Thinking Outside the Beatbox

Conrad Ma’s path to Carolina has been winding. Ma ’18 moved from China to the U.S. in high school, bringing with him a keen interest in beatboxing. It’s a skill that has opened up doors to meet new people, make lasting friendships and even present at a TEDx conference.

His journey continued at Carolina where he found support not only for beatboxing but also entrepreneurial endeavors. The Shuford Program in Entrepreneurship in the College of Arts & Sciences offered real-world mentorship to help Ma launch a new software from idea to reality.

“One thing I appreciate a lot about Carolina is the innovation spirit that the school has encouraged,” said Ma, a Morehead-Cain Scholar. “They have set up a really safe place for students to try out different ventures and different ideas.”

But perhaps his biggest adventure is still to come. Taking with him the lessons learned through his computer science degree and the Shuford Program, Ma began a job in product management at a tech firm in the Bay Area following graduation.

Still, he reflects on four years at Carolina. “The thing I’ve enjoyed the most is the people and the companionship. I will really, really miss the people, and I’d love to pay it back.”

Read the complete Carolina Story from the UNC College of Arts & Sciences…

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