that.

I'm an out of state student as well, proudly hailing from Augusta, Georgia! There were some issues at first with adjusting to not being able to go home whenever I pleased. But the best advice that I have for any college student who gets the hometown blues is to STAY BUSY. Explore your interests and find clubs that cater to them. For example, I LOVE to sing. Coincidentally, I grew up listening to the UNC Gospel Choir, a subgroup of the Black Student Movement. I made it my mission to join the choir as soon as I got here (and now I'm on track to becoming the Head Director of said choir). I also am the President of an a capella group on campus called Vision. Like I said, I love to sing! There's literally something for EVERYONE to do on campus. Like to dance? There are a plethora of dance organizations on campus. Like art? There's something for you too! When you get to Carolina, you have to seek out these groups and opportunities, otherwise you'll be in for a pretty dull ride. FallFest is the perfect time to sign up for organizations (but there'll be more on that later!).

As you can tell, there are so many facets to a Carolina education that it's easy to miss out on something accidentally. I love every single one of my classes and I love everything I'm involved in this semester, but that's because I know what I want to do now with my time and studies. Remember, it's GREAT here, but it'll only be GREAT if you want it to be;)

There's so much more that I want to babble about, but I have to save a few things for next time. On the plus side, it's almost Thanksgiving! I've been mentally and physically preparing myself for the overeating that will occur. Perhaps you'll have more self control than I will. Good luck with any upcoming exams in school that you may have!

-LaDarian
lvsmith@live.unc.edu