12. Hark the Sound

“I'm a Tar Heel born / I'm a Tar Heel bred / And when I die I'm a Tar Heel dead.”

Oh, Carolina. What do I even say? 

I grew up watching your basketball games. You always felt like the home team to me. As a kid, I visited campus several times. The first time was when the Duke University Talent Identification Program invited me to one of the annual Duke vs. UNC football games. Unfortunately, UNC lost that day. Fortunately, my family and I got to watch UNC play at home on Duke’s dime. 

The second time was for a Men’s Basketball game against the University of Texas. My father took me, and I enjoyed cheering on the Heels with fellow fans from the Smith Center for the first time. Once again, we lost, but it didn’t crush my spirits. I continued to watch Carolina athletics and defend them when Duke fans attempted to get a rise out of me. 

The third time was for Splash UNC. I remember being very lost on campus as I traveled to my first classes at Carolina. I had such a good time learning how to make soap and analyzing rap lyrics. The students teaching the classes made me feel at home.

The fourth time was to visit the Eshelman School of Pharmacy, back when I thought I was a STEM major in the making. While I never stepped foot in that building again, I learned that it’s just as important to discover what you don’t like as it is to pinpoint what you do like. 

I never officially toured Carolina when searching for a college to attend; I didn’t need to. It was quite clear to me from the beginning that this place was home. The fifth time was when I moved in, and my theory was proved: home it was. Home it is. 

At Carolina, Tar Heels have some traditions. One of them is to sing “Hark the Sound” after every game. Once I learned the lyrics, I vowed to sing it rain or shine, win or lose. I’ve sung it in the Dean Dome. I’ve sung it in Kenan Stadium. I’ve sung it in the dormitories. I’ve sung it on Franklin Street. I’ve sung it with friends, family, and fellow students. If you’ve never heard the song, it goes a little something like … 

Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices, ringing clear and true. Singing Carolina’s praises, shouting, “N.C.U.” Hail to the brightest star of all. Clear its radiance shine. Carolina, priceless gem. Receive all praises thine. I’m a Tar Heel born. I’m a Tar Heel bred. And when I die, I’m a Tar Heel dead. So it’s rah, rah, Carolina ‘lina. Rah, rah, Carolina ‘lina. Rah, rah, Carolina ‘lina. (Go to Hell, Duke!)

I’ve sung it over and over again. I know I’ll never stop. If I had to pick a favorite song, it might just be this one.

Thank you, Carolina, for everything. I grew and learned so much here. I’ll take your lessons with me as I move on. I’ll never forget the memories we made together. After all, I’m a Tar Heel born. I’m a Tar Heel bred. And when I die, I’m a Tar Heel dead.

GO HEELS!