In January, I was in a rush to apply for as many internships as I possibly could: All in New York City. While I was ambitious with my career goals, I failed to think about how possible it would be financially to live in Manhattan for the summer. The going got rough, and I changed my plans.
After much deliberation, I decided I needed a summer in Chapel Hill. I was distressed at first when I made this decision; not only did I have to start from the bottom up with applications, but another big part of me wondered if I would be missing out by not going to a big city for the summer. As the summer gets closer, my excitement for staying in Chapel Hill has grown more and more each day.
I don’t remember who said it, but I heard every UNC student should spend at least one summer in the area. Why? Because summertime on a college campus is a totally different experience than during the fall and spring. Chapel Hill slows down, and the biggest influx of people is the new Tar Heels for their orientation sessions.
It’s easy to feel like you’re missing out on an exciting summer, especially when it seems like all your friends are going abroad or taking an internship in another city. Last summer, after my first year, I just went home, and I remember feeling some doubts about that decision. Sure, I was excited to spend my summer relaxing with my family and friends back home, but part of me wondered if I was hurting my resume.
The thought of possibly looking less competitive because I had a small internship in Charlotte was frightening, but now being a year away from it, I’m glad I went home. The first year of college can be exhausting in so many ways; spending one summer at home will not prevent you from finding success in your eventual field of choice. It’s a good idea to give yourself a much needed break. Anyways, to catch up on reading and to spend time with friends back home isn’t the worst way you could spend your summer. Spending it in Chapel Hill is even sweeter though.
I personally cannot wait to spend a summer here. I’m imagining smaller lines at YoPo on Saturday nights, less crowded sidewalks, basking in the sun at Weaver Street Market and an easy peace and sense of time. To me, there’s nothing wrong with romanticizing summer in Chapel Hill, especially after a stressful semester. During the school year, there isn’t time to explore the Triangle and all of its cool offerings. After all, I know New York will be waiting for me for next summer.
So if you don’t have an internship with a big-name company this summer, don’t sweat it. Spend it with some fellow Tar Heels who are staying in the Southern part of heaven.
Don’t be stressed about going home or staying here, even if your whole squad is going to Madrid. It just might be that your friends who are going to far off destinations will miss out on an amazing summer in Chapel Hill. And hey, if you’re around, that’ll make two of us in line for YoPo.
