Dedication
For our residents, for our staff, for our school.
Foreword
In Reflective Verses: A Carolina Housing Poetry Project Resident Advisor Celia Gibbs and Community Director Victoria Goetzinger have compiled a collection of poetry from students, student staff, and professional staff from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-CH). Finding that poetry has been a cathartic and healing mode of expression for themselves in the past, they wanted to bring that thought to Carolina Housing. This collection shares the lived experiences of students and staff throughout the 2023-2024 school year reflecting on values development, community, and resilience.
Note: In the fall of 2023 UNC-CH had two campus lockdowns due to armed and dangerous persons. The first on August 28 ended with the fatal shooting of professor Dr. Zijie Yan. On September 13, a person brandished a gun in the student union. Please note some of the works included in this collection refer to gun violence.
Poems
Student Poems
Roses are red
Violets are blue
My co-RAs are amazing
And my love for them is true
– Anonymous
Opinionated on a stance
Is one to be stood
The values you learn
Can be understood
Take a moment to slow down
And breathe in deep the fresh air
And look around you, and recognize your audience, something to remember
– By Greyson F.
so many people, 9 floors
friends and collaborators, 124 suite doors
opening hearts, 27 more
unity in a community, together we roar
friendships forever, yes, we swore
– Anonymous
“Care”lina housing
Where we care for each other
And build a sweet home
– Anonymous
Heart pounding
mind racing
I’m nearly at the finish line
The degree is about to be mine
But yet, do I want to have it?
Life is just changing so fast
I don’t want to finish up last
– Anonymous
In the heart of the city’s sprawl,
Where voices mingle and stories enthrall,
Lies the pulse of community, strong and fair,
A tapestry woven from threads of care.
Resilience shines through each shared smile,
Through trials that stretch each weary mile;
Roots that deepen with the test of time,
Holding firm when mountains climb.
Values whispered on winds of change,
Guiding principles, broad and strange,
Marking paths with gentle signs,
In the deeds that define our lines.
Inclusion blooms in this vibrant plot,
Where no soul is forgotten, none forgot;
A garden thriving in diversity’s light,
Each unique bloom a splendid sight.
Together, stronger, we face the dawn,
In the chorus of life, we each belong;
A community’s power, in union we see,
In every heart, the promise to be free.
– By Gilbert Frost
Lockdown
i was on a high
rust brown bricks began to lighten my steps
and Carolina blue commodities lined my closet and walls
acres of centuries-old buildings and wispy branches budded with sunkissed leaves
spread across a wonderland
and i am untouchable
but then the sidewalks shiver under police car tires and desperate footsteps
the old walls of these buildings are leaned against and blockaded
prayers pleading they’re bulletproof
those branches rustle from the wind of students sprinting towards life
and no baby blue letterman jacket, twenty-three jersey, or perfectly uncreased j’s
seems to matter
as i frantically dial my mom’s cell phone number
sobbing on the shoulder of a girl i met last week
we text and call and post and cry
i am not untouchable
water bottles store piss and tears in classrooms, cafeterias, and closets
news updates, emails, and snapchat stories teem with conflicting information
rumors and facts ping around in my mind as if it’s a pinball machine
worst fears gurgle in my throat
i’m nauseous though the lunch i just bought is in a box in my hand
but even though i’m not untouchable
it’s not just tragedy that gets its hands on me
i’m touched by
the bandidos worker and janitor guarding the doors to lenoir
the girl who told us there was an active shooter
the friend whose backpack rests on her chest as she holds my weeping figure
i’m touched by
the ap statistics and tenth grade chemistry partners i haven’t talked to in years, asking if i’m okay
the study center on battle lane offering counseling services in the days to come
the students holding hands and candles in the vigil for our professor
i’m touched by
classmates who only know my name, major, and hometown now ensuring i’m safe
professors who haven’t even had time to memorize our names
extending empathy and heartfelt messages
my roommates embracing me like they haven’t seen me for decades
because we just lived through a shooting
at school
so i am not untouchable
my heart has been broken by a life lost and thousands of others halted and shattered
but sewed and stitched by strangers and suitemates
feeling the same pain
but empowered to heal by a shared love for the people who walk into our lives
and touch them
– By Muriel Folk
As eclipse cloaks the day in a twilight haze,
casting a glow that’s both old and new.
Tree shadows upon the bricks,
forming in crescent shapes amaze.
A river of moons on the ground finds its place.
With each breath of wind, the river flows, and sway.
Nature’s elements in a moment unite,
In this harmony when day and dusk entwine.
暮色朦胧，日蚀笼罩白天，
(The twilight is dim. The eclipse covers the day.)
– By Jing
A Spring Day in Carolina
A field of jade could not in any way
Compare to the quad on a Spring’s day.
Rich sunlight, satin and soft
One sits above life, elevated, aloft
Though the sweat may collect and gather
One would not have it any other way. Rather
In this simple, lovely haze
Sit or lay in golden days.
Propped against a great poplar
See what all life has to offer.
The whoosh of cars passing by
Not a care in the world and no wonder why.
Should one thirst then they shouldn’t dally
Slip past housing and bushes, a natural alley,
Turn ‘round the corner and only time can tell
The age of the water from the Old Well
All that one needs is to take a simple sip
And doing this, and wiping their lip
Looking around at our Precious Gem
Know that life can never be the same again
– By William “Stormy” Epley
That Human
I am that genre of human
that clicks snooze to the Radar alarm
on her iPhone until the next hour
introduces itself,
revealing that the class
fifteen minutes away
starts in ten.
Who then rushes in pajamas
because the professor counts
for attendance
ever since class presence
became an issue.
Heads to the dining hall
to chow down mystery chow
until the next class
starts in forty-five.
Goes to the library to review notes
they don’t remember taking.
And go over
poetic drafts and see
which is ready for the next stage.
Puts on uniform to the
maternity section
to volunteer time
with babies and mothers,
making sure they are comfortable
in the halls of the hospital
When night rolls round,
goes back to the dorm to do some laundry
they should have done yesterday
while figuring out which episode of
Bob’s Burgers to watch.
– By Klodia Badal
Student Staff Poems
Easy, soft, kind smiles
I see them every day
Compliments and praise
I hear it every day
A flood of peace when I step out the door
I feel it every day
Joy permeates my time Carolina
I experience it every day
A prayer of thanks for this time
I whisper it everyday
– By Diya Patel
Drained
Breakups, makeups, exams, and parties.
Friends, family, sickness, and bodies.
Problems that aren’t mine.
But are on my mind.
– By Tulsi Patel
I feel their smiles as we pass each day
Every meeting is a new chance to say
I’ve found a home within five buildings who knew
I hope they feel at home with me too
These people remind me to try my best
I no longer have to keep things close to my chest
Family is not only blood it is built
I now have a foundation for the times my world tends to tilt
It’s the simple things in the way they care
A nice word, a warm embrace, everything I can now bare
I love my “ram”ily through and through
I don’t know what I would do without you.
-Jaelyn
String lights I see every day
Despite me saying, “put it away”
Another incident report
That’s where I have to resort
-Luca Buchoux
Hinton James
I’m not sure who he is but I know it’s the brightest place on campus
10 floors
Over 1000 students
And an infinite amount of memories to be made
-Courtney Castillo
The space between people is
littered with regrets
paved with almosts
and should haves
and never dids
and a pile of unsaid things.
We are rafted on possibilities.
Often longing to reach into the waves
and grasp a few more fleeting things
We do something important
Something that shouldn’t be forgotten
Between people we shine lights,
introducing friends,
making memories
picking up a few of those almosts
speaking a few of those words
in a safety and in heart we bloom.
– Jonas Snyder
Community
Through vibrating buildings, indoor classrooms (with no walls), and 4th floor corner offices, I found where I belong.
Laughter, advice, and insights fills the walls with its occupiers roaming away.
Although these places, its memories, or occupiers may not remain here forever,
I know that wherever I go, they’ll stay with me as I move forward.
-Shanly Vong
New people new places new norms
Unfamiliar, yet a new home
Independence, like cooking,
a skill I had to learn asap
Systems of support, like seasons,
they came and went
Goals, like confidence,
still working on them
Balance and self care
a work in progress
Started with self doubt
And the tendency of quitting
When I saw trouble lurking
Now, on The fifth attempt
and still persevering
Friendships and vulnerability,
not quite there yet
but certainly still trying
And on self worth,
now and forever I’ll still be striving
-Ann Safo
1 to 28,000
Move in day
He sits alone on that squeaky bed
And he misses “pizza game night”
At home
First day of school
Young man steps out
backpack a chute
And every step drags
he sits alone on the bus
28,000 to one
He sits alone at lunch
And walks back to his room
His roommate might say hi
before the headphones go in.
And then one day
A flyer on his squeaky door
Announces “floor wide pizza game night”
And he’s home
-Alek Pozder
I now know how Jack and Jill must feel
Tumbling down the hill
41 laps up and down Skipper Bowles hill
10 miles ran by sheer power of will
Who knew ankles could get cramps
As I clutch my leg on nature’s ramp
Yet I trudged along
Until my debt is gone
Last month, I taught my residents resilience
To continue on while things are crappy
Albert Camus has a brief stroke of brilliance
When he said, “one must imagine Sisyphus happy.”
-Tyler Xia
I never claimed to be a poet
but just in case y’all didn’t know it
Carolina Housing is so cute
Get on over here, toot toot!
-Anonymous
Bang Bang Bang
Shots rang out in all our heads
The shrapnel piercing our hearts,
Weighing down our minds
But before I can drown
From the lead weights
Dragging my soul
A warm hand in mine
Lifts me up
Together we stand
Proud, Strong
Tar Heels Tall
– By Aaliyah Wines
Faces all around
Faces top to ground
Faces that ground me
And faces that astound me
The people around
They stand their ground
To keep our home
Safe and sound
We keep each other from drowning
Yes we stay afloat
If anyone ever needs, they can join our boat.
-Sydney Schulterbrandt
Winding and bare, desire paths where the grass lies flattened.
Easy to walk on, easy to bear.
Where the mind wanders time and again
Through hopes and nightmares.
For reality never follows.
Unwanted paths where the grass lies green
No time for the swallows
To pluck at the reeds.
-Mia Fang
I Find Him Here
I want to hug the maintenance men
that blow the leaves and cut the branches
in front of my building.
They’re made in the shape of my father.
When I walk by I wait for them to ask for my help,
oldest child of an oldest child.
My father finds love in service, in sacrifice.
I can see it in the shoes I receive once a year
and his own with holes in the soles.
He says I’m the only one who can make him cry,
says that he sees more of himself in me than he likes.
Stubborn, annoyed easily, with a standard to wear until worn.
He is the father that he didn’t have,
and I find him in them, these workers.
I smell him in their sweat.
-Celia Gibbs
Professional Staff Poems
Our little team
Diverse & pristine
They come to life
And want to be seen
By Victoria Goetzinger
I feel my time here coming to an end;
I will always cherish my lifelong friends.
Through this work, I’ve gained many skills,
So best believe, I’ll always be able to pay my bills.
I know when I leave, you’ll probably shatter,
But always remember, “You matter.”
By Styles!
To be kind is to be creative
with your words even during the most
challenging situations.
-Hannah Flory
Ring ring ring
the constant calls
Ring ring ring
Will I drop the ball?
Ring ring ring
Oh god no, not another brawl
-Anonymous
We are shelter, made of bricks and stones
We are shelter, of ancestral bones
We are shelter, come find your home
-Victoria Goetzinger
To be “and” instead of “except”
To be “understood” instead of “perceived”
To be “immersed” instead of “added”
To be “neighborhood” instead of “other”
To be seen, To be embraced, To unify
To be, To be, To be…
-Tabitha Zarazinski
One lock down, two lock downs, shelter in place
In your classroom, in your dorm room, just run away
It won’t happen here
but wait, to late
One lock down, two lock downs, shelter in place
-Victoria Goetzinger
You’ve left an imprint on my heart
Straight from the start <3
-Anonymous
Discover More
Before year four
Go on
There’s much to explore
-Anonymous
Conduct can be scary
Often times I am wary
Will someone be mad?
Will someone be glad?
A resolution I must make
Documentation isn’t fake
Education is key
Education is up to me
-Hannah Flory
From the Old Well’s whispers to Franklin’s roar,
Every moment, a memory, forevermore.
Immersed in a community, diverse and bold,
Where aspirations soar, like banners unfold.
In the halls, where friendships ignite,
We journey together, towards futures bright.
From laughter to learning, from dusk to dawn,
This is the story of where we belong.
Sipping from the Well, a tradition so dear,
A taste of hope, dispelling all fear.
And when victory calls, we flood the street,
In a sea of blue, our joy complete.
As a storyteller of Carolina’s tale,
I witness the magic, never stale.
Welcome to Carolina.
-Matt Bertram
Acknowledgements
First, we want to thank everyone who participated in the Reflective Verses project whether that was through a poem submission, a share on social media, or telling your residents or coworkers about it. We (Celia and Victoria) are deeply humbled by you embracing this new project and being a part of its success. We would also like to thank Dr. Michelle Boetcher for supporting our ideas and collaborating to make this a reality. To the residents and friends of Carolina Housing – thank you for supporting each other and this department. We have been touched in many ways by our time at Carolina and are grateful for this time together. Additionally, we want to thank Matt and Rilee for pouring into this project and expanding it beyond our initial ideas. We would not have been able to do it without your support and all the laughs (shameless plug to check out the Carolina Housing podcast wherever you get your podcasts). Finally, our deepest appreciation goes to Allan Blattner for allowing us to expand the scope of this project to represent Carolina Housing in a publication of this type. Thank you to ACPA Developments for giving us a platform to share these stories.
Your voice and experience matter. We’re so proud of you.
In loving memory of Dr. Zijie Yan.
Editor Bios:
Celia Gibbs (she/hers) is a third-year student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill pursuing a degree in English and Comparative Literature focusing on creative writing, with a minor in the Writing for the Screen and Stage (WSS) program. She is from Tuxedo, North Carolina, and served as a Resident Advisor with Carolina Housing from 2023-2024.
Victoria Goetzinger (she/hers) serves as a Community Director for Carolina Housing at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Victoria received a Masters degree in Education in Higher Education and Student Affairs from Clemson University and Bachelors degree in Science in Sociology from Emporia State University.