Word on the street: Seniors' favorite moments at UNC

Over the past four years, UNC seniors have had far from a normal college experience. After stepping onto campus during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, they attended college through an intense mental health crisis across UNC in 2021, a historic Final Four win against Duke in 2022, a fatal shooting in August 2023 and protests on Polk Place regarding the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza in 2024.

Despite trials and tribulations, members of the class of 2024 have made treasured memories throughout their time at UNC. Staff writer Maeson Wagner asked seniors: “What is your favorite memory, story or thing you will miss most at UNC?”

Aadil Mehasanewala, business administration major

“My freshman year I joined the club rugby team here, and I’ve met a diverse group of friends through that; some of my best friends are from South Africa, Thailand, the U.K., New Zealand and all over the world. It’s been a really fun time playing with them and seeing how all of their skills have translated into the college level.”

Ambika Bhatt, biostatistics major

“It’s always been fun picnicking on the Quad, taking advantage of UNC’s nature and the sun, hanging out with everyone and just seeing random people.”

Alisha Kelkar, psychology and computer science major

“Rushing [Franklin Street] from the Dean Dome sucks, because you go all uphill, but it's nice to see everyone's doing it, and there's so many hundreds of people. It's kind of crazy.”

João Guilherme Pires Almeida, economics major

“Me and my friends, we decided to create a cult for Elmo. So we got a guy to eat a rotisserie chicken right there [in The Pit] with his bare hands in under six minutes and we recited some poetry for Elmo, and about 100 people showed up.”

Sophie Salem, biostatistics major

“Just in general, I like how active campus is, on Sundays playing pickleball or volleyball on south campus and seeing everyone out and about playing and having fun.”

Sabrina Anwar, psychology and economics major

“My favorite thing about UNC is the community on campus, you can see that’s reflected through our Franklin rushes. I think that's really sweet, and it's an awesome moment to get to see everybody come together and celebrate.”

Wallace Foutch, business administration and economics major

“My favorite moment I can remember at UNC is getting my internship offer my sophomore year. It's been my dream job since high school, and I got it, and it's probably the most euphoric I ever was.”

Seth Pippin, computer science major

“It’s got to be any of the times we beat Duke and then either rush the field or rush Franklin Street. Can't really beat that.”

Megan Shaeffer, biology and romance languages major

“My favorite moment was finally learning how to stand up for myself in the face of adversity.”

Jacob Ferrebee, linguistics and romance languages major

“Every year when the end of the semester comes around all the traditions, streaking or rushing Franklin, stuff like that. I just love when we all can get together and raid the damn streets.”

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