{"id":904,"date":"2021-09-07T09:34:12","date_gmt":"2021-09-07T13:34:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/2021\/09\/07\/catching-up-with-the-outgoing-class\/"},"modified":"2026-05-18T03:51:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T07:51:40","slug":"catching-up-with-the-outgoing-class","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/2021\/09\/07\/catching-up-with-the-outgoing-class\/","title":{"rendered":"Catching Up With the Outgoing Class"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">Three years ago, a fresh new class landed on campus full of excitement for the years ahead. We sat down with a handful of them to talk about their aspirations \u2014 and they cemented a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\">digital footprint<\/a> from that moment in time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\"><strong>Fast-forward to 2021<\/strong>. We figured an update was in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Since our first conversations in August 2018, these students have met new friends and discovered new passions. They&#8217;ve found strength in the face of unprecedented times. They&#8217;ve made NC&#160;State their home. And through it all, each has paved their own perfectly imperfect path here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"highlight__image wp-image-525702\" alt=\"An aerial photo of students from the Class of 2022 formed to shape &quot;2022&quot; in Stafford Commons.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/class-of-2022-photo.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Hop in the Time Machine<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">Hear what these students had to say about their hopes for NC&#160;State before you find out how it all unfolded.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">See how it <span class=\"nowrap\">began\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">With added clarity and confidence, <strong>six students reintroduce themselves<\/strong> as they move closer to their last NC&#160;State milestone: graduation. Hear their reflections on where they began, who they&#8217;ve become and what they plan to do next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Niamb\u00e9 James<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Kindled at a young age, Niamb\u00e9 James&#8217;s commitment to sustainability has only grown during her time at NC&#160;State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/goodnight.ncsu.edu\/\">Goodnight Scholar<\/a> is majoring in <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/academics\/undergraduate\/sustainable-materials-and-technology\/\">sustainable materials and technology<\/a> with a minor in environmental science, and she has immersed herself in all things green on campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uyUj08uCuv8\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uyUj08uCuv8\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525681\" alt=\"Niamb\u00e9 James at Lake Raleigh.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james_BK14693.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Niamb\u00e9 talks about the student organizations that shaped her time here and how her interest in sustainability has evolved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/james_niambe-3365.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/james_niambe-3365-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A young woman stands behind a 3D printer.\" class=\"wp-image-520835\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Niamb\u00e9 James in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james-2021-crop-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james-2021-crop-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-525707\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Niamb\u00e9 James in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Whether she was working with the <a href=\"https:\/\/sustainability.ncsu.edu\/get-involved\/nc-state-stewards\/\">NC&#160;State Stewards<\/a> or studying abroad in Adelaide, South Australia, James says student organizations here helped her broaden her horizons and achieve her life goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">&#8220;All of my passions have been met,&#8221; James said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-blue-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">I&#8217;ve realized there&#8217;s more than one way to make a change.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She also credits programs like the <a href=\"https:\/\/sie.chass.ncsu.edu\/social-innovation-fellows\/\">Social Innovation Fellows<\/a> with encouraging her to shift focus from creating sustainable materials to addressing the social and economic aspects of sustainability. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">After graduating this spring, James says she&#8217;ll take time to gain work experience in her field before eventually heading back to graduate school in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Favorite Activity Outside of Class:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Making playlists<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Taking care of my plants<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dani Coan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Dani Coan&#8217;s trajectory may look a little different than she first planned. But along her winding route, she&#8217;s found a new sense of fulfillment in places she never expected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She turned to the <a href=\"https:\/\/careers.dasa.ncsu.edu\/\">Career Development Center<\/a> for support when she realized that her original major, biomedical engineering, wasn&#8217;t quite right. They guided her to find her perfect fit in <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.chass.ncsu.edu\/bsw\/\">social work<\/a>, a program that has allowed her to pursue a lifelong calling of helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U0B3Had3TnM\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U0B3Had3TnM\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525685\" alt=\"Dani Coan in the Court of North Carolina amphitheater.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19812.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Dani discusses the ups and downs of selecting her major, her passion for University Theatre and her future plans.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copy-of-coan_dani-2559.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copy-of-coan_dani-2559-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Student Dani Coan stands in Hunt Library.\" class=\"wp-image-525355\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Dani Coan in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19828.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19828-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Dani Coan in the Court of North Carolina amphitheater.\" class=\"wp-image-525686\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Dani Coan in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Coan has talked about combining head with heart from day one here, and she says her involvement with <a href=\"https:\/\/theatre.arts.ncsu.edu\/\">University Theatre<\/a> made that possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-indigo-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">I started out in not-the-right place, which is totally fine.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\u201cIt just gives me a lot of joy to be able to pursue both things, and I feel like I\u2019ve been really well set up to do that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Now that she&#8217;s scouted out a path that works for her, she&#8217;ll follow it further after her spring 2022 graduation. Coan plans to continue acting and earn a master&#8217;s degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Major:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Biomedical Engineering<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Social Work, with a minor in Theatre<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kelci Cox<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">When Kelci Cox first arrived on campus, she faced a bigger transition than most. The <a href=\"https:\/\/park.ncsu.edu\/\">Park Scholar<\/a> came to Raleigh by way of D\u00fcsseldorf, Germany, where she had been attending high school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She quickly adjusted to life in North Carolina, sprawling grocery stores and all, and the welcoming Park Scholarships community made her move feel all the more seamless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e7mGBC-YzP0\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e7mGBC-YzP0\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525696\" alt=\"Kelci Cox in a lab on campus.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-1.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Kelci reflects on how the Park Scholarships program enhanced her time here, dives into her undergraduate research and more.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/cox_kelci-2839.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/cox_kelci-2839-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC&#160;State student Kelci Cox at the Court of North Carolina.\" class=\"wp-image-494297\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kelci Cox in <strong>2018.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Kelci Cox in a lab on campus.\" class=\"wp-image-525697\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kelci Cox in <strong>2021.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-orange-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">The Park Scholarships program really gave me the confidence to try lots of things.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Cox is majoring in <a href=\"https:\/\/bio.sciences.ncsu.edu\/undergraduate\/degree-programs\/biological-sciences-bs\/\">biological sciences<\/a> with a concentration in integrative physiology and neurobiology. And her studies have led her to conduct undergraduate research with plants, nematodes, lemurs and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">For now, she&#8217;s enjoying her return to NC&#160;State&#8217;s campus, where she&#8217;ll balance her rigorous coursework with time spent reconnecting with friends. After graduating in fall 2022, Cox intends to begin graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul id=\"block-14e1d501-6faf-4ec3-88fe-621755ed61b7\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Most Streamed Song:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: \u201c2002\u201d by Anne-Marie<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: \u201cTraitor\u201d by Olivia Rodrigo<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-related-stories\"><h2 class=\"related-stories__label\">Related<\/h2><div class=\"ncst-component__related-stories-container\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/meet-the-incoming-class-2021\/\" class=\"ncst-component__bold-link wp-block-ncst-bold-link\" data-ua-cat=\"Bold Link Block\" data-ua-action=\"Bold Link Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/meet-the-incoming-class-2021\/\">Our Newest Incoming Class, By the <span class=\"nowrap\">Numbers\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/innovating-and-inspiring-meet-faduma-osman\/\" class=\"ncst-component__bold-link wp-block-ncst-bold-link\" data-ua-cat=\"Bold Link Block\" data-ua-action=\"Bold Link Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/innovating-and-inspiring-meet-faduma-osman\/\">Innovating and Inspiring: Meet Faduma <span class=\"nowrap\">Osman\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Micah Holdsworth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">How can we build a better, more equitable world? It&#8217;s a vital question, and one that has stayed on Micah Holdsworth&#8217;s mind for the last three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Holdsworth is earning a bachelor&#8217;s degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/academics\/bachelor-degrees\/\">environmental design in architecture<\/a> with a minor in landscape architecture, and he says that a trip organized by the Park Scholarships program to learn about mass incarceration helped him see his studies in a new light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/holdsworth_micah-2684.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/holdsworth_micah-2684-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC&#160;State student Micah Holdsworth at Leazar Hall.\" class=\"wp-image-494299\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Micah Holdsworth in <strong>2018.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/micah-h-cropped-2.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/micah-h-cropped-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-525602\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Micah Holdsworth in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Now, he&#8217;s focused on finding ways he can use design to address systemic issues and serve the general public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-green-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">There are so many experienced professors and staff here who would love to invest in you.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">&#8220;I want to design impactful spaces of hope,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Holdsworth will stay at NC&#160;State for another year to earn an accredited professional bachelor of architecture degree. He hopes to find a workplace that engages in socially responsible architecture and potentially return to school to focus on emerging issues such as the refugee crisis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Favorite Place to Study:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: The study rooms on the second floor of D.H. Hill<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: On the floor of my living room with my housemates<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alex Tobey<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She helped deliver piglets in a lab. She participated in everything from women&#8217;s choir to hip-hop dance. She&#8217;s even spending a magical semester interning at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It&#8217;s safe to say Alex Tobey is making the most of her college experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/animal-science\/students\/undergraduate\/\">animal science<\/a> major is driven by a love of critters \u2014 and a desire to create a positive impact in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/tobey_alex.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/tobey_alex-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"NC&#160;State student Alex Tobey sitting in Talley Student Union.\" class=\"wp-image-494301\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Alex Tobey in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/alex-tobey-crop-4.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/alex-tobey-crop-4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alex Tobey poses for a photo in Disney World in Orlando.\" class=\"wp-image-525608\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Alex Tobey in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">After graduating in spring 2023, she&#8217;ll go on to pursue a master&#8217;s degree in neuroscience before, one day, hopefully heading to veterinary school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-aqua-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">NC&#160;State has been a place where I&#8217;ve been able to blossom and become my true self.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Tobey&#8217;s advice to the next crop of incoming students? Embrace the uncertainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">&#8220;It&#8217;s okay to not have a plan for your life and you don&#8217;t need to stress and worry about it,&#8221; she said. &#8220;This is the time to find yourself and have fun with it! Try new things, make yourself uncomfortable and enjoy the little things.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Feeling About Starting the New Semester:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: &#8220;I&#8217;m so scared I am going to fail. Maybe I&#8217;m not meant for college.&#8221;<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: &#8220;I&#8217;ve got this! Senior year, you\u2019re not ready for what I&#8217;ve got planned for you!&#8221;<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ares Epps<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Ares Epps hit the ground running from the moment he set foot on campus. As he rounds toward the finish line, he says he&#8217;s most proud of the growth and development he has made in the face of difficulties \u2014 from juggling athletics and coursework to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\">\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/epps_ares-2396.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/epps_ares-2396-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC&#160;State student Ares Epps on Paul Derr Track.\" class=\"wp-image-494298\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ares Epps in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ares_50412289.png\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ares_50412289-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Ares Epps stands outside of a building with a red door.\" class=\"wp-image-525852\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ares Epps in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">&#8220;Being a student-athlete, I had to devote a lot of my time and energy to my sport while still balancing my academics,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Over his years at NC&#160;State, Epps split his time between running track and pursuing a <a href=\"https:\/\/communication.chass.ncsu.edu\/academics\/ba\/\">communications degree<\/a> with a minor in criminology. When fitting it all in felt challenging, the university\u2019s support staff was there to help him stay on course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-red-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">Have fun, live in the moment and make many memories and connections.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<\/aside>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">&#8220;They always had my back and always had my best interest in mind. They made sure that I could be successful,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Epps graduates in spring 2023 and he&#8217;s excited about entering the next chapter ahead, where he says his versatile humanities degree will set him up for success in whatever field he chooses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Feeling About Starting the New Semester:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Anxious, but excited<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Pumped, ecstatic<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/student-advice-class-of-2025\/\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/student-advice-class-of-2025\/\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"highlight__image wp-image-524852\" alt=\"A student laughs while sitting on the field during convocation.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/convocation_MAH0172.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Seniors Share Their Advice<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">See Dani and Niamb\u00e9 answer questions from the class of 2025 \u2014 and share their own tips on life at NC&#160;State.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">Watch the <span class=\"nowrap\">video\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n\n\n\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\"><\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.ncsu.edu\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/admissions.ncsu.edu\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"highlight__image wp-image-525006\" alt=\"Students hold up wolf hands.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/legacy-luncheon-14.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Apply to NC&#160;State<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">Could you see yourself as part of our Wolfpack? Find out what it takes to make it here.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">Start your <span class=\"nowrap\">application\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n<p><em>This post was <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/09\/catching-up-outgoing-class-2021\/\">originally published<\/a> in NC&#160;State News.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/side-by-side-header \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-lead\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-lead\">Three years ago, a fresh new class landed on campus full of excitement for the years ahead. We sat down with a handful of them to talk about their aspirations \u2014 and they cemented a <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\">digital footprint<\/a> from that moment in time.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\"><strong>Fast-forward to 2021<\/strong>. We figured an update was in order.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Since our first conversations in August 2018, these students have met new friends and discovered new passions. They've found strength in the face of unprecedented times. They've made NC State their home. And through it all, each has paved their own perfectly imperfect path here.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/highlight {\"teaser\":\"Hear what these students had to say about their hopes for NC State before you find out how it all unfolded.\",\"callToAction\":\"See how it began\",\"imageID\":525702} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2018\/08\/2018-incoming-class-2\/\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img class=\"highlight__image wp-image-525702\" alt=\"An aerial photo of students from the Class of 2022 formed to shape &quot;2022&quot; in Stafford Commons.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/class-of-2022-photo.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Hop in the Time Machine<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">Hear what these students had to say about their hopes for NC State before you find out how it all unfolded.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">See how it <span class=\"nowrap\">began\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/highlight -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">With added clarity and confidence, <strong>six students reintroduce themselves<\/strong> as they move closer to their last NC State milestone: graduation. Hear their reflections on where they began, who they've become and what they plan to do next.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Niamb\u00e9 James<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Kindled at a young age, Niamb\u00e9 James's commitment to sustainability has only grown during her time at NC State.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/goodnight.ncsu.edu\/\">Goodnight Scholar<\/a> is majoring in <a href=\"https:\/\/cnr.ncsu.edu\/academics\/undergraduate\/sustainable-materials-and-technology\/\">sustainable materials and technology<\/a> with a minor in environmental science, and she has immersed herself in all things green on campus.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/video-image {\"imageID\":525681,\"src\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uyUj08uCuv8\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uyUj08uCuv8\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=uyUj08uCuv8\"><img class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525681\" alt=\"Niamb\u00e9 James at Lake Raleigh.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james_BK14693.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Niamb\u00e9 talks about the student organizations that shaped her time here and how her interest in sustainability has evolved.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/video-image -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":520835,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/james_niambe-3365.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/james_niambe-3365-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A young woman stands behind a 3D printer.\" class=\"wp-image-520835\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Niamb\u00e9 James in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525707,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james-2021-crop-2.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/niambe-james-2021-crop-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-525707\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Niamb\u00e9 James in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Whether she was working with the <a href=\"https:\/\/sustainability.ncsu.edu\/get-involved\/nc-state-stewards\/\">NC State Stewards<\/a> or studying abroad in Adelaide, South Australia, James says student organizations here helped her broaden her horizons and achieve her life goals.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\"All of my passions have been met,\" James said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cI've realized there's more than one way to make a change.\u201d\",\"textColor\":\"blue_400\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-blue-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">I've realized there's more than one way to make a change.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She also credits programs like the <a href=\"https:\/\/sie.chass.ncsu.edu\/social-innovation-fellows\/\">Social Innovation Fellows<\/a> with encouraging her to shift focus from creating sustainable materials to addressing the social and economic aspects of sustainability. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">After graduating this spring, James says she'll take time to gain work experience in her field before eventually heading back to graduate school in the future.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Favorite Activity Outside of Class:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Making playlists<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Taking care of my plants<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Dani Coan<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Dani Coan's trajectory may look a little different than she first planned. But along her winding route, she's found a new sense of fulfillment in places she never expected.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She turned to the <a href=\"https:\/\/careers.dasa.ncsu.edu\/\">Career Development Center<\/a> for support when she realized that her original major, biomedical engineering, wasn't quite right. They guided her to find her perfect fit in <a href=\"https:\/\/socialwork.chass.ncsu.edu\/bsw\/\">social work<\/a>, a program that has allowed her to pursue a lifelong calling of helping others.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/video-image {\"imageID\":525685,\"src\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U0B3Had3TnM\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U0B3Had3TnM\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=U0B3Had3TnM\"><img class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525685\" alt=\"Dani Coan in the Court of North Carolina amphitheater.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19812.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Dani discusses the ups and downs of selecting her major, her passion for University Theatre and her future plans.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/video-image -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":525355,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copy-of-coan_dani-2559.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Copy-of-coan_dani-2559-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Student Dani Coan stands in Hunt Library.\" class=\"wp-image-525355\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Dani Coan in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525686,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19828.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/dani-coan-19828-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Dani Coan in the Court of North Carolina amphitheater.\" class=\"wp-image-525686\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Dani Coan in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Coan has talked about combining head with heart from day one here, and she says her involvement with <a href=\"https:\/\/theatre.arts.ncsu.edu\/\">University Theatre<\/a> made that possible.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cI started out in not-the-right place, which is totally fine.\u201d\",\"textColor\":\"indigo_400\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-indigo-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">I started out in not-the-right place, which is totally fine.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\u201cIt just gives me a lot of joy to be able to pursue both things, and I feel like I\u2019ve been really well set up to do that,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Now that she's scouted out a path that works for her, she'll follow it further after her spring 2022 graduation. Coan plans to continue acting and earn a master's degree in social work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Major:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Biomedical Engineering<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Social Work, with a minor in Theatre<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Kelci Cox<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">When Kelci Cox first arrived on campus, she faced a bigger transition than most. The <a href=\"https:\/\/park.ncsu.edu\/\">Park Scholar<\/a> came to Raleigh by way of D\u00fcsseldorf, Germany, where she had been attending high school.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She quickly adjusted to life in North Carolina, sprawling grocery stores and all, and the welcoming Park Scholarships community made her move feel all the more seamless.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/video-image {\"imageID\":525696,\"src\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e7mGBC-YzP0\",\"align\":\"wide\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-video-image alignwide ncst-yt-player ncst-video-image\"><figure class=\"video-image__video\"><div class=\"video-image__wrapper\"><div class=\"video-image__video-container\"><div class=\"ncst-yt-player-target\"><\/div><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e7mGBC-YzP0\" class=\"video-image__overlay ncst-yt-player-trigger\" data-ua-cat=\"Video Image Block\" data-ua-action=\"Video Play\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=e7mGBC-YzP0\"><img class=\"video-image__img wp-image-525696\" alt=\"Kelci Cox in a lab on campus.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-1.jpg\" \/><span class=\"play-indicator\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 314 384\"><title>Play Video<\/title><path d=\"M0,0,314,192.51,0,384Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/a><\/div><figcaption class=\"video-image__caption\"><strong>Video<\/strong>: Kelci reflects on how the Park Scholarships program enhanced her time here, dives into her undergraduate research and more.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/video-image -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":494297,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/cox_kelci-2839.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/cox_kelci-2839-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC State student Kelci Cox at the Court of North Carolina.\" class=\"wp-image-494297\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kelci Cox in <strong>2018.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525697,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-2.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/kelci-cox-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Kelci Cox in a lab on campus.\" class=\"wp-image-525697\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Kelci Cox in <strong>2021.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cThe Park Scholarships program really gave me the confidence to try lots of things.\u201d\",\"textColor\":\"orange_400\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-orange-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">The Park Scholarships program really gave me the confidence to try lots of things.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Cox is majoring in <a href=\"https:\/\/bio.sciences.ncsu.edu\/undergraduate\/degree-programs\/biological-sciences-bs\/\">biological sciences<\/a> with a concentration in integrative physiology and neurobiology. And her studies have led her to conduct undergraduate research with plants, nematodes, lemurs and more.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">For now, she's enjoying her return to NC State's campus, where she'll balance her rigorous coursework with time spent reconnecting with friends. After graduating in fall 2022, Cox intends to begin graduate school.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul id=\"block-14e1d501-6faf-4ec3-88fe-621755ed61b7\" class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Most Streamed Song:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: \u201c2002\u201d by Anne-Marie<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: \u201cTraitor\u201d by Olivia Rodrigo<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/related-stories -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-ncst-related-stories\"><h2 class=\"related-stories__label\">Related<\/h2><div class=\"ncst-component__related-stories-container\"><!-- wp:ncst\/bold-link {\"url\":\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/meet-the-incoming-class-2021\/\",\"text\":\"Our Newest Incoming Class, By the Numbers\"} -->\n<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/meet-the-incoming-class-2021\/\" class=\"ncst-component__bold-link wp-block-ncst-bold-link\" data-ua-cat=\"Bold Link Block\" data-ua-action=\"Bold Link Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/meet-the-incoming-class-2021\/\">Our Newest Incoming Class, By the <span class=\"nowrap\">Numbers\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/bold-link -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/bold-link {\"url\":\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/innovating-and-inspiring-meet-faduma-osman\/\",\"text\":\"Innovating and Inspiring: Meet Faduma Osman\"} -->\n<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/innovating-and-inspiring-meet-faduma-osman\/\" class=\"ncst-component__bold-link wp-block-ncst-bold-link\" data-ua-cat=\"Bold Link Block\" data-ua-action=\"Bold Link Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/innovating-and-inspiring-meet-faduma-osman\/\">Innovating and Inspiring: Meet Faduma <span class=\"nowrap\">Osman\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/a>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/bold-link --><\/div><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/related-stories -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Micah Holdsworth<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">How can we build a better, more equitable world? It's a vital question, and one that has stayed on Micah Holdsworth's mind for the last three years.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Holdsworth is earning a bachelor's degree in <a href=\"https:\/\/design.ncsu.edu\/architecture\/academics\/bachelor-degrees\/\">environmental design in architecture<\/a> with a minor in landscape architecture, and he says that a trip organized by the Park Scholarships program to learn about mass incarceration helped him see his studies in a new light.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid {\"align\":\"full\"} -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":494299,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/holdsworth_micah-2684.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/holdsworth_micah-2684-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC State student Micah Holdsworth at Leazar Hall.\" class=\"wp-image-494299\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Micah Holdsworth in <strong>2018.<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525602,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/micah-h-cropped-2.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/micah-h-cropped-2-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-525602\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Micah Holdsworth in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Now, he's focused on finding ways he can use design to address systemic issues and serve the general public.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cThere are so many experienced professors and staff here who would love to invest in you.\u201d\",\"textColor\":\"green_400\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-green-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">There are so many experienced professors and staff here who would love to invest in you.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\"I want to design impactful spaces of hope,\" he said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Holdsworth will stay at NC State for another year to earn an accredited professional bachelor of architecture degree. He hopes to find a workplace that engages in socially responsible architecture and potentially return to school to focus on emerging issues such as the refugee crisis.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Favorite Place to Study:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: The study rooms on the second floor of D.H. Hill<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: On the floor of my living room with my housemates<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Alex Tobey<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">She helped deliver piglets in a lab. She participated in everything from women's choir to hip-hop dance. She's even spending a magical semester interning at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. It's safe to say Alex Tobey is making the most of her college experience.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/cals.ncsu.edu\/animal-science\/students\/undergraduate\/\">animal science<\/a> major is driven by a love of critters \u2014 and a desire to create a positive impact in the world.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid {\"align\":\"full\"} -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":494301,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/tobey_alex.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/tobey_alex-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"NC State student Alex Tobey sitting in Talley Student Union.\" class=\"wp-image-494301\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Alex Tobey in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525608,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/alex-tobey-crop-4.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/alex-tobey-crop-4-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Alex Tobey poses for a photo in Disney World in Orlando.\" class=\"wp-image-525608\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Alex Tobey in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">After graduating in spring 2023, she'll go on to pursue a master's degree in neuroscience before, one day, hopefully heading to veterinary school.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default right-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cNC State has been a place where I've been able to blossom and become my true self.\u201d\",\"textColor\":\"aqua_400\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-aqua-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">NC State has been a place where I've been able to blossom and become my true self.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Tobey's advice to the next crop of incoming students? Embrace the uncertainty.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\"It's okay to not have a plan for your life and you don't need to stress and worry about it,\" she said. \"This is the time to find yourself and have fun with it! Try new things, make yourself uncomfortable and enjoy the little things.\"<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Feeling About Starting the New Semester:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: \"I'm so scared I am going to fail. Maybe I'm not meant for college.\"<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: \"I've got this! Senior year, you\u2019re not ready for what I've got planned for you!\"<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2>Ares Epps<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Ares Epps hit the ground running from the moment he set foot on campus. As he rounds toward the finish line, he says he's most proud of the growth and development he has made in the face of difficulties \u2014 from juggling athletics and coursework to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/image-grid {\"align\":\"full\"} -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-grid alignfull\"><!-- wp:ncst\/image-column -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-image-column\"><!-- wp:image {\"id\":494298,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/epps_ares-2396.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/epps_ares-2396-1024x576.png\" alt=\"NC State student Ares Epps on Paul Derr Track.\" class=\"wp-image-494298\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ares Epps in <strong>2018<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":525852,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"media\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ares_50412289.png\"><img src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/ares_50412289-1024x576.png\" alt=\"Ares Epps stands outside of a building with a red door.\" class=\"wp-image-525852\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ares Epps in <strong>2021<\/strong>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-column --><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/image-grid -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\"Being a student-athlete, I had to devote a lot of my time and energy to my sport while still balancing my academics,\" he said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Over his years at NC State, Epps split his time between running track and pursuing a <a href=\"https:\/\/communication.chass.ncsu.edu\/academics\/ba\/\">communications degree<\/a> with a minor in criminology. When fitting it all in felt challenging, the university\u2019s support staff was there to help him stay on course.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/aside-widget {\"alignment\":\"left\"} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-aside-widget default left-aside\"><!-- wp:ncst\/pullquote {\"value\":\"\u201cHave fun, live in the moment and make many memories and connections.\u201d\"} -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-ncst-pullquote has-red-400-text-color has-quotes\"><div class=\"pullquote-container\"><p class=\"pullquote-content\">Have fun, live in the moment and make many memories and connections.<\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/pullquote --><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/aside-widget -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">\"They always had my back and always had my best interest in mind. They made sure that I could be successful,\" he said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"className\":\"is-style-default\"} -->\n<p class=\"is-style-default\">Epps graduates in spring 2023 and he's excited about entering the next chapter ahead, where he says his versatile humanities degree will set him up for success in whatever field he chooses.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Feeling About Starting the New Semester:<ul><li><strong>2018<\/strong>: Anxious, but excited<\/li><li><strong>2021<\/strong>: Pumped, ecstatic<\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-ncst-separator\" \/>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/highlight {\"teaser\":\"See Dani and Niamb\u00e9 answer questions from the class of 2025 \u2014 and share their own tips on life at NC State.\",\"callToAction\":\"Watch the video\",\"imageID\":524852} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\">Related<\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/student-advice-class-of-2025\/\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/2021\/08\/student-advice-class-of-2025\/\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img class=\"highlight__image wp-image-524852\" alt=\"A student laughs while sitting on the field during convocation.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/convocation_MAH0172.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Seniors Share Their Advice<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">See Dani and Niamb\u00e9 answer questions from the class of 2025 \u2014 and share their own tips on life at NC State.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">Watch the <span class=\"nowrap\">video\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/highlight -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/highlight {\"teaser\":\"Could you see yourself as part of our Wolfpack? Find out what it takes to make it here.\",\"callToAction\":\"Start your application\",\"imageID\":525006} -->\n<aside class=\"wp-block-ncst-highlight with-image\"><h2 class=\"highlight__label\"><\/h2><a href=\"https:\/\/admissions.ncsu.edu\" class=\"highlight__link\" data-ua-cat=\"Highlight Block\" data-ua-action=\"Story Click\" data-ua-label=\"https:\/\/admissions.ncsu.edu\"><div class=\"highlight__image-container\"><div class=\"highlight__image-background\"><img class=\"highlight__image wp-image-525006\" alt=\"Students hold up wolf hands.\" src=\"https:\/\/news.ncsu.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/legacy-luncheon-14.png\" \/><\/div><\/div><div class=\"highlight__text-container\"><h3 class=\"highlight__heading\">Apply to NC State<\/h3><p class=\"highlight__teaser\">Could you see yourself as part of our Wolfpack? Find out what it takes to make it here.<\/p><p class=\"highlight__cta\">Start your <span class=\"nowrap\">application\u00a0<span class=\"arrow-indicator\"> <svg class=\"wolficon\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><use xlink:href=\"#wolficon-arrow-right-bold\" \/><\/svg> <\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div><\/a><\/aside>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/highlight -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2018, a group of incoming first-year students told us about their hopes for the years ahead. Follow their journeys since then.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":905,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"ncstate_wire","ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","ncst_content_audit_display":false,"ncst_backToTopFlag":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[5],"class_list":["post-904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-_from-newswire-collection-6"],"displayCategory":null,"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=904"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2232,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/904\/revisions\/2232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/905"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dev.ucomm.ncsu.edu\/web-platform-free-tier\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}