Scholar Stories
Erin Batten-Hicks
Class of 2023Major: Political Science and Anthropology; Minor: Spanish for the Legal Professions
Did receiving the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship influence your decision to come to Carolina?
The Wood Family Scholars Program was the deciding factor for me to attend Carolina. Receiving the Wood Scholarship helped me and family immensely in relieving the financial stress of paying for university and has continued to open up social & professional possibilities for throughout my time at Carolina. I'm extremely grateful to the Wood Family for this gift.
What does the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship mean to you?
To me, the Wood Family Scholars Program is a tangible example of a support network here at Carolina that trust me & trust my potential, professionally and personally. To know that others are investing in me gives me confidence in myself to trust my own process and journey as I grow.
What do you enjoy most about being a Wood Scholar?
More than an ordinary scholarship, the Wood Family Scholars Program connects scholars in a way that allows us to support one another in meaningful ways. The program coordinators also surround us with professional support and resources for our aspirations, which has helped me feel confident in the path I'm on.
Irfaun Delgado Karim
Class of 2024Major: Business and Global Studies, Minor: Geography
Did receiving the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship influence your decision to come to Carolina?
Certainly, being chosen to take part in a selective cohort made me more aware of not only the amazing institutions that UNC has to offer, but also the incredible students which attend this school. Being selected as a scholar reaffirmed the idea that UNC saw something special within me.
What does the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship mean to you?
It means being valued. Taking part in this scholarship makes me reflect on the value that UNC places on me as a distinguished scholar.
What do you enjoy most about being a Wood Scholar?
It has to be interacting with the other scholars. Seeing all the incredible things which they are taking part in only makes me more motivated to try new things and pushes me to reach new heights specifically in terms of my professional career.
Elena Carabeau
Class of 2024Major: English, Minors: Spanish and Studio Arts
Did receiving the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship influence your decision to come to Carolina?
Yes! I was torn between UNC and Wake Forest and learning I had received the Wood scholarship sealed the deal on UNC for me.
What does the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship mean to you?
To me, the Wood scholarship is one of the greatest gifts I've ever received in so many ways. It means being a part of a community of incredible, motivated people, and it means one step closer to graduating debt free and being able to pursue professional school or a career path with no strings attached.
What do you enjoy most about being a Wood Scholar?
I love that this scholarship is far more than just a scholarship. It's also a built-in community of scholars, as well as endless enrichment opportunities to develop professionally and learn about yourself.
Landon Collins
Class of 2024Major: Management and Society, Minor: Entrepreneurship
Did receiving the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship influence your decision to come to Carolina?
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been my dream school since I was little. When I received the news that I was selected to be a Wood Family Scholar, it solidified my decision of becoming a Tar Heel.
What does the Wood Family Foundation Scholarship mean to you?
The Wood Family Scholars Program means family to me. The program has allowed me to build relationships with peers, mentors, and friends that will last a lifetime. The program goes beyond my four years at this great University.
What do you enjoy most about being a Wood Scholar?
There are many amazing aspects of the Wood Family Scholars Program. My favorite things about being in the program include giving back to my community through volunteer events, networking with friends of the program, and building friendships with fellow scholars.