Pull up a seat
with a new Tar Heel
New undergraduates will soon arrive in Chapel Hill from all over the state and the world. These four in-state students shared their Carolina hopes and dreams when they pulled up a chair with University photographer Johnny Andrews.
![Isabella Cox sitting in a Carolina Blue chair on a beach with the Atlantic Ocean and a pier seen in the background.](https://www.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/009524_CarolinaBlueChairPortraits0153-scaled.jpg)
Isabella Cox — Wilmington
“I am extremely excited to become a Tar Heel this fall and join such a passionate learning community. UNC has always had a presence in my life, and it feels surreal getting to call Chapel Hill my home away from home for the next four years.
“I have learned there is always a Tar Heel ready to share stories about their time at UNC. The upbeat energy they bring through their advice only adds to my positive anticipation for the next year. I cannot wait to fully immerse myself in the various resources that UNC and Honors Carolina offer. I know that UNC is the place for me. Go Heels!”
(Cox is pictured above at neighboring Wrightsville Beach.)
![Matthew Foil sitting in a Carolina Blue Chair in downtown Lumberton, with a large building-side](https://www.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/009524_CarolinaBlueChairPortraits0058-scaled.jpg)
Matthew Foil — Lumberton
“I always dreamed of becoming a student at UNC. The competitive sports teams and the prestige surrounding the University captivated my attention. My parents have always encouraged me to seek a higher education, especially at UNC, since they are both alumni. UNC has always felt like home.
“Growing up in Lumberton instilled in me a profound respect for others and the ability to find common ground despite differences. What I’m most excited for is getting to meet others who can broaden my knowledge and understanding of issues around the country and the world. I look forward to fostering new relationships that will help to guide me on a path to making an impact when I return to my hometown. During my time at UNC, I hope to find my community, to grow as a student-athlete, and to build a competitive resume for medical school.”
(Foil is pictured above at Lumberton Downtown Plaza in front of a mural painted by Carolina alumnus Scott Nurkin.)
![Gracie Elliott sitting sideways in a Carolina Blue chair with mountains seen in the background.](https://www.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/009524_CarolinaBlueChairPortraits0238-scaled.jpg)
Gracie Elliott – Franklin
“I wanted to come to UNC because of its amazing academic reputation as well as the thriving community itself. My family has a deep history with Chapel Hill because of my sister Sarah, who had cystic fibrosis. We visited Chapel Hill several times for her treatments at UNC Hospitals. Being able to see the support and care of the community mimicked my own small hometown and really provided me with a sense of belonging.
“At UNC, I hope to learn how to grow in a way that prepares me for the future. I hope to give back to the community that provided my family with so much support for my sister. Ultimately, my goal is to graduate from UNC well-prepared for a successful career in media and journalism, with the proper skills and experiences to thrive professionally while also being able to make a positive impact within the community.”
(Elliott is pictured above at Wayah Bald Lookout Tower in Franklin.)
![Mo’Asia Bagley sitting in a Carolina Blue chair at a park in Fuquay-Varina.](https://www.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/009524_CarolinaBlueChairPortraits0208-1-scaled.jpg)
Mo’Asia Bagley — Fuquay-Varina
“I am most excited about the endless opportunities to enrich myself in a brand-new community. I strive to never be stagnant. I am always challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone. I don’t always need large jumps of progress to feel content because the smallest changes in life can be the most significant in the long run. This will be an important reminder at UNC, to know that all my hard work has meaning, even when it doesn’t feel that way.
“During my time at UNC, I hope to find and discover more of my self-identity: what job I want to do after college, what makes me happy, what challenges me, what makes me…me. I think the beauty of it is that there are many different pathways to take in life, and I’m excited to see which route I go at UNC-Chapel Hill.”
(Bagley is pictured above at Fuquay Mineral Spring Park in Fuquay-Varina)