by Eli Soderberg
A group of UNCP students embarked on a new BraveVenture, this time exploring Charlotte, N.C. in their own unique way on Sat. Jan. 25.
The trip to Charlotte was the first BraveVenture activity of the new year. The organizers arranged for transportation, booking a bus that took 36 students to the Queen City for a few hours to explore. Unlike most previous events, which have been structured as a group activity, during this trip students were free to explore the city of Charlotte on their own terms and attend activities they themselves found.
The bus dropped off the group in Uptown Charlotte and from there they dispersed in different directions. Some students stayed in the heart of the city and explored the different museums and numerous food options offered, while others took their freedom even further and ventured out to discover more of what Charlotte had to offer.
“It was a day full of surprises and it was just fun to be outside of Pembroke for a day with my people,” UNC Pembroke Junior Eugénie Fetosa Amidou said. “It’s really fun to explore a new city and not be bound to a strict itinerary”.
The students had three and a half hours to explore the city before returning to campus. The cost of transportation to and from Charlotte was covered by the school and students were only required to bring money for the activities they chose to do.
Some highlights students mentioned were playing minigolf, discovering a new city, hanging out with friends and eating something other than the food from the cafeteria.
Before departing, BraveVenture gave some recommendations to some of the most popular places in the Uptown area for students to visit. These included the Discovery Place Science, a popular interactive museum, the NASCAR Hall of Fame for all the racing fans and the Epicentre Plaza for some shopping.
This Charlotte adventure was one of many experiences offered by BraveVentures, an initiative led by the Center for Student Success, Global Engagement and James B. Chavis Student Center.
BraveVenture allows all UNCP students a chance to experience activities off campus and broaden their view of what North Carolina has to offer. Previous years students have been able to go to NBA games, NHL games, explore Fayetteville, play Top Golf, and much more.
Most activities held by BraveVentures only require students to pay a registration fee — typically around $10 — since the transportation and the activities done in group are covered by the school. However, due to limited seating on the bus and available tickets, students are encouraged to sign up for BraveVentures early to secure a spot.
“I’m really grateful that they are able to take people outside of Pembroke for those who don’t have a way of driving themselves there or paying for that transportation,” Amidou said.
To not miss out on upcoming BraveVentures, make sure to check ‘BraveVenture’ on BraveConnect regularly or keeping an eye out for posters on campus.