Hi, I’m Makayla Elks, a 4th year Media and Journalism Major at UNC-Chapel Hill. If there’s one thing I know about myself, it’s that I don’t fit neatly into any one category. I’m a lot of things all at once—a blend of passions, skills, and dreams that sometimes seem to pull me in different directions, but I’ve come to realize that’s what makes me me. I love learning about new things and places. I am endlessly chasing the person I want to become while never losing sight of how I got there.

Let’s make this quick:

Tar Heel

Foodie

Fashion icon (according to my Instagram comment section)

Sister

Creator

ADHD warrior

Spin class superstar

Extrovert

Stranger to none

Circa 2003. Born into a generation that’s seen it all—from the rise of social media to the fall of attention spans. I’d like to think I’ve mastered the art of balancing digital life while keeping a firm grasp on the real world.

It’s hard to believe that this spring, the generation that had everyone panicking about our ability to function in the real world will be walking across the stage, diploma in hand. While I’m soaking in every last second in blue heaven, I’m so ready for what’s next!

Born and raised in North Carolina—Greenville, to be exact. I’ve always felt lucky to call this beautiful state home. But it’s the summers spent away and my adventures abroad that have sparked a deep desire to explore beyond its borders after graduation. Traveling solo and moving to unfamiliar places without a built-in network of friends has given me the mental and emotional capacity not only to survive but to thrive in new environments. While I’ll always have love for my home state, I’m ready for the next chapter, wherever that may take me.

In my early years, I was the quintessential 'why kid'—the one who questioned the world endlessly, driving everyone up a wall. I can proudly say that my insatiable curiosity is one trait I've held onto, much to the amusement (or perhaps mild annoyance) of those around me. This characteristic has shaped me into a lifelong learner. My friends know that one of my favorite one-liners is: "Every day’s a school day." I find myself consistently questioning and dissecting the world around me. The ever-persistent 'why' lingers in my mind. Why did they do that? What factors or externalities led them to behave in that way? How is that structured, and why does it function in a particular way? The pursuit of understanding is a constant thread in my journey. This inquisitiveness translates to every aspect of my life, and it enriches every part of who I am.