Name: Wilson Hood
Major: Political science and sociology double major
Age: 21
HC: Favorite Place on Campus?
WH: My favorite place on campus is definitely the Carolina Leadership Development office in the Student Union. The staff is so supportive, the programing is incredible, and the couch is perfect for taking naps throughout the day. Plus, they almost always have candy, if you ask nicely.
HC: Favorite event of the school year?
WH: I really love the drag shows organized each semester by SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance). In my experience, nothing brings people together quite like the combination of rhinestones, catchy music, and some good old-fashioned gender queering.
HC: Interesting fact about yourself?
WH: I spent last fall break at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s theme park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and loved every minute of it. If you can go, you should. No excuses, especially if you’re a card-carrying Southerner!
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
WH: I just finished in my role as co-director of Carolina United, a weeklong retreat program for UNC undergraduates that focuses on developing students’ understanding of diversity, social justice, and leadership development. I’m also a managing editor at UNC Siren Feminist Magazine, a student-produced publication that promotes feminist perspectives on gender, sexuality, identity, and human rights. You can check out our most recent issue of the print publication and our blog at uncsiren.com!
HC: How do you make time for all that you do?
WH: For me, the most important thing is making sure I allow time in my day for taking care of myself, even in small ways. If your calendar is booked completely but you’re exhausted and stressed out, it’s impossible to give your best in any of the projects you’re working on. In
my opinion, you owe it to yourself and to the people counting on you to practice self-care unapologetically.
HC: What would you say to someone who wants to get to know more people at UNC?
WH: While I have loved my time at UNC, I will be the first to say that we have many challenges to overcome in order to make our campus and community safe and welcoming for everyone. My advice is to find what you can do to make things better- whether through activism, public service, artistic expression, or any other way you can be a leader- and connect with the people around you that you find in those spaces. Do what you need to do to give back, and the type of people that will help you grow as a person will be drawn to you.
HC: What do you hope to leave behind once you leave UNC?
WH: I think I want to leave behind a group of younger student leaders who feel like they have the vision, community support, and faith in themselves they need to continue to work for change.