Smiling to Carolina
On a January afternoon at her Eden Drug Store internship, Fiona H. was disquieted. She had just received a text message from a friend informing her that UNC Chapel Hill released acceptances that day. Fiona was frantic, fumbling through her phone to find the verdict. Her spotty cell phone reception had other plans.
Fiona’s upbringing can be largely characterized as dichotomous. She is the daughter of immigrants whose first language is Albanian. At the same time, she encountered American culture in the rural south at every social event outside her household. Although life was strictly Albanian at home, she experienced American music and traditions daily. Fiona’s favorite aspects of southern culture include cookouts and sleepovers with friends.
As she grew older and more mature, Fiona became more comfortable with herself: “I finally accepted myself for who I was…I didn’t have to conform to society’s standards.” When she was younger, Fiona admits she was insecure about her background — she even refused to speak Albanian in public. Now, she embraces her culture and maintains the confidence to excel. At Morehead, Fiona is a member of Latin Club, Academic Challenge Competition, and National Honor Society. She is also a co-president of the senior class and was accepted to attend North Carolina Governor’s School.
Now, back to those gut-wrenching moments on that January afternoon. After minutes spanning an eternity, Fiona’s phone displayed the only words she needed to see: “Dear Fiona, Congratulations….” Sobbing uncontrollably, she knew she had done it. “I think that day was the hardest I ever smiled in my four years at Morehead.” At Carolina, Fiona plans to study Biology and Political Science with the goal of pursuing a career in medicine.