Kelley Traynham ’20 always thought UNC-Chapel Hill was out of reach.
A native of nearby Durham, North Carolina, Traynham said she was hesitant about applying to Carolina due to its competitive reputation. She overcame her fears, and today she’s a proud alumnae with a degree in communication studies.
Traynham currently works in the UNC Development Office as the associate director of volunteer engagement. Shortly after joining Carolina as an employee, Traynham joined the Young Alumni Leadership Council (YALC), a volunteer group that helps fundraise and advocate on behalf of all UNC-Chapel Hill schools, units and programs. Working both as an employee within UNC Development and volunteering on the YALC executive committee gives Traynham a unique perspective.
Traynham expanded on that relationship and shared her experience on the committee in this Q&A
Why did you choose UNC-Chapel Hill and what did you study here?
So funny story. I’m from Durham, North Carolina, so down the road. Everyone pumped up Carolina, but I was never that intrigued. I liked the sports aspect; I knew that the school is really hard to get into. And so there was that perception that this is really a tough school. So I was like, I don’t think I’m going to be one of those students to apply to Carolina. I literally applied the last night of early action. I was like if I get in, I get in. I found out I got into Carolina, and my mom threw a party. She was just so excited.
What does the YALC mean to you? Why was it important to you to come back to UNC-Chapel Hill?
To me, I think YALC is that arm that brings younger alumni to the table. I’m glad that YALC is that arm that helps connect young alumni who want to develop their passions, support the University through philanthropy, and understand what it means to be someone who is really trying to implement change at the University on a fundraising level.
I think UNC is a unique place; there are so many different things going on. But there’s so much beauty in terms of what is being done. And I think that’s why I joined YALC, because I want to spread that awareness and spread that support.
What has it been like working in University Development while also serving on YALC?
At first, I was like, “How am I going to be a staff member and someone on YALC?” But for me being on YALC has helped me to further my want to help the University prosper and develop in the midst of change. We’re working on an endowment for YALC, trying to meet the needs of students who can’t afford to come to college. I wouldn’t have had that awareness if I wasn’t working at UDO, because I hear about the scholarship banquets, and I see these students who are working super hard to excel, or they may have a barrier.
Why should current students join the council when they graduate?
The first thing is just to remember your “why” – why did you choose to come to Carolina? I think that’s big on any scale.
My why was the support, the engagement, the financial components of coming to an institution like this. After graduating your why might alter. Your why might be, “I came to Carolina to get a good degree, so I can get a good job.” Remembering that why is super important. That’ll help guide you to why you would want to support the University post graduation.
The Young Alumni Leadership Council is a great way for recent Carolina graduates to get involved, give back and connect with other alumni. Click here to learn more about the council and the Young Alumni Carolina Covenant Scholarship Endowment Fund.
Photo submitted by subject.
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