Campus: UNC
Hometown: Columbus, OH
High School: The Wellington School

On my first day of high school, my World History teacher stopped me after class to welcome me to my new school and ask how I liked his class.  When he next asked me about my opinion on social studies as a whole, I gave him a blunt answer – I thought they were entirely pointless.  I had no interest or real respect for history, government, economics, or anything of the like.  He vowed to change my mind on the topic.  Over the next four years, his wish was completely fulfilled.  I’ve discovered a deep passion for learning about how humans work – their motivations, their nature, their aspirations, their interactions.  I love to study government, business, and other humanities disciplines.  While these are my primary academic interests, I have a wide range of others – from marine biology to statistics to music.  Whatever field(s) I end up studying in college, I know it will prepare me for a job that will allow me to both challenge myself intellectually and make a strong positive impact on the world.

My interests outside the classroom are at least as diverse as they are inside.  Throughout high school I ran a business selling collectible Nike and Jordan sneakers and have an irrationally large collection of my own shoes in my room. I am a huge sports fan (especially basketball and football), an avid tennis player, and am willing to take on anyone, any time, anywhere in ping-pong.  I’m a big fan of music, from Kendrick Lamar to Frank Sinatra.  I love good food of almost any variety – as my rule of thumb, the unhealthier, the better.  I have a passion for traveling and have been to 5 continents – maybe I can hit all 7 before the Robertson’s done with me!  Above all, I love to spend quality time with all of my friends and family.

What drew you to the Robertson Program? As with any student currently in or seriously considering the Robertson Scholars Program, I had several great college options to choose from.  At first, it seemed coming to a final decision would be impossible.  At the end of the day, the reason I felt confident choosing the Robertson was because it provides a fundamentally different experience than any other college or scholarship program out there.  Other scholarship programs operate completely differently – they give students a financial incentive and metaphorically cordon them off in their own corner of the university to study in a special program.  However, rather than isolating its students with the sole end goal of filling its students’ heads with the most knowledge, the Robertson is fully integrated in its communities: UNC and Duke, the Triangle, and the world.   The Robertson focuses on giving each scholar every opportunity two stellar universities have to offer along with a multitude of program benefits and puts them at the forefront of the aforementioned communities.  It counts on every student to become a true leader while still in college while providing the opportunities for every student to pursue literally any academic or professional interest he or she may have.  Long story short, the Robertson provides me every opportunity to become the best in my field of interest and will mold me into a highly effective leader during my four years.  Plus, I get to be a Tar Heel AND a Blue Devil – what else could I ask for?