NINER 9 AND THE GOLDEN NINER

When I think of being a Niner, I see the faces of the students I’ve had the privilege to meet—each with their own unique story, background, and dream. To me, being a Niner is about embracing those differences and celebrating the diversity that makes our campus special. My journey here has been marked by significant personal growth and transformation. I have strived to create a welcoming environment and foster a sense of community. Being a Niner means stepping up to lead when it matters most. It’s about resilience—pushing through the tough times while lifting others along the way. Being a Niner is not just about individual success but about building a community where we support one another, create lasting bonds, and walk our paths to success together. My experiences have shaped me into a leader who is dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact on Niner Nation.

To me, being a Niner means meeting and exceeding expectations. This not only means surpassing the expectations I have for myself but also the expectations of others. Oftentimes, I am in situations where I am the first Niner someone has met. I do my best to meet and exceed their expectations of who a Niner is and what they are capable of. I draw upon the determination, curiosity, and kindness that all Niners possess to convey that as Niners, we are so much more than people expect. We are leaders, innovators, and changemakers who bring compassion and enthusiasm to what we do. We have varying interests and backgrounds that make being a Niner dynamic and inclusive. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a Niner and to continue to break down preconceived notions of Niner Nation.

Being a Niner at UNC Charlotte means wholeheartedly embracing our community. Our community is filled with individuals with diverse backgrounds and journeys, enriching our understanding of various topics and allowing us to see the world through different lenses. Despite our differences, we share many similarities that unite us: a passion for learning, a desire to foster lifelong friendships, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on those who come after us. I love that, even with our varied interests and majors, we come together as one. UNC Charlotte feels like home to me now, a family I can count on both today and as an alum in the future. The bonds I’ve made here will last a lifetime, and my heart will always be connected to this incredible community.

To me, being a Niner is being a part of a vibrant and diverse community unmatched by any other. I’m able to embrace the things that make me different and find community with others who are like me. Being a Niner allows me to gain new experiences and perspectives and work alongside others who I may not have met before. Being a Niner means being committed to the growth of this diverse community that makes up our school. Being a Niner is being happy, being loved, seeing familiar faces smile back at you every day and being able to know you belong. Being a Niner is staying committed no matter how hard things get and standing strong when challenged. Being a Niner is pushing yourself out of your comfort zone not only to improve yourself but to improve your community. Being a Niner embodies all of the happiness, connections, education, growth, and evolution that one gets out of their time at Charlotte.

Being a Niner means being part of a community that truly cares. It’s about more than being a student, it’s about being connected to something bigger than yourself. This sense of belonging is especially vital at a time when mental health is a growing concern for college students. I believe it’s essential that we foster an environment where we look out for one another, offer support, and prioritize mental well-being. To me, being a Niner means showing up for others, whether that’s in the classroom, at events, or in everyday life. It means standing by your fellow students, celebrating their victories, and being there when they need support. I’ve experienced the strength of the Niner community in ways that have deeply touched my heart. Being a Niner is an honor that comes with the responsibility of lifting others up, and it’s a role I’m proud to play every day.

Being a Niner means being a dreamer, a striver. All 32,000 of us are searching for gold in America’s best city. Proudly rocking green today is guaranteed to shove “green” in our pockets tomorrow in America’s second largest, but notably kind, banking city. To be a Niner is to elevate and sparkle like the persistently shiny city of Charlotte. My Niner story will undoubtedly represent hope and the possibility of realizing change away from a life of drug abuse and its concomitant criminal behavior. Niners rally when other Niners are in peril. Being a Niner means sharing and defending space in our beloved community and allowing our exceptional educational platform to extend to those most in need. Being a Niner means rigorously digging for, becoming, and sharing the gold that we were born to strike!

Being a Niner means being part of a supportive community, one that encourages you to grow and develop both personally and professionally. I use my own story as an example of the incredible growth opportunities available here. The campus offers a place for everyone, with countless opportunities for growth across all areas. The supportive faculty and the connections I have made with fellow students have made this place feel like home, and I am honored to call myself a Niner. It’s not just about embracing these opportunities for yourself, but also helping others find their path and grow along the way.

Being a Niner means being grateful for what you have while striving for excellence for yourself and your community. UNC Charlotte provides a supportive environment to grow and develop personally and professionally, allowing us to pursue our interests, discover new passions, and use these experiences to better ourselves and our community. Being a Niner means reflecting the university’s ever-evolving nature by embracing the notion that your time here will be transformative. Being a Niner means trying new things rather than settling for the first option and branching out of your comfort zone rather than taking the path of least resistance. A Niner is proud of this institution and reflects this pride by upholding the university’s reputation through positive words and exemplary actions. Although Niners embrace change, one thing that remains constant is our integrity. Being a Niner means demonstrating a dedication to integrity and showing up as the best version of yourself, today, tomorrow, and every day. I am proud to be a Niner.