A native of Robeson County, I joined the Army out of high school and chose to be stationed in Germany. Six exciting years later I found myself happily married and yearning for a college education. Since my wife and I both wanted to attend college, we chose UNCP because we could both afford tuition there. Once a student, I fell in love with the small class sizes and personal attention that UNCP is known for, expressing my enthusiasm by becoming a Student Ambassador and Orientation Leader. I participated in the Chemistry & Physics and Health Careers Clubs, SIFE Team, did research with the REU program, worked as a Data Analyst for the RISE program, tutored for Student Services, volunteered in the hospital, played intramural sports, and more. It was the opportunity of a lifetime and I did not want to miss a second of it. I have been accepted to Medical School at Michigan State University and will begin in 2009.

The single most important thing I learned at UNCP is the power of peer study groups. Having graduated Summa cum Laude, I can tell you first hand that there is no better way to prepare for Dr. Ritter's Physics tests than getting a study room in the library and working problems as a team. Study groups only work if they are kept productive so choose your partners wisely and designate someone to keep the group on track.

Get involved! Why? After graduation you will find yourself in job interviews. No interviewer will ask you what you learned in your classes. What they will ask, however, is what do you have 'experience' with. If all you did during your undergrad was attend classes you will not have an answer to this question and will not get the job. Your degree will get you an interview, but your extracurricular activities will land you your dream job!

The reason people attend college is to become a more well-rounded person in hopes to advance their professional life, and get that elusive 'dream job'. As a student I was often five times more involved than my fellow classmates, but I was also five times happier. When I was applying for jobs after UNCP it made me the best-rounded candidate. UNCP had helped me attain research, medical, and administrative experience which separated me from the other candidates. UNCP has something for everyone, and if what you want does not exist, UNCP gives you the creative freedom to create it yourself.