Blog 12: Iris

For today’s blog, I want to talk about one of the biggest chapters of my life: UNC.

I grew up in a tiny town where everyone knew everyone, and stepping outside the norm wasn’t exactly encouraged. Whether it was fashion, opinions, or even just what you did for fun, you kind of had to blend in. It wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it definitely meant that life felt small.

So, when I committed to UNC, I knew everything was about to change. I had never really left my hometown—not for long, at least. And if I did, I always had someone with me. The idea of moving to a new place, completely on my own, was terrifying. I spent the last few months of high school in a constant mix of excitement and fear, trying to wrap my head around the fact that I was really doing this.

One of the first things I did to ease my nerves was find a roommate and suitemates on Instagram. It helped knowing I’d have at least a few familiar faces when I got to campus. Seven, to be exact. Then, before the fall semester even started, I ended up doing a summer program called Summer Bridge. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t thrilled about spending my last summer away from home taking classes. But it was free, and I figured it would help me get a feel for campus before the real thing started.

When move-in day finally came, I was absolutely terrified. Hinton James Residence Hall was my new home, and even though I had technically already spent a summer here, it still felt overwhelmingly unfamiliar. But then, I met Iris. She lived across the suite from me, and from the very beginning, something just clicked. We became inseparable. It’s hard not to when you live together, but it was more than just proximity—we genuinely loved spending time together.

We had set lunch dates based on when our class schedules lined up. Studying became something to look forward to because it meant we got to hang out. Long walks to class didn’t feel like a chore when we were together. Even the most mundane things—like late-night snack runs or waiting in line for coffee—became fun.

Of course, we’ve been through our fair share of ups and downs. Roommate drama, friendship struggles, relationship heartbreaks—you name it, we’ve seen it. But through it all, Iris has been a constant. No matter what’s happened, I’ve always known she’s there for me, and that’s rare.

By the time our second year rolled around, living together was a no-brainer. Before move-in, Iris even joined my family on a trip to the Dominican Republic, where we spent a week in a villa on a girls’ trip. A few weeks later, we were settling into our new dorm on north campus, and our routines picked right back up where we left off. Same lunch dates, same late-night chats—just a different part of campus.

Now, I’m in my third year, and technically, my senior year. I’m officially graduating early, which is exciting but also a little bittersweet. This year, Iris and I couldn’t live together, but honestly, nothing about our friendship has changed. We still see each other almost every day, and when we don’t, we’re texting nonstop.

When I think back to how scared I was about moving to Chapel Hill, it feels so distant—almost like I can’t even remember why I was so nervous. UNC has become home in a way I never expected, and a huge part of that is because of Iris.

I know I’m not ready to leave just yet. Part of it is that I want to keep learning—especially about the advertising industry. But if I’m being honest, a lot of me just isn’t ready to say goodbye to this place. More specifically, I’m not ready to say goodbye to Iris. Once we graduate, who knows where life will take us? There’s no guarantee we’ll end up in the same city, and I want to hold onto this for just a little longer.

Iris is the kind of friend everyone needs. She’s the person who instantly makes you feel at home. The kind of friend who knows exactly what you’re thinking with just a glance. The one who shows up at your door with chocolate ice cream after a bad breakup, no questions asked. She’s funny, kind, and genuinely one of the best people I’ve ever met.

UNC is an incredible school, but at the end of the day, it’s the people who make it feel special. And for me, that person is Iris.

So, thank you, Iris. For making Chapel Hill feel like home. For turning what could have been a scary transition into the best years of my life. For being the kind of friend I know I’ll always have, no matter where we end up.

I can’t imagine UNC without you, and honestly, I don’t even want to try.