Hi! My name is Jada, and I am a current senior undergraduate at UNC. This spring, I will graduate with a double major in economics and math, with a minor in business. However, I have explored many majors at UNC during my time here, from being pre-med to almost switching to a history degree. I have experienced college in as many ways as I could, from joining professional clubs to participating in intramural sports. I didn’t love UNC right away, but over time, I learned to find a home here that I truly love. I am excited to share any insights I have with future students!

Hometown

Winston Salem, NC

Major(s)

Economics, Mathematics

Minor(s)

Business

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Economics Honors Thesis Program Scale and Coin - Training Class President Undergraduate Sustainable Business Club Women in Economics BIOL 101 Lab TA Lab Assistant at Microbiology and Immunology Lab (UNC Medical School) UNC Summer Study Abroad

Describe your college experience

I had a tough time my freshman year, and it took me until sophomore year to really find a community here. It took joining a tight-knit organization (Scale and Coin) for me to find a home at UNC. I had joined other clubs, but I didn't feel like they were places where I could make friends. I also wasn't making any true friends in my classes, as UNC has big lecture halls where people rarely talk to each other. Once I found my community here, UNC opened up to me with tons of new experiences I would never have discovered on my own. The key to getting the most out of college is learning what others are doing and trying it, even if it's outside your comfort zone. I feel proud of the things I have achieved at UNC, and I feel I have explored every single career avenue I was interested in during my time in college. I am happy to share more in detail during the tour!

Tip for future students

I wish I spent less time focused on my professional interests during my Freshman year and spent more time finding a community. That being said, start taking potential major classes early. Its best to start your major early so you still have time to switch if you need to. You have plenty of time to finish your gen eds over all four years of college. It's actually nice to take 1-2 every semester since they tend to be easier and fun.

Favorite class

If I am being completely honest, it was my required LFIT (physical activity requirement) that I took freshman year. I chose soccer in the spring because I had played 10 years before college. It was awesome reconnecting with a sport I loved while making friends in the class. I was able to join two different soccer IM teams through the people I met in that class.

Career goals

I hope to work in economic development at a research non-profit or in a predoctoral program. Potential higher level education for me could be law school, MPP​/​MPA, or a PHD in Economics.

Ideal way to spend a free night

I love to grab dinner with some friends and sit at a bar after. I love hanging out at He's Not and The Gathering Place.

High school or secondary school

North Carolina School of Science and Math, Durham, NC Atkins Academic and Technology High School, Winston Salem, NC