Last year’s Eve Carson Memorial 5K for Education was nothing short of a celebration. And on Saturday, the celebration will continue.“I remember laughing more than anything in the race,” said junior Hogan Medlin, who ran in last year’s 5K. “It felt like there were thousands of people there, and when we all began, it was just this big hoorah. It was extremely uplifting.”
Freshman Sarah Jamison blends in with the rest of the students filling the cafeteria. As she rests her head in her hand and begins to speak, though, she clearly belongs some place else.For Jamison, coming to college was her “default decision” upon leaving high school.
Even though he’s off duty, Willie Tatum’s eyes dart back and forth behind dark sunglasses, following the cars on South Road.Tatum, a 38-year-old crossing guard, works from 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. five days a week — in any kind of weather. His eyes alert and his posture erect, he keeps a steady watch on the road ahead, seemingly unperturbed by the oppressive afternoon heat. Tatum said he enjoys his job because he is constantly in the heart of UNC’s campus, coming into contact with a few thousand students each day.
Iridescent green and sea blue adorn the lids of Katrina Roberson’s excited eyes. Dressed in her work uniform, she looks like a star, flashing sly grins at the students while swiping cards at Rams Head Dining Hall.For Roberson, each day is a chance to showcase her makeup skills and, more importantly, to celebrate the things most dear to her.She travels 30 minutes to Chapel Hill each day to work, leaving behind her mother and six siblings.“I love my family,” she said. “I want to be with them all the time.”
