Hard Work Pays Off

Jocelyn Rives ‘20 had her sights set on Carolina since she was in the fifth grade. Her godmother was a UNC-Chapel Hill alumna and inspired Rives to follow in her footsteps.

This past weekend, she had the opportunity to live out the highlight moment of that goal when she turned her tassel in Kenan Stadium, officially marking a significant milestone for her and her family.

“Getting to attend the ceremony symbolizes the achievement of getting through all the struggles of college,” said Rives, who studied exercise and sport science with a concentration in sports administration.

The college experience was full of new opportunities for the Tar Heel from Bear Creek, North Carolina.

Rives participated in many extracurricular activities at Carolina. She competed on the club basketball and handball teams, raised money for UNC Children’s Hospital with Carolina for the Kids, served on the Carolina Union Activities Board, joined the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity and worked as a photographer for UNC Special Olympics and the Daily Tar Heel.

“Advice I would give would be that, ‘You belong here. You are here for a reason. Don’t let anyone tell you anything different. Don’t give up. You worked hard to get here. You are not alone. Join a club, go to events, meet people,’” she said.

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