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Pull up a seat With a new Tar Heel

This fall, we will welcome 5,625 new undergraduates to Carolina. They come from 93 North Carolina counties and represent 100 countries. Here’s what four in-state students shared about what they hope to accomplish at Carolina when they pulled up a chair with University photographer Johnny Andrews.

A woman named Tsini McCoy sitting in a blue chair and posing for a portrait in a field on a sacred Cherokee site.

Tsini McCoy — Cherokee, North Carolina

“I wanted to be a Tar Heel because of UNC’s welcoming and inclusive environment as well as their excellent programs in the STEM field. As an incoming freshman, I can already feel a great passion for my Tar Heel community and can’t wait to continue my academic career at UNC.

Coming from a small town, I have learned to take initiative and be involved in my community. Being an active community member is a great way to build bridges and to learn something new from the people around you. It’s always a rewarding experience being able to serve the community who shaped me into the person I am today.”

(McCoy is shown above at Kituwah Mound in Bryson City, North Carolina.)

A woman named Chi-Chi Okoye sitting in a blue chair and posing for a portrait at a park in downtown Charlotte.

Chi-Chi Okoye — Charlotte, North Carolina

“I’m really excited to be part of a diverse student body, especially since some people are coming from all over North Carolina and some are out-of-state. It will be a lot of fun getting to know more people and exploring a new town. I’m also excited to take advantage of all the opportunities UNC provides for their students. There are so many ways to get involved and there is a place for everyone.

At UNC, I hope to get out of my comfort zone and do what scares me. I also plan to fully explore my academic interests in STEM through undergraduate research. Outside of the classroom, I hope to engage with clubs and activities I’m interested in, to try new things and places to eat, especially the restaurants on Franklin Street, and to make the most out of my time at Carolina.”

A woman named Sophie Wiss sitting in a blue chair and posing for a portrait in a creek.

Sophie Wiss — Carrboro, North Carolina

“Carolina culture has been a huge part of my life ever since I was little. My wardrobe has consisted of UNC apparel, and I’ve seen many Carolina sporting events with family and friends over the years. For me, UNC was the epitome of what the college experience was, and when it came time to apply to colleges, there was no doubt in my mind that Carolina would be at the top of my list.

My hometown of Carrboro, North Carolina, and the larger Chapel Hill area has lots of small, beautiful pockets of nature in Bolin Creek, Carolina North Forest and the Coker Arboretum. Growing up here has taught me that you don’t need to travel far and wide to sprawling mountain ranges or national parks to be able to spend time in beautiful natural settings, which is so important to do to relax while living as a college student.”

A man named Haygen Warren sitting in a blue chair and posing for a portrait on a dirt road on a farm.

Haygen Warren — Faison, North Carolina

“The incredible academic programs and faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill are the main reasons why I chose to be a Tar Heel. As someone who was looking to attend a university that featured some of the highest-rated academic programs and professors, UNC-Chapel Hill was always at the top of my list. Furthermore, I wanted to be at a university that had not only great academics but also a great community and social atmosphere, which UNC-Chapel Hill has.

I’m most excited about meeting new people and getting to know people who share interests that are similar to my own. Additionally, I’m super-excited about working with professors and learning about the research they do at UNC-Chapel Hill. I’ve always had a deep love for research, so I’m eager to learn more about research at UNC and begin working with mentors and professors outside of the classroom.”

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