UNC 2015

Panic. Joy. Terror. Elation. Stress. Hope. Nausea. Nervousness. Cheering. Celebration. 

It's a roller coaster of emotion. In other words: Madness. 

Every Tar Heel, regardless of race, religion, or background, knows that one of the most important holiday seasons of the year falls in the month of March. Its a beautiful time of year when the bonds of Carolina draw us even closer together as we gather with friends, classmates, even strangers to cheer our heads off during some basketball games. Those forty minutes of game time are often jam-packed with more emotion and stress than the entire week of finals, but somehow we always come back for more.

The holiday season kicked off early on Friday with a special surprise. Students everywhere dropped what they were doing to see a fantastic victory by Mercer over that other school down the road. Some bold students still in class at the time managed to stealthily stream the game. Others crowded around Union televisions to celebrate the moment. Twitter exploded with with sudden new Mercer fans. Brackets were busted, billion dollar challenges were lost, and no one in Chapel Hill seemed to mind. 

After a loss from the Devils, the holiday reached its peak as the Heels took on the Friars of Providence. Seeding wise, 6-seed Carolina should have come in expecting a victory. However, numbers and rankings don't matter in a system of madness. Not even numbers like a 53.7 percent free throw rate for James Michael McAdoo. So the Heels fought for every single point, and after a season of causing agony for Carolina fans, McAdoo finally came through on the most important free throws of the year. Meanwhile, fans cheered, shouted, and celebrated. More than a thousand dancers at UNC Dance Marathon kicked off 24 hours of standing by watching the Carolina victory together. Everyone in the Carolina community depended on those nearest them to survive the stressful game. From holding a friend back from throwing the TV out the window after a particularly poor play to hugging and dancing with joy after the best shots, March Madness is a time of coming together. We all hope we'll be able to link arms and sing the alma mater after a victory, but no matter the result, the madness brings us closer.

It may be madness, but to be a Tar Heel in March is one of the most thrilling experiences in the world. 

--

Again and again, we get caught up in the daily grind of studying for our four-exams-in-one-day or riding the infamous “struggle bus.” Our frantic anxiousness to complete our to-do lists leave us forgetting to look up and enjoy life under the Carolina blue skies. (Trust me, I fall victim to this characteristic more than I should.)

  However, this past weekend, I was blessed with the opportunity to share my love for Carolina with other students across the southeast.

  From February 6th thru 9th, UNC students from the Student Alumni Association Board of Directors met in Charleston, SC for the Council for Advancement of Support and Education’s Affiliated Student Advancement Programs, or CASE ASAP. Student ambassadorial groups and alumni associations from schools such as UGA, UTenn, Auburn, ECU, and so on spent a weekend together at The Citadel to share their love and pride for their school.

  Being a Tar Heel is one of the greatest experiences that my life has seen thus far. I was so excited to sport my Carolina blue and let everyone know how great Tar Heels really are!

  While sharing the Carolina spirit was amazing, the greatest part of the entire experience was knowing that I was working under a university organization whose mission I feel transcends our purpose as students of an incredible public educational institution.

  The Student Alumni Association, or SAA, is the largest student organization on campus, and it strives to enhance the student experience. Within this organization, I have the privilege of being a Carolina Class Representative – showing strong pride for my 2015ers!

  This role has allowed me to grow as a young adult and as a future alumna. I have met so many Tar Heels – old and young – with hearts of gold. Our common link is that we all bleed Carolina blue and cannot imagine not being a Tar Heel.

  As a Carolina Class Representative, I constantly evolve into a better Tar Heel and am able to leave my Heelprint in a productive and serving way.

  I encourage everyone to find their niche on campus – whether that is joining the UNC Quidditch team or volunteering with local school children at Communiversity through the Sonja Haynes Stone Center. Whatever your passion is, Carolina is a place that provides your heart to be moved and your soul to be strengthened.

  For me, SAA is that group!

  In SAA, I have created a family away from home. We are all journeying through life on different paths – coming from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. But here we are. We all stand together as a family unit, excited to see each other each Wednesday night at 7 p.m. for our exec meetings.

  How, you may ask, does a group of diverse people connect so well?

  Simple. Our love for Carolina drives us to be one. We forget about the world outside of our meeting room’s walls and talk about life. We laugh, we joke, and we hold hours-long discussions on fun events that we hope Tar Heels will enjoy. Our effort never feels like work simply because we are passionate about our passion. We love Tar Heels because they’re Tar Heels. Simple.

  Joining an organization in college that feeds life into you is fun and totally worth exploring.  It creates an evolution of your character and your identity that cannot be explained. Most importantly, you become to know yourself. It shapes you, and you feel so grateful for the experience. 

Next May, I will leave this place behind, but my heart will remain present on the UNC campus forever.

  I may be Alabama born, but I was always destined to be Tar Heel bred. Carolina forever in my heart.

What is it that binds us to this place as to no other? It is not the well or the bell or the stone walls, it's Beat Duke Week.

Among all the beautiful traditions at Carolina, there is none so magnificent as the annual event that brings the entire community together, united on a single purpose: hating dook. The week of the UNC-Duke basketball game, the entire campus floods with school spirit, and social media runs rampant with pictures of rat-faced Coach K and great dunks of years past. This year, in a matter of hours, Carolina fans nationwide were able to get #dookfans trending on Twitter, posting gems such as #dookfans don't want to build a snowman #dookfans don't like puppies, and #dookfans eat at the Chum Bucket. 

On Wednesday morning, students will begin lining up for a game that does not begin until 9 p.m., and will wait for hours in the rain and snow before even beginning to enter into the sacred halls of the Dean E. Smith Center. Why? There are exams to study for, papers to write, and warm beds to sleep in. Why do we invest our hearts so fully in the outcome of this game each year, when we have suffered a few heartbreaks along the way? Why are we willing to put so much on the line for one basketball game? Because these games are never for one night. They are memories passed down from generation to generation. They are highlight reels in the making; the top plays (good or bad) of each game will resurface on ESPN forevermore. They are visions that dance in our heads every time we shout "Go to Hell Duke" at the end of the alma mater. We get four home Duke games in our undergraduate career, but these four experiences are enough to fuel a lifetime of hate, a bond of passion to share with the Carolina community forever. 

---

On Sunday, the Tar Heels sailed to their 57th victory against the Clemson Tigers in Chapel Hill. Yes, 57, in a row. To the Carolina faithful in the Dean Dome, the win embodied the phrase repeated on the jumbotron every game - This IS Carolina Basketball. 

That game was so spectacular because in a roller coaster season of thrilling victories and unexpected losses, that win was part of a long-standing tradition. It represented the history of consistent excellence that Chapel Hill basketball fans have come to love and expect. From Michael Jordan to Tyler Hansbrough and everyone in between, the Carolina blue courts have been graced with basketball royalty, and the fans have had no obligations but to bask in the glory.

However, this season has provided more challenges than the average fan is accustomed to. While it is not wrong to expect great things from our Tar Heels, it is unfair to give up on our duties as fans when we are not handed everything we want. Loving Carolina basketball is not just cheering at thrilling wins in the Dean Dome, and exploding with excitement at a particularly stellar slam dunk. Loving Carolina basketball is wearing blue, even the day after a tough loss. It's staying to sing the alma mater, no matter the result on the scoreboard. Loving Carolina basketball means never giving up on a season, because you know the best Carolina victories are the ones you never saw coming. 

The Tar Heels look to continue their streak with a game at Georgia Tech tonight, and will be back in Chapel Hill on Saturday with a game against N.C. State. While the lines are long and the weather is as uncharacteristically bitter this season as the fans, it's time to bring back the Carolina basketball we all know and love. The best way we can do that as students and fans is to be there early, be loud, and keep the faith.

Go Heels, Go America.

---

It’s that time of year again! For many of you reading this, 30 degree weather isn’t your cup of tea - especially if there’s no snow involved. Despite not being able to feel your ears or fingers, there are activities you can enjoy in this kind of weather! Here a few ways you can enjoy the cold weather:

1. Hot Chocolate (you knew this would be on the list)

    Drinking hot chocolate is especially delicious in cold weather. If you’re trying to save a few dollars Swiss Miss is the way to go; however Starbucks and Caribou Coffee on Franklin Street offer richer hot chocolate for another dollar or two. Starbucks even has flavor options, such as raspberry hot chocolate and hazelnut hot chocolate (if you’re feeling extra adventurous).

2. Cuddling

    There’s something wonderful about snuggling up next to your significant other (or dog, cat, pillows, etc.) under a heap of warm blankets in cold weather. Cuddling releases oxytocin, which reduces stress and generally makes you happier. To make cuddling even better, throw in a movie/T.V series marathon! Some good T.V shows to check out are: Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Scandal, Walking Dead, and Mad Men. 

3. Nap in Graham Memorial

    Naps are always good, but naps during cold weather are even better. Many students recommend napping in Graham Memorial. It’s cozy, beautiful, and warm. Stop by in between classes when you have a long break and you’ll thank yourself later!

4. Warm food

    Eating hot food is a sure way to warm yourself up, which is essential in frigid weather. Pho (which is basically a type of light, Vietnamese soup) at Lime and Basil on Franklin Street is especially popular. There are other warm foods on Franklin Street to choose from, such as hot donuts from Krispy Kreme and warm burritos from Qdoba. The choices are endless!

5. Bonfire

    Toasty fires are perfect for winter; have a bonfire and grab a few friends, smores, and blankets! Doing this outside of your dorm or apartment isn’t the best idea, but if you don’t have anywhere else to go there’s always the option of a grill (which are conveniently located at various dorms across campus). 

6. Morehead Planetarium

    Visiting the planetarium is welcome year-round, but especially during the winter when it’s nice and warm inside. This is a great place to go when you’re starting to miss the clear, warm, starry night sky (it still happens on some nights, but usually we’re all too busy rushing indoors to where it’s warm). The planetarium offers a variety of shows, so be sure to check the website before you go!

7. Movies at the Union

    Movies are great to watch while cuddling - as mentioned earlier - but they’re just as nice when you’re with your friends, inside where it’s warm, and on a big screen for free. The Union offers many movies throughout the year, so take a look at the website to see what’s being shown. It’s a great option for those that don’t want to venture out to Southpoint or the Varsity Theater. Just don’t forget your One Card! 

8. Hurricanes Game

    Hockey is a great sport to watch during the winter season. Though it’s one of the pricer options on this list, it’s worth the experience. You can always watch the games on your TV, but everyone knows that it’s much more fun when you’re in the stands. 

9. Ice Skating

    Cliche, yes, but still fun and enjoyable! It’s a fun way to spend time on a cold day, especially when you’re already bundled up. Orange County Sportsplex offers ice skating for 6.50 per person. It’s a little ways out (about 20 minutes), but it’s definitely worth it. 

10. Hot Shower

    Arguably the best way to enjoy cold weather in Chapel Hill

---

The men’s basketball team wrapped up 2013 in true Tar Heel fashion, defeating UNCW 84-51. The cheers echoed through the Dean Dome, celebrating a Carolina Victory as well as all the joys that 2013 has brought to Chapel Hill. Now as we move into a new year, here are 10 goals for 2014. 

1. Branch out

Take that Arabic 101 class because you’ve been meaning to explore a new language, or sign up for a history class just because you want to experience a different world. There’s still time to adjust your schedule for the spring, and there is no place better than Carolina to expand your knowledge beyond the narrow path of your major.

2. Write more

Start a blog, get a journal, write letters to a friend studying abroad. 2014 may seem like the wild future, but if we don’t pause to write something that’s in between a term paper and a tweet, the ancient art form known as expressive writing will be lost to us forever. 

3. Wear more blue

It’s perfectly acceptable to wear a Carolina t-shirt every single day of the week, and it won’t be once we enter the working world, so take advantage of this moment and fit that beautiful blue in as many parts of your wardrobe as possible. In order to make this happen…

4. Do laundry more than once a semester

We all know it’s easiest to wait until the breaks to take laundry home, and will do anything to avoid doing it ourselves at school. However, one of these days we might have to start acting like adults and not let our laundry pile up for months. Just kidding - that’s why you’ve spent the past 5 semesters collecting so many Carolina shirts. So you have enough to not do laundry!

5. Don’t miss a Carolina Victory

Missed out in previous years? Don’t forget to enter the lottery this semester. Put it on your calendar, write it on your hand, put it on your roommate’s calendar, tattoo it to your forehead. Do whatever it takes, just don’t forget to sign up for basketball tickets! Full calendar here.

6. Network more, Netflix less

As much as we all love a good Netflix marathon on a Saturday afternoon, in 2014 let’s try to shed the pajamas and put on real pants (at least every once in a while). At Carolina, we have the opportunity to make amazing connections - shadow top doctors, research with premier academics, and engage with business and political leaders that come to campus. 

7. Stop letting your GPA define you. 

It’s 2014! Aren’t we past the point of letting a single number consume our worries? Let’s focus on enjoying our classes and the entire Carolina experience.  

8. Allot more than 30 seconds to get to class

We all think we’re fast walkers, especially when a few extra minutes of precious sleep are on the line, but when the snooze button forces us to sprint to class, the extra rest seems wasted. A good resolution for some might be to leave early enough to have time to savor the beautiful Chapel Hill environment on the walk to class and soak up those Carolina blue skies. 2014 is the year for being on time to class! (at least during the first week)

9. Go on a summer adventure

Depending on what your post-graduation plans are, this could be your last full summer to enjoy. Make the most of it by getting an internship and living in a new city, or planning a trip with friends, or studying abroad and exploring the world. Make sure summer 2014 has something more in store than endless Netflix binging. 

10. Make every moment count

Wherever 2014 takes you, make sure you keep living the Carolina Way, doing good things, and seizing all that Chapel Hill has to offer.

Happy New Year!

---

Each month, the 2015 Carolina Class Representatives will feature a student that is taking significant steps to Fill in the Heelprints and leave his or her mark at Carolina. Nominate a student here: http://bit.ly/2015nominate

Name: Landon Sherwood

Major: Business Administration

Minor: Social and Economic Justice

Hometown: West End, NC

Favorite YoPo flavor: Snickerdoodle

Best Carolina Experiences: Dance Marathon and the 2012 football game against NC State (for your viewing pleasure)

October's 2015er of the month is someone who has not only left a significant Heelprint in Chapel Hill, but also halfway around the world. From his dedication to student groups and the Chapel Hill community to his travels as a Phillips Ambassador this past summer, Landon is sure to make an impact everywhere he goes. Perhaps his most impressive feature, according to his nominator, is his Carolina spirit. "He approaches everything he does with a passion to serve Carolina, and talking to him about it will make you fall in love with Carolina even more." 

This summer, Landon had the opportunity to travel to Hong Kong through the Phillips Ambassador program at UNC. There he interned at Father Financial, while also traveling to Beijing and other parts of China. One of the coolest things he got to do while abroad was do the world's tallest bungee jump at the Macau Tower, a height of 764 feet!

The temperature is dropping in Chapel Hill, which means some of our favorite (and least favorite) parts about winter at UNC are on their way!

1. The everyday dress code shifts from norts to leggings.

Because wearing something different to class is not the Carolina Way.

2. The post-fall break struggle of never ending papers/exams.

Where did they all come from? Why is something ALWAYS due?

3. Registration frenzy

Before you can make it through fall semester, you have to pick out your classes for spring, and possibly offer your first born child in exchange for a green circle.

4. Not tripping on the bricks gets the added challenge of leaves and eventually ice.

5. Patagonias. Patagonias EVERYWHERE.

6. A week of 80-degree weather. 

It's Chapel Hill. So really any kind of weather goes, no matter the season. The warm weather is especially likely to come as soon as you've decided to leave your summer clothes at home.

7. Wishing you could go out in an oversized sweatshirt and fuzzy socks.

Blue cup full of hot apple cider anyone?

8. Holidays on the Hill...

Heelloween, attempting to make a dorm room Thanksgiving meal, the Nutcracker at Memorial Hall - Chapel Hill knows how to do the holidays right. 

9. ...Home for the Holidays

Where every relative asks for the hundredth time what you plan on doing for the rest of your life, meanwhile you're busy planning how much homemade food you can eat for dinner.

10. Homecoming!

We're playing 'hoo?

11. You sneaky finals!

How do they always manage to sneak up on us? All we want to do is celebrate the holidays and think nothing of blue books and scantrons.

12. Football fashion switches from sundresses to as many parkas as you can layer.

13. Your love for food grows exponentially. 

Starting with fried everything at the State Fair, to Halloween treats, to Thanksgiving to Christmas cookies, it seems that the colder the weather, the more delicious the food.

14. You become all the more thankful that you go to school in Chapel Hill, and not somewhere up north.

While winter may seem rough at first here, at least we know there's hope of seeing the light of spring before May.

15. Late Night with Roy

The shining beacon amidst the bleakness that is winter, basketball season, officially returns to Carolina on Friday, Oct. 25. Late Night With Roy features shenanigans and dances from all our favorite players, plus a scrimmage to get all fans excited for the upcoming season!

---

Each month, the 2015 Carolina Class Representatives will feature a student that is taking significant steps to Fill in the Heelprints and leave his or her mark at Carolina. Nominate a student here: http://bit.ly/2015nominate

  Name: Travis Linton

Major: Exercise and Sports Science

Hometown: Raleigh, NC

Favorite spot at Carolina: People watching in the pit

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Rainbow Sherbet

Junior Travis Linton's Heelprint is defined, according to his nominator, by Linton's "kindness, sincere passion for helping others, and his ability to understand and appreciate beliefs and actions that are different from his own." Community service and care for others embody this Tar Heel's Carolina experience, and the 2015 Carolina Class Representatives are proud to introduce the 2015er of the month for September.

  CCR: You’ve have been on one APPLES Alternative Spring Break trip and are leading another one this year. What did you gain from that experience/what was the most significant part to you of those trips?

  TL: I went on the 2013 APPLES Urban Poverty Spring Break trip to Atlanta, where we volunteered with facilities that addressed education, availability of healthy foods, food stamps, harm reduction, homelessness, and resources for alcohol and drug abuse.

I learned about the brokenness and inequalities of big cities. We spent time in a marginalized neighborhood called the Bluff, an area wrecked with neglect, prostitution, and excessive drug abuse. The Bluff is about half a mile from the Georgia Dome, currently undergoing renovations in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

  I learned a lot about advocating for those who don’t have a voice, ensuring they have the rights and resources I take for granted every day. I learned so much about poverty alleviation, but I’m most thankful for the friendships I made, the conversations I had, and the stories I heard.

  CCR: Through your work with CEF you have demonstrated your passion for aiding the homeless. What does this stem from, how have you grown this work, what have you learned?

  TL: I have loved working with CEF. It’s an organization that pairs homeless members in the community with student advocates, and we work together towards goals like employment, housing, budgeting, transportation needs, identification, and any other goals they have.

  For a long time, I have wanted to engage and empower those of lower socioeconomic status, but I felt like I just talked about it. I was often told that I should be doing things, but there was no action. When I found my Christian faith, desire turned to action, and I sought different avenues like APPLES and CEF to joyfully put others before myself.

  I have learned about different ways to navigate obstacles for employment, like computer literacy and criminal records. I’m most thankful for the relational component of CEF—I have homelessness members who can call me up to hang out, and I love that.

  CCR: What is your favorite thing about Carolina?

  TL: My favorite thing is the collective passion for people and service. It’s almost an expectation here that we leverage our gifts, abilities, and resources for the sake of others. I have met so many awesome students here who intend to build their careers around sacrifice and service.