The opportunity to go to a college like UNC is something I cherish. I think of my father, who was the first in his family to go to college. I think of my mother, too, who was recruited to the Naval Academy when less than one tenth of its student body were women.
It’s with this history that I work every day to make my corner of campus just a little bit better. In my first days at Chapel Hill, I was elected Ehringhaus Student Governor; I saw firsthand the strength of institutions like Carolina Housing. I saw, too, the areas needing improvement—the waitlists filled with students anxious to have a place to learn. It is in challenging areas like this that a strong voice of advocacy for students across the board can improve Tar Heel institutions that need such input.
That's why I'm running for Student Body President: to focus on what needs to be improved at UNC, from housing advocacy and student safety to true inclusion to democratic engagement. With hope and optimism, we can build and improve on the college experience we are lucky to share together.
If there's one thing I've learned from my time on the UNC Marathon Team, it is this: one foot in front of the other, with intention and determination, can get you where you need to go.
With your support, I know the UNC of new "firsts," of new opportunities, is ever a few steps closer. I know we can make that journey, all of us.