“You go where???”

I have heard this question far too many times to count. I usually answer by smiling and just saying it’s part of the UNC system because it’s just easier that way. I’m used to no one knowing where my college is and that’s okay because it’s exactly what I wanted. Somewhere to escape to and make a new name for myself, and that’s exactly what the University of North Carolina at Pembroke has given me.

The small 6,441 student, division II university was founded in 1887 and is rich in culture. The diversity is something that originally drew me to this school. I came from out of state and when I was recruited to play a sport I was welcomed by warm faces and a friendly environment. Everywhere I looked there was a different group of people.

The class size average is comparable to high school with the average of 20 students and some of my major classes have had less than 10 people. This has been an absolute dream to me. I would have never made it at a large university because I would have been lost, both literally and figuratively. I have become close enough with my professors that I can stop in whenever and ask them about their day and advice about anything ranging from jobs, my resume, to life crisis'. You will not be a number here, you will be a person.

This university has given me so many opportunities to succeed. For example I was given the opportunity to attend conferences in Tennessee and Georgia representing the school. I have been able to attend dinners with my chancellor, meet with the board of trustees and am on a first name basis with my athletic director. Where can you find that anywhere else?

I graduate in one semester, I have never transferred, nor has the thought ever crossed my mind. I hear some of my peers say “there’s nothing to do here” and my answer for them would be to get involved and make the most out of what this great university has to offer because the possibilities are endless. As a freshman and someone who was coming from out of state I had no idea what to expect, but I was not disappointed.

If you are looking to tour this school but are hesitant, give it a shot because if you are anything like me you will not regret it. The campus is a mile long, easy to navigate and has beautiful features. The professors are dedicated, it has great athletics programs, the people are diverse and your degree will be just as reputable as someone who went to a big university.

Even though most are unfamiliar with UNCP I can say that I am proud to be a Brave.