Niner Guide Program Enriches Student Experience
For Carly Coupal, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte has evolved into more than an academic institution; it has become a second home. The senior from Davidson, North Carolina, is pursuing dual degrees in finance and political science while actively engaging in campus life through her involvement in Delta Zeta sorority and her role as a Niner Guide.
Since her freshman year, Coupal has transitioned from a student finding her way around campus to a guide who helps prospective students visualize their futures at UNC Charlotte. By sharing personal anecdotes, campus traditions, and fostering connections, she aims to create a welcoming and memorable atmosphere for those touring the university.
Inspiration to Lead Tours
Coupal decided to become a Niner Guide after observing upperclassmen from her sorority in the role during her first semester. Their encouragement motivated her to apply and become part of an experience she found appealing.
Favorite Campus Highlights
Over time, Coupal’s favorite locations on campus have evolved, but Atkins Library has consistently remained a special place for her. “I love the library, and it’s always a highlight of my tours,” she remarked. As an upperclassman, she also enjoys introducing prospective students to the Career Center, emphasizing the resources available to aid their future success, even if they are not considering graduation yet.
Memorable Tour Experiences
Leading group tours for high school field trips offers a different dynamic compared to traditional tours. Coupal enjoys taking these groups to the Star Quad, where she engages them by having everyone shout in the echo chamber. She finds that high school students tend to be more relaxed and enjoy these tours more when they are with their classmates rather than their families.
Personalized Tours
To make each tour feel unique, Coupal shares personal experiences that highlight what makes UNC Charlotte distinct. She focuses on how she has utilized campus resources throughout her college journey, sharing stories from her favorite athletic events to her involvement in Greek life and dining experiences. This personal touch helps prospective students envision their own experiences at the university.
Growth Through Guiding
Serving as a Niner Guide has contributed to Coupal’s personal and professional development. She has honed her public speaking abilities, which she sees as beneficial for any career, and learned to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds. These interactions have boosted her confidence in meeting new people and navigating unfamiliar situations.
Welcoming Future Students
Coupal takes pride in her role as one of the first contacts for prospective students at UNC Charlotte. She recalls feeling overwhelmed during her own college tours and aims to ensure that visitors feel at ease while discovering that college can be less daunting than they might think. She is thankful for the opportunity to assist students in making one of the most significant decisions of their lives.
A Sense of Belonging
To Coupal, the campus embodies a sense of home. While student organizations have significantly influenced her college experience, it is the relationships she has formed that have made UNC Charlotte truly special. She appreciates the strong friendships that have supported her throughout her journey, providing a sense of belonging that she cherishes.
The Value of Campus Visits
Coupal encourages those contemplating their first campus tour to take that step. She emphasizes that while websites and photographs provide information, they cannot replace the unique perspectives and experiences that each tour guide offers. Visiting the campus allows prospective students to experience the environment and get a genuine sense of what life at UNC Charlotte is like.
For those interested in becoming a Niner Guide, applications are open until Sunday, November 1, according to the university.
Source: UNC Charlotte
