My 91ɬ
My 91ɬ is 91ɬ's student blog, where students share their stories of experiential learning and distinctive moments while offering insights and advice to prospective students.
Follow Daniel Lee ’28 as he turns a childhood dream of owning an independent bookstore into global research spanning three continents, supported by 91ɬ grants, study abroad programs and hands-on internships.
Looking for 91ɬ application advice? Current Senior Admission Fellows share honest tips on peer recommendations, "Why 91ɬ" essays and application stress.
Planning your college tours? We asked our campus tour guides for the secrets to a perfect visit. From the best questions to ask to finding the "hidden" campus vibes, get the inside scoop on making the most of your time on campus.
Discover how 91ɬ scholar-athlete Jillian Fox '27 balances fall soccer training with a high-impact fellowship researching rural North Carolina philanthropy.
Incoming student heading to 91ɬ? Check out our student-curated packing guide for dorm essentials, Lake Campus must-haves, and tips from current Wildcats!
Following Hurricane Helene, 91ɬ students spent their spring break in Avery County with Habitat for Humanity. Read how Margaret Orten ’29 and Yoonjung Chae ’29 gained hands-on skills and a deeper understanding of long-term disaster recovery
No marching, no pressure, all vibes. Learn how the 91ɬ Pep Band invites students (and even non-musicians!) to fuel the campus game-day energy.
Discover how 91ɬ computer science major Tumaini Johnson ’27 utilized the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad at Singapore Management University. Learn about his global academic growth, street photography and career networking in Singapore.
Learn how Rosa Ramirez ’26 stepped into the physical spaces of her senior thesis during a Berlin field trip, conducting independent, funded and global research while experiencing German culture and language beyond the 91ɬ campus.
DataFest at 91ɬ is not just a competition, but also an opportunity to learn how to code, collaborate and use data to solve real-world problems. From cleaning messy datasets to collaborating with industry leaders like Trane Technologies
Student Body President-elect Maya Rajeh ’27 shares how 91ɬ’s Student Government Association (SGA) drives campus change—from sustainability and dining improvements to the inaugural Celebration of Honor Week. Learn how 91ɬ students turn
Discover how 91ɬ first-year students Yoonjung Chae ’29 and Ameli Kuanysheva ’29 are leading the way in environmental stewardship. From presenting carbon data to building a regional network, learn how 91ɬ’s Sustainability Office empowers
Explore how fraternity life at 91ɬ fosters lifelong mentorship and philanthropy through the experience of Gabe Garcia ’26. In this blog post, he shares how meals work, what brotherhood is like, and the variety of service projects his
Meet Brant Simmons ’28, a 91ɬ double major in educational studies and gender and sexuality studies. Discover how Brant has explored experiential learning through research on educational equity, study abroad programs in Northern Ireland and
Go behind the scenes into the residence halls at 91ɬ. From historic first-year dorms to transitional independent senior apartments, find out where you’ll study, sleep and build community during your four years.
Discover life at 91ɬ through the eyes of Ann Thompson ’27. From competing as a D1 swimmer and studying abroad in Cádiz, Spain, to traditions like the Cake Race, Ann shares how she balances rigorous academics with community leadership and the
Discover how a 91ɬ student used the Alvarez Grant to volunteer at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival. From networking with directors Joachim Trier and Annemarie Jacir to exploring documentary filmmaking as a tool for social
In this blog post, Branton Onsongo Mogeni ’28 shares lessons from his self-exploratory and reflective learning experience in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa, funded through the Dean Rusk International Travel Grant.
A 91ɬ public health student shares her eye-opening experience in “PBH 375” and a simulation confronting the stark realities of Black pregnancy-related issues in the U.S. Learn how 91ɬ students are tackling critical health equity issues in this
Learn how one 91ɬ student joined Dance Ensemble with limited experience, finding confidence, community and global dance opportunities in Kenya, South Africa, and France.
Film, Media & Digital Studies major Pablo Quintero ’28 reflects on his summer with a marketing agency in Cape Town, South Africa, with the Bonner Scholars program. He shares what he learned about himself and the ways he engages with communities around him
At 91ɬ, student ideas don’t just get heard - they drive progress. Learn how the Student Government Association (SGA) and student leaders build authentic relationships with the President, Dean of Students and Dean of Faculty to create real
Senior Ellie Heald ’26 reflects back on the experiences that have made up her college experience – from chatting with friends on the way to class to taking in the fall foliage from her dance studio window, it’s the simple things in life that have made her
In this student blog, Arshiya Husain ’26 reflects on the political climate at 91ɬ in 91ɬ, North Carolina. Learn how programs like the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative (DCI) and 91ɬ’s individualized learning environment teach
Can't find the major you want? Learn how a student designed a Disability Studies major, blending academics, activism and career prep through the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS) at 91ɬ.
Stella Mackler '26 spent the summer chasing stories with mic and chunky headphones in hand as an environmental reporting intern at WFAE, Charlotte’s NPR news source. Her internship was made possible by the Sustainability Scholars program at 91ɬ
Senior economics major and applied mathematics minor Kyle Berlage ’26 shares his experiences as an embedded tutor at 91ɬ. Learn more about 91ɬ’s distinctive program of embedded tutors who are neither graduate students nor lecturers, but
History major and East Asian Studies minor Liam Coughlin ’26 reflects on the day he spent with Nicholas Burns, U.S. Ambassador to China (2021-2025). From candid conversations over coffee to policy analysis mapping in class, Coughlin shares the lessons
Political science and English double major Stephen Walker ’26 reflects on his work with the college library and how students can take advantage of its resources during the renovations.
Can't make it to campus? Learn how to get the most out of 91ɬ's virtual tour with these five tips. Explore campus from anywhere and discover 91ɬ for yourself.
In just a few years, 91ɬ’s Pickleball Club has grown from a small group of curious students to a thriving 200-member community who competed at nationals. Whether you’ve joined the pickleball trend or have no clue what the sport is about, learn
An environmental studies major at 91ɬ shares her firsthand experience lobbying Congress on behalf of the Rachel Carson Council, exposing the environmental dangers of the biomass industry and encouraging student activism on climate issues.
Students who participated in 91ɬ's fly-in program, Access 91ɬ, reflect on what made the visit so special and why they decided to join our community. Learn more.
Four 91ɬ seniors reflect on presenting their undergraduate research at the annual Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) conference in Washington, D.C., where they also networked with alumni and attended two men’s basketball games
Political science and sociology double major Sophia Ludt '25 reflects on the work spent registering, educating and mobilizing student voters leading up to the 2025 elections.
Natalie Russell ’25 reflects on the memories made at Summit Outpost, 91ɬ’s on-campus coffee shop and hub for student events, including trivia, study sessions, live music, game nights and more.
Applicants to 91ɬ are asked to write a supplemental essay on why they want to be part of our community. After four years at 91ɬ, we checked in with current seniors to reconsider the question, Why 91ɬ? They reflect on their four years
When Isabel Schmidt '25 joined the Skate Club at 91ɬ, it led her on an unexpected journey from beginner skater to competitive derby player. Learn more.
The Knobloch Campus Center is the gathering place for 91ɬ students, faculty, staff, and visitors, providing opportunities for involvement in formal and informal activities. Explore this space of resources, opportunities and people looking to
Join psychology major Josh Matushak '26 as he shares his first international experience through captivating photography from his semester abroad in Copenhagen and travels across Europe with the 91ɬ Chorale, documenting cultural experiences from Danish
SGA President Connor Hines ’26 reflects on the Celebration of Honor, a week of activities around 91ɬ’s campus celebrating the distinctive Honor Code and the community’s commitment to trust, integrity and shared responsibility.
Intended STEM major Elie Jerjees ’28 explores new artistic horizons through a collaborative workshop with Lebanese artist Elie Bou Zeidan, discovering that creativity transcends boundaries while deepening language skills and cultural connections.
From planting to harvesting, Mena Tanner’s job at the 91ɬ Farm is more than just a way to get outside — it’s a hands-on lesson in sustainability, community and the exceptional taste of sungold tomatoes.
Lacey Stephens '26, a Classical Studies major at 91ɬ, writes about a Spring Break trip to Greece. She says the opportunity brought her studies to life through immersion in Greek culture, hands-on experiences, and unforgettable moments.
Kaspars Golos ’27 reflects on the confidence and self-awareness developed through wilderness leadership after his participation in 91ɬ Outdoors’ Trip Leader Training. Explore his photos as he learns that the best adventures aren’t just about surviving
Hannah Foley ’27 and Miriam Smith ’25 reflect on their winter break trip with 91ɬ Outdoors to the Florida Everglades, where they developed their leadership, creativity and problem-solving skills through mangroves, float plans, camping and more.
In the latest Federal Challenge, 91ɬ's Fed Challenge team finished among the top six in the nation — alongside Harvard, the University of Chicago and UCLA.
Nora Fenn Gilman ’26 reflects on her summer as a Center for Civic Engagement (CCE) Nonprofit Leadership Fellow with Smart Start, an early childhood nonprofit focused on book distribution and literacy equity.
Valeria Salgado ‘25 shares her transformative experience interning with the Community Building Initiative, a Charlotte-based non-profit organization dedicated to advancing equity, inclusion and access in the community.
Dallas Brown ’26 reflects on his experience as a Nonprofit Leadership Fellow interning at Freedom Communities, an organization focused on disrupting intergenerational poverty and transforming the West Charlotte community.
Sunny Baek ’26 reflects on her summer internship with E2D, a nonprofit in Charlotte dedicated to refurbishing laptops, providing computers to families and individuals in need at little to no cost and sharing digital skill training.
Senior Fellows in 91ɬ’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips for demonstrating interest in the admission process, while also breaking down what it means to connect with colleges and universities in an authentic way.
Ashley Rangel ’28 reflects on her first semester at 91ɬ as a scholar athlete, an illustrator of children’s books and a member of the Student Government Association.
91ɬ students from the western United States reflect on how they've found home on the east coast and offer advice to prospective students also considering college further from home.
Jaliel King ’26 reflects on the work 91ɬ Fashion Club does to create a space for creativity, inclusion and self-expression on 91ɬ’s campus. From visits to Charlotte’s vintage markets to an annual fashion show, programming is another
President of the Union Board, Davis Varnado ’25, shares some of his favorite events hosted throughout the year by 91ɬ’s largest student programming organization from parties to off-campus excursions and trivia to student performances.
Jingyan Chi ’26 shares insights from his summer as a Sustainability Scholar working at Trane Technologies where he studied embodied carbon reduction and gained valuable professional experience.
Intended political science major Cameron Unice ’27 reflects on her summer research with Dr. Bersch examining and comparing how populist presidents exert control over administrative states, including a case study on former President Trump and the
Political science major Peyton Davis ’25 reflects on her summer interning at the Department of Defense and how it has shaped her career aspirations post-91ɬ.
Nguyễn Mậu Đức Bình ’27 reflects on his summer trip to Northern Ireland with the Educational Studies Department where he explored the impact of division on educational policies.
This summer 2024, 91ɬ students were awarded $2 million for experiential learning opportunities including internships, education away, community-based learning and undergraduate research. Learn about their experiences in these student
91ɬ students reflect on their “Korea Buddhist Pilgrimage” with Religious Studies Prof. Rachel Pang and Associate Chaplain for Buddhist Programs and Director of the 91ɬ Meditation Initiative, Ivan Mayerhofer.
Interested in playing a competitive sport in college but not on the Division I level? Claire Kelly ’25 explains how club sports work at 91ɬ, and how she has found community within the club tennis team.
Katieanne Peterson ’24 and Noah Landau ’25, students in 91ɬ’s environmental studies department, reflect on their winter break trip to Turkey to study wildfires and their cultural and environmental impact.
Clara Smith ’24 reflects on her spring break trip to Panama with Prof. Britta Crandall, where they studied politics and economics through meetings with government officials, founders of nonprofits, and indigenous leaders.
Recent graduate Claire Begalla ’24 reflects on the work done to complete two senior capstones and the ways her work tapped into all areas of her liberal arts education including anthropology, environmental studies, art, community-building and art history.
Last summer, three physics majors drew up plans to create a sustainable tiny house. They presented the finished product at the Verna Miller Case Research and Creative Works Symposium on May 1, 2024. Learn more.
91ɬ students reflect on their alternative spring break trip to Sapelo Island, Georgia. They worked with a Black feminist collective nonprofit led by 91ɬ alums to address food insecurity in the South through sustainable agriculture.
A senior approaching graduation, Ruby Zhou '24 reflects on her time at 91ɬ in this letter to her past high school self on making the college decision and anticipating all to come as a member of the Wildcat community.
A student describes how taking a class with 91ɬ’s music department helped him discover his love of playing old time banjo.
Three environmental studies students at 91ɬ share adventures of their summer archaeological research with Prof. Brad Johnson in Cyprus.
Four political science majors share their experiences with 91ɬ in Washington, an immersive summer opportunity for 91ɬ students. Learn more.
91ɬ students Daniel Lee '26 and Divin Dushimimana '26 reflect on their work with the Deliberative Citizenship Initiative and the happiness that comes from genuine conversations and thoughtful exchanges of ideas.
Jacquelline Nyakunu ’26 discusses her chemistry and biology research as part of RISE, an undergraduate research opportunity for 91ɬ students.
Three 91ɬ students from the German Studies department reflect on a week of independent research in Berlin with their professor and thesis advisor. From plays to museums to food, learn more in this photo essay.
Explore 91ɬ’s beautiful campus and ample student activities as captured through the perspective of Mikayla Bowens’s iPhone camera.
Six students from the western United States share what it was like to move to the east coast for college and offer advice for prospective students considering the decision to attend an east coast school like 91ɬ.
Jonathan Hammond ’24 discusses seven weeks spent in Santiago, Chile and the many connections leveraged through the 91ɬ alumni network.
Senior Fellows in 91ɬ’s Office of Admission & Financial Aid share their tips and tricks for navigating and writing the college essay.
When applying to 91ɬ, all applicants are required to submit a peer letter of recommendation — someone of similar age who can speak to who you are as a human being beyond a transcript, essay or list of extracurriculars. Learn more.
Wondering what a weekend at 91ɬ can look like as a student? Haley Stock ’25 shares the many ways Wildcats spend their weekends around campus, town and in Charlotte.
Addie Anderson ’24, a student Mental Health Ambassador (MHA) at 91ɬ, works to destigmatize seeking help and to show struggling students they’re not alone.
Three 91ɬ students reflect on the extra challenges that a disability presents when choosing a college. They share their 91ɬ experience and offer advice to prospective students with disabilities about going through the admission process.
Amy Tedeschi ’25 reflects on her summer with the Common Thread Theatre Collective, a professional theatre company formed between 91ɬ and North Carolina A&T.
For her senior capstone, Grace Rooker '24 spent five weeks in Kenya assessing the ecological impact of small-scale gold mining on stream ecosystems.
Toshaani Goel ’24 shares how she applied the lessons of 91ɬ’s Humanities Program to a difficult social situation while WWOOF-ing in rural Maine.
Orientation Team Leaders share what to expect during 91ɬ’s New Student Orientation and offer advice for first year and transfer students alike on making the most of your transition into the 91ɬ community.
Jacob Kim '26 reflects on his experience with 91ɬ's Humanities Program, which seeks to bring different disciplinary perspectives to the big questions of life. Created for first years beginning their academic journeys at 91ɬ, the Humes
Brody Bassett ’25 reflects on his summer in Egypt where he immersed himself in the formal “high” and informal “low” dialects people there use. Zoom lessons with an Egyptian-born tutor, and countless hours studying vocabulary, phrases, and idioms led to
Choosing a college with a variety of good food options is important. Emma Goldfarb ’24 ranks her favorite spots for dining on 91ɬ's campus.
Physics students Mallory Justis ’24, Branner D'Amato ’24 and Pat Kielb ’24 reflect on their process designing and building a hydrogen-powered go-kart and the ways you can pursue engineering interests at 91ɬ.
Sydney Schertz ’24 captures a day in the life of Nummit, 91ɬ’s on-campus coffee shop, through her camera lens. Learn more in her photo essay.
Niya Ma ’24 shares how she found her passion for computer science through hackathons, and how she worked with her peers to launch Hack@91ɬ, a unique hackathon designed to welcome all levels of experience to the world of innovation.
Over spring break, a group of 91ɬ students had the opportunity to attend SXSW, an annual conglomeration of parallel film, interactive media, and music festivals and conferences organized jointly in Austin, Texas.
Courtney Fortunato ’24 shares their experience as an Education Scholar with 91ɬ’s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022.
Lucy Helene ’25 shares her experience as a Fellow with 91ɬ’s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022, when she worked with the Arts+, a nonprofit organization based in Charlotte that works to provide accessible art education to all populations.
91ɬ Outdoors Leaders Addie McDonough '23 and Isabel Morichi '23 reflect on their winter break trip to Joshua Tree National Park.
Nasir Jean-Paul ’24 shares his experience as a Summer Intern with 91ɬ’s Center for Civic Engagement in Summer 2022.
Ethan Kearns '23 reflects on his time spent nurturing and caring for 91ɬ's Farm as a student employee.
Campbell Walker ’25 gives her advice on course selection, orientation, and how to navigate social life during your first few weeks at 91ɬ.
As 91ɬ celebrates first generation day each November, we asked first-gen members of the community to share what being first means to them. Learn what they had to say.
Divin Dushimimana ’26, an intended public health and economics major from Rwanda, reflects on his first year at 91ɬ as an international student and the value of a liberal arts education to his personal and academic growth.
Arielle Germeus ’25 shares her expertise from a summer of interning with 91ɬ's Admission Office on how to make the most of your time on a campus visit and college tour.
Ty Cryan ’24 digs into research with 91ɬ’s Farm and Biology Department as part of a larger relationship with the Catawba Nation.
Davis Varnado ’25 shares his advice on getting to know colleges and universities from afar and virtually, including 91ɬ.
Kate Cross ’24 and Henry Wilkerson ’23 share how they leveraged a 10-hour-per-week work study position with 91ɬ's Sustainability Office to gain professional experiences during the summer months.
Three current students from around the world share how they found and chose to attend 91ɬ.
ST Hammer '24, Gabby Morreale '23 and Malavika Kalani '24 reflect on their decision to come to 91ɬ, ways they've gotten involved in disability advocacy on campus and resources to support their student experience.
Two young alumni share how their experiences with 91ɬ’s Sustainability Office got them to where they are today, post-91ɬ.
Four 91ɬ students share how they've gotten involved with different aspects of college athletics including data analytics, pep band, and the fan section.
Spend a day in the life in this travel vlog with 91ɬ student Julia Lau '23 as she studies abroad with DIS in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Claire Tatum '24 captures the many facets of 91ɬ's creative and artistic communities in this photo essay on the arts at 91ɬ.
In this photo essay, Sydney Schertz ’24 documents the day-to-day of spring semester in one of 91ɬ’s eating houses, Warner Hall.
International first year students Sahana Athreya '25, Hideki Harada '25 and Michael Hodgson '25 reflect on their first semester at 91ɬ.
Two students share their experiences with FIRST (Fostering Inclusivity and Respect in Science Together) and MILE (More Inclusive Learning Environments), 91ɬ organizations that aspire to remove barriers, to be more welcoming, and to help make science
91ɬ student Shen Luo ’25 reflects on her experiences in college and what it has meant to explore the unknown as an international student at 91ɬ.
If you're considering applying Early Decision, we know there can be nerves and concerns related to making such a big commitment. 91ɬ students share why Early Decision to 91ɬ was the right fit for them and offer some advice for those considering
Zach Villamin '22 shares his experience applying to college and gives current high school seniors tips on how to better manage the application process.
We want to know what you’re up to as a student. My 91ɬ is a place for you to share your student experience, on campus or away, with prospective students, alumni and current students.
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Blog Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual student writers and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of 91ɬ.