It’s funny to think about how college turned out for me. First, UNCW was not my first choice. I thought it was too close to home and I wanted to go to a bigger school, in a bigger city, to a school with a football team. Then, I thought for sure I would graduate college in 4 years. This was in 2011. Turns out, going to college an hour from home allows you to watch your brother play football his last two years of high school and for the following two years, go home to ride with your parents to his college games. It also allows you get your car checked out at your preferred shop, trips to the doctor or dentist don’t require a weekend trip, and at the drop of a hat you can go home because “you just feel like it.” As far as graduating in 4 years? That went out the window the second week of the second semester. However, I would not go back and change it. If I have learned anything during my time in Seahawk Nation, it’s that everything happens for a reason. You may not see it right now, but trust me when I say that next week, next year, or maybe in few years you will see.
As I look back there are many reasons why I can honestly say I am happy that it worked out the way it did. It gave me time to figure out what I really enjoyed doing. Thank you to Chris Montero of Centro Hispano who is a Com Studies alum! I went through a very rough junior year and I had a hard time figuring out what path was for me. He helped me find COM Studies and I LOVED it from the first day in Dr. Weber’s class. Taking that time allowed school to be much more enjoyable and less stressful once I found my path. It also gave me the opportunity to spend a semester living with two of my best friends, and across the street from another before two of them graduated. The most important and significant thing that came out of being a fifth year senior, is that it gave me one final opportunity to do something I had been dreaming of: Studying abroad. After 3 1/2 years of telling myself that I couldn’t do it while others kept telling me I could, I submitted my application in February of 2015 and in June I went to the Dominican Republic for 6-weeks.
It is hard not understanding “why” or “how.” For me, it was three years of that mixed with tears and plenty of stress. My advice is to find those people that will listen to you vent and encourage you to keep trying when you want to give up. Find those who will take the time to really know and understand who you are in order to help you get on the right path. Do not get discouraged because you have to go another semester or another year. Figure out what you can do with that time and take advantage of those opportunities. Everything happens for a reason.
Congratulations Class of 2016!!
-Tiersa
IMC Hawks Blog 
The statement, “Everything happens for a reason”, is something that I have come to more fully understand in the last two years. Coming to UNCW, I thought I was going to be a business major. It did not even cross my mind to sign up for any communication classes. However, after meeting with my advisor, she asked me what I was interested in and she recommended I take COM 105 just to see if I liked it. And this is when I realized that everything happens for a reason. My first day in Weber’s class something just clicked. Next thing I know, I’m half way through the major and can’t believe it’s almost over. I have had so many great opportunities because took a chance and took one COM class. In hindsight, I can now see how all the things I had done prior to college had prepared me to get to where I am today. And I’m sure everything I am doing in college will help me find my path after college. Life is crazy sometimes but if you trust your gut, and listen and learn as much as you can from those around you, everything usually works out.
I’m so glad that you found a home here in Wilmington, even if it wasn’t your first choice! I’m also a strong believer that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes it might look like nothing is going your way, but it’s always for the greater good. I like to plan for things as much as possible, because it can be hard not knowing what’s going to happen. Your advice at the end is great, and I will work on taking advantage of my opportunities.
Tiersa,
Your story was personal and beautiful. You opened up in a radiant, yet relatable way. There are plenty of students who doubt their college choice initially, and I was one of them too! I learn more and more everyday that I did not choose UNCW, it chose me.
Brilliant work. Keep writing and inspiring those around you!
Tiersa, your article is very interesting! As a French student, I can say that studying abroad is an amazing experience in the life of a student. Furthermore, I like the way you are telling your story: you talk about football team, it’s so American! In France a lot of schools and universities don’t have as many activities as we can find here. And I think that the activities we can do during our study such as sports can develop interesting skills that will allow you to perform in your career. Your campus life is awesome!
I really enjoyed reading this post because it is so relatable. Life never seems to go according to our plan and we just have to accept that everything happens for a reason. I am very jealous that you live so close to home because whenever I have to go home for a doctor’s appointment it means a weekend long trip. Also, Dr. Webber’s class made me very excited to be apart of the Comm dept. as well and inspired to take a trip this summer to study in Italy. Congratulations on your success here at UNCW!
I like how things have worked out for you. Life can be a big challenge and things do not always go as planned, but it looks like it all worked out for you. I can certainly relate to your story and find it inspiring. Many people go through times of uncertainty and you just have to hold on tight and do your best.
This post is incredibly relatable! My first choice of school was NC State, and I did not get accepted. I was extremely upset at first bc NC State was my dream school growing up. I thought I had my whole life planned out around going to State. I was going to be on the cheer team and still be close to my family. I was so nervous when I decided to go to Wilmington because it “wasn’t a part of my plan.” They didn’t have football, I wouldn’t be 15 minutes from my family, I wouldn’t be with all of my friends, etc. Boy was I wrong. UNCW has grown on me so much and I love every second being here. Life can throw you so many curve balls but it’s always encouraging to know that you aren’t the only one going through these struggles that turn out to be quiet miracles!