Student to choose music, travel over college

Freshman Sarah Jamison blends in with the rest of the students filling the cafeteria. As she rests her head in her hand and begins to speak, though, she clearly belongs some place else.

For Jamison, coming to college was her “default decision” upon leaving high school.

“Some people go to college to figure out what they want to do with their lives,” she said. “I want to figure that out first.”

After a few months at UNC, Jamison has determined that college is, in fact, not the right place for her. Instead, she plans to move to Portland, Ore., to make music and to raise awareness about organic farming.

“Being here, I realize I need some time to figure out what I want to do and whether I need a college degree to do it,” she said.

“I see it as practical to experience the real world before I spend four years wandering around academia aimlessly.”

Jamison’s roommate, Mary Lewallen, described Jamison as self-sufficient and independent.

“Her ability to make decisions for herself, weigh the consequences and devote herself once she’s made a choice will help her immensely,” she said.

Beginning in January, Jamison plans to live with her aunt, uncle and cousin in Oregon as an alternative to college life. She chose Portland because of its vibrant music scene, in which she hopes to take part.

Jamison plays what she describes as “old-time music,” a mixture of banjo and guitar, that is “traditionally Appalachian” in origin.

“It’s hard for me to define because it’s been a part of my life for so long,” she said of the music.

Her dad first taught her to play the banjo. Music has been a huge part of her life ever since.

“I remember the first time I heard her play,” Lewallen said. “She sang me to sleep playing her guitar and an old-time lullaby. Her voice is truly entrancing. It just draws you in, in the most subtle but intense way.”

Portland’s music scene is only the beginning of Jamison’s journey.

After raising money for a few months while living in Portland, Jamison and her friend, also an old-time musician, plan to buy a pickup truck and travel across the country to different farms.

They plan to work in exchange for room and board and play their music for anyone willing to listen.

Jamison’s time in Portland will mark her longest period away from her friends and immediate family, and she said she will miss them.

Still, she said she would love to be able to incorporate her music into her future.

“Old-time music is obscure,” she said. “You definitely don’t make a lot of money out of it. But I’m fine with living simply.”



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