A love letter to UNC-Chapel Hill

Class of 2023!!!

2023 was full of so many bittersweet endings and exciting beginnings… This December I wrapped up my last final exam -- EVER! It is surreal to think that I’m officially a University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill graduate with the highest distinction.

Just a few days ago, a Snapchat memory popped up from seven years back, featuring me goofing around in my dad’s faded UNC cap and gown. Fast forward to today, it’s my reality. I am so proud and grateful to be a part of the Carolina Alumni community!

My journey at UNC, especially at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, has been an absolute game-changer. I’ve soaked up so much knowledge in these few years; all thanks to my incredible professors who go above and beyond to simulate real-world experiences in the classroom, and my classmates who are the most engaged and inspiring collaborators. Whether it was navigating networking events or leading tours with the Hussman Ambassador Program, this school has opened countless doors for me. A huge thank you to Peter Sherman, C. Jeanette Tyson, Chris Mumford, Gary Kayye💜 CTS, Livis Freeman, and all the other amazing professors who made such positive impacts on my Carolina experience. Your lessons, guidance, shared laughs, and inspiring stories mean the world. Hussman, I’ll always be a proud graduate, and Chapel Hill, I’ll be back for plenty of visits.

Finally (sorry for the long and sappy post,) thank you a million times to my family and friends for being the best support system in the world! It truly takes a village (even when you’re 23).

It is so bittersweet to end these chapters as a student and intern, but I am excited to share that I took a one-way flight to Steamboat Springs, CO to work seasonally as a ski instructor! Skiing is a passion of mine I’ve been cultivating since I first stepped into skis five years ago, most recently with my teammates from the UNC Ski and Snowboard team. My dream of spending an entire season improving my skiing at a mountain like Steamboat Resort has become a reality, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Get ready for lots of updates, pictures, and stories from Colorado!

Cheers to new adventures, champagne powder, and forever saying GO HEELS! 🍾

- Katie Magnolia