Just as UNC Greensboro (UNCG) graduates a fresh batch of students and sends them out to make an impact on the world, another group of fresh minds is finishing high school and preparing to join the Spartan family.
Before some of UNCG’s brightest minds cross the commencement stage, they take a minute to consider their time at the G and pass along some advice to those high school seniors who will take their places on campus this fall. Here’s what they had to say:
College is literally what you make it. You make your schedule. You wake up when you want to. You go to class if you want to. You make friends if you want to. You will achieve your desired things if you put positive energy into them. If you don’t do anything, that’s what will happen.
Isaiah King
Psychology major
Get involved on campus as soon as possible. My early involvement with student organizations helped me establish a strong personal brand, network, and find support. It truly allowed me to unlock my full potential as a student leader and ensured that I never felt alone in my education.
Mary-Helen Kolousek
Business Administration & Marketing major
(submitted photo)
Make the most of your time in college. Every day is a new experience. You may think you know how your day is going to go, but there are so many possibilities on campus and in the Greensboro community. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Sydney Worthington
Interior Architecture major
You must learn self-advocacy, persistence, and discipline. For the average student, some challenges simply require more attentiveness. Be prepared to seek advice and be proactive in decision-making regarding your future.
Alexis Durah
International Global Studies major; Spanish minor
(submitted photo)
Become whoever you need to be by utilizing university resources to cultivate that version of yourself. Don’t feel negative about atypical schooling, like going part-time or taking a hiatus. Make your life function for you and stay healthy doing it.
Sara Malone
Interior Architecture major; Studio Arts & English minor
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many of the faculty and students at UNCG can relate to your experience and are willing to help. Also, find a community. My time at UNCG wouldn’t have been the same if I didn’t find my home in organizations on campus that helped me grow and develop my character.
Diego Garcia Guzman
Political Science major
(submitted photo)
Come to college with a passion that will fuel your determination and lead to success. Know that doubt and confusion are inevitable, but they are obstacles you can overcome.
Sirine Hijazi
Psychology and Sociology with Criminology major
If you do not know exactly what you want to do, that is okay. Learning more about who you are and the abilities you can contribute to the world is part of college. Utilize the tools UNCG has to offer, like career services, academic guidance, and extracurricular activities. They can help with interest exploration, skill development, and networking.
Madison McPherson
Arts Administration major; Theater minor
(submitted photo)
Keep your mind open to new possibilities. Go to events hosted by different organizations (free is key!), make an effort to get to know your professors, don’t limit yourself to one friend group, and step outside of your comfort zone. Your college experience is what you make it, so make it a good time!
Jasmine Riddle
Public Health Education major
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Photography by Sean Norona (unless otherwise noted).
CELEBRATE THE CLASS OF 2023!
Graduates: Tag University social media accounts using #UNCGGrad and #UNCGWay. #UNCGGrad-tagged posts will be displayed live on screen at the Greensboro Coliseum. Themed graphics and filters are available on the Class of 2023 digital swag page.
