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Meet a new Tar Heel

Published Aug. 10, 2026

The Tar Heel family is growing as UNC-Chapel Hill welcomes its largest class of students yet. Thousands of first-year, transfer and graduate students are heading to Chapel Hill and will start classes Aug. 17. We’re thrilled they’re joining the Carolina community, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve during their time here.

From aspiring pharmacists, lawyers and doctors to first-generation college students, each new Tar Heel brings their experiences and passions to Chapel Hill. These incoming Tar Heels are excited to dive into new organizations and find ways to give back to North Carolina.

Keep scrolling to meet some of our new students.

Ten-photo collage of incoming UNC-Chapel Hill students: Griffin Fitzgerald, Sergio Santiago-Jimenez, Sydney Mathis, Rachel Leonard and Nathan Xu (top row, left to right); Anja Cikara-Gocke, Ashley Little, Isabella Polansky, Ken Jenkins and Marvin Gonzalez Paredes (bottom row, left to right).

Portrait of Sydney Mathis, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Sydney Mathis

Hometown: Clinton, North CarolinaIntended major: Business administration with a minor in media and journalism
“I have a deep passion for marketing, which I discovered after joining my high school Distributive Education Clubs of America chapter and participating in competitive events.”

“I am most excited to join organizations like Carolina Women in Business and to take advantage of enrichment opportunities such as study abroad or summer research.”

Griffin Fitzgerald

Hometown: Gastonia, North CarolinaIntended major: Biomedical engineering
“One interesting thing about me is that I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease called PANDAS (like the animal). With this diagnosis, I have mentored other children suffering from this disorder for the past two years.”

“At UNC-Chapel Hill, I am most looking forward to joining a research lab specializing in nanotechnology and material science. Also, I’m looking forward to attending games and participating in school spirit. I love to see a UNC win and I even rushed Franklin Street last year after the win against Duke.”
Portrait of Griffin Fitzgerald, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Sergio Santiago-Jimenez, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Sergio Santiago-Jimenez

Hometown: Wilson, North CarolinaIntended major: Public policy and social work
“As a high school student during the summer 2025 rollout of federal REAL ID enforcement, I interned at the NCDMV through the NCDOT, serving as a bilingual front-desk liaison and assisting approximately 200 North Carolinians each day with REAL ID, voter registration and licensing requirements.”

“At UNC-Chapel Hill, I’m excited to explore how social policy can strengthen underserved communities across North Carolina while engaging with Carolina’s strong tradition of public service. And, of course, I’m hoping to max out my Fever points and earn a ticket to the UNC–Duke game in the Dean Dome.”

Sage Bell

Hometown: Spindale, North CarolinaIntended major: Political science
“I am an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. For my required service project to achieve this rank, I collaborated with my local public library to create an installation encouraging young children to read.”

“I am excited to join a new, diverse community where I can learn other perspectives, especially as a rural student. I am also excited to join some of the many organizations at Carolina; it feels like a whole new world is waiting for me.”
Portrait of Sage Bell, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Ken Jenkins, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Ken Jenkins

Hometown: Statesville, North CarolinaIntended major: Applied sciences
“One interesting thing about me is that I bike nearly every day, and I can ride without using handlebars. I often ride my bike in mountainous areas, and I hope to learn how to rock climb.”

“I’m excited for club events where I can interact with new people. I am particularly interested in DiPhi and hope to get involved in the F1Tenth competition. I am also excited about having a sense of community and connectedness; I won’t feel bored or lack opportunities to try new things.”

Rachel Leonard

Hometown: Eastover, North CarolinaIntended major: Exercise and sport science
“At 16, I saw a need at my local children’s home and led a fundraising initiative that placed eight AEDs across the campus, helping create a safer environment for every child. That experience reinforced my passion for service and hope to make an impact at UNC-Chapel Hill.”

“I’m most excited to experience the incredible atmosphere and school spirit at Carolina, especially the electric energy when beating Duke! I’m also looking forward to the endless opportunities UNC-Chapel Hill offers, from getting involved on campus to learning alongside such a diverse and inspiring community. Carolina truly is one of a kind!”
Portrait of Rachel Leonard, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Alys Traylor, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Alys Traylor

Hometown: Chapel Hill, North CarolinaIntended major: Undecided
'I am the 2026 NC Youth Poet Laureate Ambassador, and in 2025 I published my first poetry collection: Speech Therapy, Eating Disorders and Dyslexic Speculation.'

“I am most excited for my Carolina Global Launch experience in Ireland and getting to spend time studying abroad and getting to experience new countries and meeting new people around the world.”

Monica Grenadier-Macaes

Hometown: São Paulo, BrazilIntended major: Economics and data science
“Learning languages is fascinating. I currently have a 1,000-plus-day Duolingo streak. I also enjoy conducting scientific outreach. After publishing my research paper in high school, I discovered that I could combine both passions into one by explaining my project in an international science fair.”

“After leading volunteering initiatives in Brazil targeting distinct communities, I want to continue to serve others and collaborate alongside driven peers to find the next missing piece of a puzzle, immersing myself in Carolina’s research ecosystem. I’m excited to explore and give back to campus with a lasting, positive impact.”
Portrait of Monica Grenadier-Macaes, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Samuel Reeve, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Samuel Reeve

Hometown: Phoenix, ArizonaIntended major: Biomedical engineering
“One of the most interesting things about me is that I have a black belt in the tasai-ryu style of kenjutsu, a form of Japanese sword fighting, and have won championships in chambara, a form of sword fighting, in both the U.S. Association of Martial Artists and U.S. Karate Alliance.”

“The two things I am most excited for at Carolina are finding some cool clubs where I can make friends and have fun and also learning about all the research projects happening at Chapel Hill so I know which I want to join in the future.”

Anja Cikara-Gocke

Hometown: Wellington, ColoradoIntended major: Psychology and neuroscience
“One of my biggest accomplishments and interesting things about me is that I have competed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog show three times and competitively show dogs year round.”

“I am most excited to learn from some of the best professors and walk the halls where so many legends have called Carolina home.”
Portrait of Anja Cikara-Gocke, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Nathan Xu, an incoming UNC-Chapel Hill student.

Nathan Xu

Hometown: San Ramon, CaliforniaIntended major: Business administration and statistics and analytics
“One interesting thing about me is that I am a chief petty officer in the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.”

“I am most excited to watch UNC-Duke rivalry basketball games and to play pick-up basketball at Rams Head Rec Center.”

Isabella Polansky

Hometown: Bernardsville, New JerseyIntended major: Biology and medical anthropology
“I am a Girl Scout of nine years and counting, and I greatly cherish the countless opportunities that the organization has provided to give back to my community.”

“I am most excited to meet new people from across the country and the globe at Carolina while enjoying the amazing atmosphere and school spirit!”
Portrait of Isabella Polansky, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.
Portrait of Marvin Gonzalez Paredes, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Marvin Gonzalez Paredes

Hometown: Rocky Point, North CarolinaIntended major: Business
“One of my biggest achievements is earning admission to UNC-Chapel Hill as a first-generation college student. To me, it represents years of hard work, dedication, and support from my family, and it motivates me to continue working hard towards my goals.”

“I’m excited to learn from my peers with different perspectives and challenge my own thinking. I’m also excited to take advantage of Carolina’s business and networking opportunities to prepare me, and someday, advance my career.”

Ashley Little

Hometown: Born in Brimfield, Massachusetts; lived in Raleigh, North Carolina, for 24 yearsIntended major: Psychology with a minor in neuroscience
“I am an older student, just turning 41. I graduated from Wake Tech with my associate’s degree in May 2026. In May, I won the academic excellence award for the liberal arts department at Wake Tech Community College and was chosen to be the student speaker at my graduation!”

“I am extremely excited to get involved in research and meet my professors. After completing all of my general education courses, I am also excited that most of the courses remaining relate to my major!”
Portrait of Ashley Little, an incoming U.N.C.-Chapel Hill student.

Move in pictures

Tar Heels make their way home

Carolina's newest Tar Heels have arrived with their dorm lamps and mini fridges in tow, ready to start a new chapter in their lives at UNC-Chapel Hill. Check out scenes as the Class of 2030 gets settled in on campus

(Photos by Johnny Andrews and Jon Gardiner, University Communications and Marketing)

    New home, new beginnings

    Did you know that Davis Library is the largest in North Carolina? Or that the Davie Poplar tree may have determined UNC-Chapel Hill’s location?

    Whether you’re new to the Carolina community or a seasoned Tar Heel, see if you can learn something you didn’t know in the UNC Visitors Center’s virtual Sense of Place Tour.

    Tour Carolina virtually

    UNC Visitors Center student tour guide holding a UNC-Chapel Hill branded microphone and standing near the Frank Porter Graham Student Union on campus.

    Thousands of Carolina students are moving onto campus and into the University’s residence halls. Some Tar Heels will find out these buildings aren’t just places to sleep but also where they make some of their best friends.

    Read about strangers becoming friends in residence halls

    Seven-photo grid featuring 18 Tar Heels who became friends in UNC-Chapel Hill residence halls.

    Did you know Carolina Coffee Shop is the oldest continually running restaurant in North Carolina, or that Merritt’s famous Triple BLT is made with a full pound of bacon?

    From Franklin Street landmarks to a beloved frozen yogurt shop, discover 10 Chapel Hill mainstays that have welcomed generations of Tar Heels home.

    Explore Chapel Hill mainstays

    An illustration of of various businesses found on Franklin street in Chapel Hill.

    Around Campus

    Back to school

    • Exterior day image of the Carolina campus quad.

      Enjoy the perks of being a Tar Heel

      Your One Card or UNC.edu email unlocks free access to events, library services and GoPass transit plus lots of discounts.

    • Rameses in the Pit

      Tar Heel traditions

      The nation's first public university, UNC-Chapel Hill is home to centuries-old traditions and experiences that connect generations of Tar Heels. Watch the Bell Tower lighting the night before the first day of class, go for a stroll on Franklin Street and cheer on the Tar Heels in Kenan Stadium.

    • Hand holding smart phone in front of the Old Well with the homepage of the Hello Heels app onscreen.

      Hello Heels app helps Tar Heels navigate campus

      The app offers a custom experience that lets users see bus routes, find health resources and more.

    Explore Carolina