The Class of 2024 writes a letter to Carolina
Through social media submissions, graduates share how the University has impacted their lives.
Under the lights of Kenan Stadium on Saturday, Carolina’s Class of 2024 enjoyed a graduation celebration fitting of their accomplishments. After years of hard work, these Tar Heels celebrated at their first graduation ceremony, since most finished high school during the pandemic lockdown period.
As speeches throughout the Commencement celebrations noted, the skills and experiences gathered at Carolina have prepared these students to enter the world and excel at whatever they pursue.
Through a photo series on UNC’s social media platforms, graduates highlighted some of their favorite memories, what they will miss most after leaving Chapel Hill, and advice they would share with others. One question requested graduates to share a message on what their time at UNC-Chapel Hill meant to them, in the form of a letter.
Take a look at some of the messages to Carolina from the Class of 2024.
Meighan Parsh
Dear Carolina... “Thank you for being my home for seven years. Thank you for bringing such wonderful people into my life and for helping me find my passions in life. And thank you for reminding me that no matter where I go in life, I will always be welcome here.” – Meighan Parsh ’21, ’24 (JD) from Columbia, South Carolina
Michael Anthony Pierro
Dear Carolina… “I left New Jersey four years ago in search of a new place to call home, and you delivered in spades. There are not enough words to describe what being a Tar Heel has meant to me, so I will just say thank you. This place gave me some of the best moments of my life, and for that I will always be grateful.” – Michael Anthony Pierro, exercise and sport science major with a religious studies minor from Manahawkin, New Jersey.
Ally Henson
Dear Carolina… “There’s been good, bad and ugly, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I came here during COVID and fell in love even with all the restrictions in place. I will forever hold my time here in my heart no matter where I go. I couldn’t imagine having gone anywhere else.” – Ally Henson, media and journalism and political science double major from Hickory, North Carolina.
Monique Gandy
Dear Carolina… “Though the beginning of our relationship was unconventional, I have come to appreciate how you’ve consistently pushed me to challenge myself and grow. Each year brings new experiences and connections, keeping me on my toes in a beautiful and positive way.” – Monique Gandy, advertising and public relations major with an entrepreneurship minor from Huntersville, North Carolina.
Cam Traylor
Dear Carolina… “Thank you for helping mold me into the man that I am today. I’ve endured a lot of experiences here. Not just professionally, but personally as well. The people I’ve met, the lessons I’ve learned, and the memories I’ve made here will be carried with me throughout the rest of my life!” – Cam Traylor, media and journalism major with a minor in entrepreneurship from Durham, North Carolina.
