I started out this process thinking I wanted to escape the fratish culture that seems so prevalent in the south, even at my tiny undergrad. Yet, after traveling all over the country, I came to the conclusion that no matter where you end up, you're going to have some sort of social mainstream pop-culture youth genre that you find annoying. In New England, you might find the "pea-coat and scarf" wearing crowd (trippy, I know you couldn't have missed this at Brown), in New York it's the "I paid a lot to look like I'm either (a) a vagrant or (b) an extra in Napolean Dynamite," in California it's the "I don't care what I'm wearing because California is the coolest place ever" look. So in the end, it all really seems the same, only the clothes change. I'm confident that I'll find a solid group of friends with whom I can relate and who will no doubt help carry me through this process no matter where I decide to put down roots.
Also, I'd like to point out that I probably looked a little fratish in my khakis and pastel green shirt (Seethrew, bobob, or WLG7 can attest to this), but honestly, what do you expect men to wear to something like this? If we had spoken, I doubt you would have put me into the frat category and I like to think that some of the people there may be in a similar situation. Can anyone refute this from conversation? I mean honestly, everyone there must have something going for them and I'm hopeful that I'll have the opportunity to learn from their diverse experiences.
As for a general lack of diversity, I'd say that's probably true if you were to classify diversity using only terms of geography and ethnicity. On the other hand, I was impressed with the fact that UNC really has a unique group of people with really varied career aspirations. Seriously, at some of the other schools, it seems like everyone is on this high intensity, research oriented path to academic medicine. You could almost feel the pressure on the room to see who was going to be the first to receive tenure. I didn't feel that at UNC. Sure, some people are interested in pursuing such a career, but there also seemed to be quite a few people interested in other areas, even some who, god forbid, were interested in primary care and private practice.
Finally, on the politics, I'd say that I have a unique perspective. Why, you might ask? Well, given certain aspects of my experiences, politics almost always makes itself to the forefront of any conversation in which I engage. Despite my own beliefs, I am often stereotyped as conservative. I found this to be especially true at schools with strong traditions of liberal activities, much to my disappointment. In many of my interviews, I was having to openly state my politics in order to defend against general mischaracterization of my personality. I'm somewhat suspicious that it may have affected the outcome of my application (Of course, I'm not so arrogant to think it's the only thing, as I realize there are plenty of holes in my application.). So where is all of this going? Well, to be honest, I learned that even people with whom I like to think I share common ground on issues as varied as human rights and foriegn policy can be just as closed minded as those with whom I politically disagree. Quite frankly, I'd just be happy to be at a place where all views are equally respected and opinions are vetted in an honest and forthright manner. I think you may find more of that here than in other locations...just my (slightly biased) opinion. Of course, I certainly understand the desire of you folks that just want to get out of the state for awhile. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm lucky in that I've been away for awhile and the idea of coming back isn't quite so painful.
Sorry, I didn't meet everyone on this thread. Seethrew definitely called me out, but I would assert it's a pretty easy call given the fact that my last name is sewed onto my Army issue backpack that I had...hmmm. I had a Meghan at my lunch table, but I didn't confirm if it was really megdog. As for Sweet, Bust, Trippy, and Phenyl, I guess you guys will remain a mystery for now...or perhaps you recognized me and just ran scared. I wouldn't blame you. That pastel green can certainly be intimidating.
R
