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Prized possessions

By Johnny Andrews, University Communications

Leaving home for the first time and heading to college is an adjustment for anybody — especially Tar Heels who begin their Carolina experience with a semester abroad. But taking a slice of home with you can ease the transition, as was the case for students studying in Stirling, Scotland, as part of the Carolina Global Launch program.

Whether it be a crown flower lei, a miniature stuffed pumpkin or a journal with family photos, prized possessions helped students adjust to life in college and on a new continent.

Keep scrolling to see what Tar Heels took with them to Scotland.

A two-photo collage of a student named James Ferguson. On the left is a photo of him playing the violin; on the right is portrait of James.

James Ferguson
“I brought my violin because I wanted to take advantage of learning Scottish music and traditional fiddle music, which I’ve heard is very popular. I also didn’t want to get out of practice.”

A two-photo collage of a student named Sophia Burgess. On the left is a picture of Sophia holding a crown flower lei, and on the right is a portrait of Sophia.

Sophia Burgess
“I chose to bring a crown flower lei because it reminds me of home. Lei giving is a big part of the culture in Hawai‘i. The crown flowers came from my mom’s garden, and I think it brought everything full circle. It reminds me of the love and support I have at home.”

A two-photo collage of a student named Lily Jones. On the left is a photo of Lily holding a miniature stuffed pumpkin, and on the right is a portrait of Lily.

Lily Jones
“I brought a stuffed pumpkin because I love fall in North Carolina. I’m from Winston-Salem, and it’s my favorite time of the year. I love going to pumpkin patches. I know they don’t have pumpkins to carve here (in Scotland), so my boyfriend convinced me to buy it so that I can decorate a little bit and still have some fall spirit.”

A two-photo collage of a student named Gabrielle Poole. On the left is picture of hear holding a pair of headphones, and on the right is a portrait of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle Poole
“I brought a pair of headphones because my biggest passion in life is making music. I wanted to bring these with me to continue to look at them and aspire to be something great in this life.”

A two-photo collage of a student named Andrew Waters. On the left is a closeup image of Andrew's hands holding a wooden jaguar totem. On the right is a portrait of Andrew.

Andrew Waters
“I brought a jaguar totem from Costa Rica. It was a gift to me from someone very special to me in seventh grade, so I’ve had it a long time.”

A two-photo collage: On the left is a closeup image of a student named Cori Miller holding a crocheted octopus, and on the right is a portrait of Cori.

Cori Miller
“I brought a crocheted octopus that I made myself with my mom. She actually snuck it into my suitcase, but I’m really happy I have it because it sits on my desk and I wake up to it every morning.”

A two-photo collage: on the left is a picture of a teddy bear being held by a student named Vanessa Ibara, and on the right is a portrait of Vanessa.

Vanessa Ibarra
“I brought a teddy bear because my best friend put her voice recording in the paw so every time I feel sad I can listen to her voice and get reassurance.”

A two-photo collage: on the left shows the hands of a student named Haedyn Millers holding a journal that contains family photos, and on the right is a portrait of Haedyn.

Haedyn Mills
“I brought this journal because my parents just got it for me for this trip. The plan is to write in it every day so hopefully that works. They also put a bunch of pictures of me and my family in here so I can take them with me.”

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