Mary Winn's & Lauren's Essay NCSU FAMILY OF THE YEAR Mary Winn: Have you ever heard Wolfpack fans say they "bleed red AND white?" Well that describes our family…Hard core WOLFPACK. Our dad was a proud '70 graduate of State, and our mom, who went to ECU, was quickly converted. Lauren: I often heard Dad tell people that you can get an education anywhere, but you can get a good job after going to NCSU. Mary Winn: Lauren and I would rout for State in football and basketball (We would pull for every team in the ACC when they weren't playing our team, that is, every team but Carolina). Now that I am at State, I enjoy these games even more in person! Lauren: Our dad has always been a hard worker and has tried to bestow these values in us. Every Saturday while other kids were watching cartoons, we would be helping Mom and Dad on our farm. Mary Winn: Farming, my Dad's hobby and "stress relief" from his job, also happened to be our "family time." During these times Dad often stressed the importance of an education and how we needed to take school seriously so we wouldn't have to farm for an living. It definitely convinced me! Lauren: Our parents stressed that there was no limit to what we could accomplish with an education and hard work. Dutifully we worked hard on the farm, at school, and in everything we did. Mary Winn: My senior year in high school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do, although I knew I wanted to go to State. My parents told me I could go anywhere, and study whatever, as long as I did not choose UNC. I was up for some scholarships, including the Morehead. I will never forget my dad jokingly telling me that he hoped I won it so that I could turn it down. (I didn't get that honor.) Fortunately, I got the Teaching Fellows scholarship and got the opportunity to come to State, where I am now a senior studying Marketing Education. This is not a typical NCSU major, but I am where I want to be, and where I belong. Looking back, I'm so grateful to our parents. They were, and are, always there for us-never pushing us or telling us what to do, but always there to support! Lauren: Ever since I was young, I have known I would end up a State. I have always been vocal about my feelings for MY team, so it was no surprise to anyone when I made my decision to go to State… I did not even bother applying anywhere else. Some of the highlights of my childhood were when my parents took us to visit NCSU's campus. Then, it looked like a huge place with lots of bricks…now it looks like my home. Even though I have been here for only two weeks, I have found this is the place where I belong. Currently my major is in Chemical Engineering, a tough major, but I know that with the good work ethics and the morals that my parents have taught me, I will be successful. Mary Winn: I'm jealous of Lauren. I'm going to miss it here next year, and she still has 3 wonderful years left! I'm so glad that she decided to come here though and share the experience at State. Lauren: NC State has not only become a place of higher learning to our family, but it has become a source of pride for us. You can see our dad's eyes light up as he tells friends, "Both of my girls go to State! Mary Winn and I appreciate the opportunity we have been granted to attend school here, but above all, we appreciate the love, support, and wisdom our parents have given us. We know that the legacy will live on as we strive to lay the foundation, and pass on Wolfpack pride to our children, because after all…it's in the blood! |
