Hi! My name is Aryah Oztanir. I'm a freshman at UNC—Chapel Hill from San Francisco. I'm very passionate about entrepreneurship, and am working on two startups right now! I play water polo at UNC and am involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. I love watching soccer and enjoy playing it too. Feel free to get in touch, I'd love to answer questions and help you with your college decision!

Hometown

San Francisco, CA

Major(s)

Business Administration, Computer Science

Minor(s)

PPE

Clubs, organizations & involvement

- 180 Degrees Consulting - UNC Water polo - Kenan-Flagler Assured Admit Programs - Honors Carolina - Photographer for Professors - UNC Sangam (events) - Turkish Affinity Group

Describe your college experience

As an out-of-state student from San Francisco, transitioning to UNC has been an adventure filled with both challenges and incredible growth. Coming from a large, fast-paced city, I initially faced some culture shock adjusting to life in North Carolina. However, the welcoming nature of the UNC community quickly helped me feel at home. I’ve found that UNC offers an environment where people are genuinely supportive and inclusive, making it a fantastic place to meet new people and form lasting friendships! Academically, UNC has pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m currently a student at Kenan-Flagler Business School, studying Business Administration and Computer Science with a minor in PPE (Philosophy, Politics, and Economics). My courses are challenging, but they’ve also been incredibly rewarding. I appreciate the opportunities to explore diverse fields, and I’ve been able to connect classroom concepts to real-world applications through my involvement with organizations like 180 Degrees Consulting and by developing my own apps and startups. UNC’s commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial spirit has been inspiring, especially for a student like me who’s interested in business and tech. As a Morehead-Cain Scholar and an Honors Student, I’ve been fortunate to experience many unique opportunities for academic and personal development. From campus resources like tutoring centers to supportive faculty who genuinely want students to succeed, UNC has been instrumental in helping me balance a rigorous course load and other commitments. For prospective students, especially those considering an out-of-state experience, I’d say that UNC provides an ideal mix of academic rigor, community support, and opportunities for personal growth. Moving across the country to a new environment has taught me adaptability, resilience, and an appreciation for different perspectives. I’d love to help you guys learn more about UNC, answer specific questions, and give you tips to make your transition as smooth and rewarding as mine has been!

Favorite class

Business 188

Career goals

I'm exploring my options currently. A few different career paths are open right now: - Consulting - Investment Banking ​/​ Private Equity ​/​ Finance - Entrepreneurship and Startups

Ideal way to spend a free night

- Going out to a jazz club​/​opera - Night out in Chapel with friends

High school or secondary school

Aragon High School - San Mateo, CA