News & Stories
MAC student perspectives: Game day
September is finally upon us. First-years are settling in on campus, upperclassmen are reuniting with friends after a summer spent apart, and MAC students are starting to prepare for exams. But there is only one thing on my mind – football season in Chapel Hill. The beginning of college football season is my favorite time of the year, and I’m especially excited about this year in particular. I was a UNC cheerleader throughout undergrad and this will be the first year I get to experience a UNC football game as a student cheering from the stands.
While standing on the field in Kenan Stadium in the midst of a Carolina victory is a phenomenal experience, nothing beats enjoying time well-spent with family, friends and classmates on a sunny Saturday in the Southern Part of Heaven. As the football team is warming up in preparation for the first kickoff of the year, I’ll spend the morning tailgating with fellow MAC students and old friends. I’ll walk down Franklin Street and through north campus as I venture to the stadium. I’ll walk past the Old Well, South building and the Bell Tower and be reminded that we attend the best University in the nation. I’ll spend the afternoon in Kenan Stadium singing the Fight Song after every touchdown scored and Hark the Sound at the end of the game. And win or lose, you’ll find me at TOPO after the game with an Old Well White in hand.
This morning, I woke up early and ran to the stadium. As I sat and reflected on the four years I spent cheering on the sidelines, my mind flooded with memories from seasons past. I can’t help but get chills thinking of the many seasons to come in which I will spend my Saturdays in this town and in this stadium surrounded by great friends and Carolina blue. How lucky am I to call this place home?
By Stephanie Watts, MAC ’18