Finding Where You Belong

Introduction to UNCW

Coming into UNCW as a transfer sophomore year was tough. This was definitely a nerve racking experience due to the fact I had no close friends that attended UNCW, and I was living with random roommates. However, coming to UNCW was definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. There are so many opportunities at UNCW, and it is so important to find the right fit for you.

Finding the right fit for myself was definitely a struggle at first. Growing up I always imagined myself as a sorority girl, because I love making new friends and have always had a big group of girlfriends. I quickly learned that the sorority life was not for me, and that was ok! I was not a fan of the structure and rules that go along with joining Greek life. The good news is UNCW offers so many clubs, and organizations for individuals to plug themselves into that I quickly joined another club called Delight. After joining a club that was a fit for me I thrived, and instantly made lifelong friendships.

The take away from this is to follow the path made for you and don’t settle. Although all my friends at other schools were sorority girls I learned that it’s ok to branch out and be different. I have met so many cool people through organizations I had no idea about before attending UNCW.

Finding the right major

Growing up I have always thought of myself as a teacher, because I have a passion for working with kids. I planned on graduation as an elementary education major. It’s funny how plans change in college. I am currently set to graduate in December as a Communication Studies major.

After taking several education classes I learned that career path was not for me. I had never considered another major, and had no idea what direction to go in. I knew communication was always an option, but I thought of myself as an excellent communicator already due to my confidence and outgoing personality. Oh was I wrong.

After taking a few communication classes I learned that I was nowhere near close to being an effective communicator. By majoring in Communication Studies, not only did I learn how to effectively convey messages, but I also gained confidence in addressing a large group of people. Communication was definitely the major for me, and has prepared me for any potential job with a versatile set of skills. I can definitely give credit to this major and all of UNCW’s COM professors for opening so many doors for me in the business world.

Taking on Corona Changes

My time at UNCW has taught me to be patient and accept change. There are some things in this world that you cannot control however, you can control how you handle situations. Corona is a great example. Having my last semester moved online was disappointing news and definitely hard. However, this change helped me grow as a person.

One of my weaknesses is that I am a procrastinator. Taking all online classes has definitely helped me in dealing with this trait. Organizing my workload, and setting a schedule was fundamental to completing my work and passing this semester. I am currently a fifth year and have been dead set on graduating in December so I knew how important it was to pass all my classes this semester.

Online classes have also turned me into a self-motivator. This is a great quality to have, and many jobs are looking for an individual with this trait. By not meeting for classes I wasn’t getting the one-on-one interaction I usually receive during in-person classes. I learned how to be the “professor” to myself, and stay on top of things while motivating myself to show up and show out in my assignments.

Although there were many road bumps this semester due to COVID it is important to embrace these challenges, and make the best out of the situation while growing. 

Advice to you

College is not going to be easy and there will be speed bumps along the way, but it is so important to stay optimistic. Staying optimistic is my biggest advice to you. Take every set of challenges you are faced with as an opportunity to learn and grow as an individual.

Also get involved!! This is so so important, and one of my biggest regrets is not getting more involved.  There are so many opportunities to get involved at UNCW – so take advantage of them. I didn’t get involved until later junior year, and after getting involved, I finally feel like I am getting the most out of my college experience. After getting involved I also found my happiness that I didn’t know I was missing, and created lifelong friendships that I wish I had created early in my college career.

College is difficult, but well worth it. Looking back at my time at UNCW, I am so proud and surprised at how much I have grown as a person. UNCW will definitely change your life in the most positive impactful ways.

Written by Bonny Harris. You can learn more about Bonny and our other blog writers by clicking the “Our Team” banner at the top!