Athletics is a large part of NCSSM’s culture and an important aspect of life for anyone associated with a sports team. If you actually bothered to read the sports section, you probably either are or know an NCSSM athlete, however, what you may not see when you hear the results of a track meet, see the scores of a tennis match, or sit in the student’s section at a basketball game is just how much goes into NCSSM athletics. Contrary to common perceptions, there’s a lot more to being an athlete than being cool and popular. It’s easy to criticize teams for poor (or sometimes very poor) performances, but behind the scenes there are many factors that make sports at NCSSM especially difficult compared to other schools. So what exactly is it like?
It goes without saying that NCSSM is a difficult place, and if you get five hours of sleep a night and a meal or two a day, you’re doing pretty well. This type of lifestyle isn’t suitable for teenagers but is even worse when you factor in vigorous exercise and competition daily. Being an athlete also makes it more difficult to spend adequate time studying, going to office/TA hours, and participating in activities. Additionally, competition days require students to miss supper and instead receive turkey and [not] cheese sandwiches.
One of the biggest challenges for teams at NCSSM is being a two year school. While other teams have had years to perfect playing with the same teammates and coaches, for our athletes, each year is often the first (and last) time playing together, making it more difficult to develop team culture and chemistry. It also means that the flow of athletes into the school is quite sporadic, leaving teams’ success largely up to the luck of the draw in admissions.
With all these challenges, it seems like the question should be, why be an NCSSM athlete at all? But just as they know the challenges, anyone who plays a sport here knows exactly why we do it. NCSSM is a special place, full of extraordinary people, and this remains true on every team. The bond shared by our teams in the face of this schools’ unique challenges is the best part of being an athlete, and in many cases, one of the keys to NCSSM’s success. Unicorns always accept the greater challenge; To those who love their sport and their team, nothing else matters.
Obviously the school’s focus is in academics, but the support that goes into sports is felt by all who take part. NCSSM’s coaches and trainers are second to none. That’s why regardless of sport, skill, or even wins and losses, being an athlete here is incredible, and an experience cherished by all those who have taken part. And for anyone curious about what it’s like being an NCSSM athlete, with spring sports right around the corner, it’s never too late to find out for yourself.
The Hill dorms are one of the first buildings set for a complete renovation and move-out of students this summer. (Teresa Fang/Stentorian)
Undoubtedly, an NCSSM student’s study time is one of the most important times of their day. Whether they study in their dorm room, Bryan lobby, the smelly Hill basement, or the raucous library, they’ll brave whatever conditions to get their work done.
The school is trying to accommodate studying spaces, but it is missing a critical perspective: students want comfortable social spaces. Administration has always been, quite rightly, concerned with the efficiency of things and places on campus. It’s why there are so many renovations: Hill residents are moving into modular trailers, a new building is in the works where the current Pit is located, and the new PEC was designed to encourage students to come study and socialize.
An institution would normally track its utilization rates, which refers to the amount of campus space that students actively use. NCSSM does not record this number, meaning there could be massive amounts of wasted space and the school is unaware of it. If those spaces can be prioritized for specific purposes and appeal to students, the NCSSM campus itself can be revolutionized.
Three Dysfunctional Realms
The goal of targeting net zero carbon proves difficult when an institution needs to create and maintain more space than it theoretically needs operationally.
There is a way to dramatically improve utilization rates at NCSSM: the rise of “third places.” First coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1999, the term refers to places where people spend time between home (“first place”) and work (“second place”). This “third place” refers to places for exchanging ideas, having a good time, and building relationships. Together, these three realms constitute a community’s social vitality.
For residential students like us, the boundaries between these three realms are often blurred. Our first place (the dorm) is within our second place (the school), and we select our third place (literally anywhere at the moment). Students find both friends and passion within the school walls. But when this balance is tipped, the three realms are practically nonexistent and we potentially miss out on important spaces that could have been better effectively used.
There is no shortage of places to study, for example, the library is plenty big enough for that. But it is not big enough to fit both the studyers and the talkers inside, creating rifts between students and librarians. This is apparent with former evening librarian Ms. Amme’s resignation on January 30. While she was doing her duty of keeping the library quiet for studying, some students were compelled to use threats for their own beliefs.
It is a known fact among the students that people go to the library to chat, not to study. This displaces both groups of people: the studyers can’t study well, and the talkers are too busy avoiding the librarian to socialize comfortably.
“I think we have adequate space, but we could definitely use a few more options,” said Chris Hopkins, the assistant director of campus safety. “I have noticed during certain periods the studying locations become quite full. I hope that once the construction ends on the athletic fields and the weather warms, that area can be used for socializing, intramural sports, etc.”
However, this construction is not planned to end until 2027. Coupled with the rise of colder weather, students literally have to brave natural conditions if they want to study outside.
Ultimately, there is no functional third or second space at NCSSM.
Creating Go-to Spaces for Students
One of the problems with erecting third spaces is that they might not be attached to a clear research or teaching function, therefore hard to justify for financial planning. However, from both educational and social standpoints, it is clear that communal social and learning spaces are incredibly important to integrate into a campus like ours – and to get right.
In planning third spaces, even small design changes would encourage student interactions. Students need to physically meet each other in comfortable spaces that have good daylight, ventilation, temperature, acoustics, furnishing, and vibe. A variety of spaces, in particular, “living room” -type proportions, would allow for quick and easy interactions as opposed to just a large ground-floor atrium like Bryan lobby.
By no means is this a call for more heavy construction during the academic year. Some sections of the new PFM are examples of how to go about this: students enjoy the smaller-sized spaces with some amount of privacy but also comfort.
“I have only been here since last April, but I have noticed that with the opening of the cafeteria, students seem to congregate in the open area with couches and tables,” said Hopkins. “I also noticed students enjoy studying in places where it is quiet enough to study, but not secluded away from other students.”
By creating more hospitable conditions for third spaces to develop and thrive, unused space in NCSSM can be transformed into regular go-to spaces for NCSSM students, where their priorities can be best taken care of. Instead of avoiding the library because of the din, students can use the space to study. Instead of being afraid of being overheard in the wide-open Bryan lobby, students can chill comfortably in an accessible cafe-like setting. Instead of ordering new buildings with big bucks, we can get more bang for smaller bucks by renovating existing places.
Recognizing that these third spaces can revolutionize the campus can do much to help students live happier and work harder at NCSSM.
Dr. Kamal Kolappa and his wife, Dr. Shraddha Kolappa, at NCSSM on December 8, 2023, at an event at NCSSM honoring the naming of the Kolappa Conference Room. (McKissick for NC)
As students, it’s natural to get caught up in the day-to-day grind of classes, exams, and extracurricular activities, often forgetting to envision our lives beyond the confines of NCSSM. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Kamal Kolappa, a graduate of the Class of 1998, who shared his journey after his time here at Science and Math. Kamal’s trajectory is both inspiring and insightful, serving as a beacon of guidance for those of us approaching graduation.
After ‘SSM, Kamal pursued his undergraduate studies at Duke University and later embarked on attending UNC Medical School and later completing his residency as a cardiologist. It’s evident that Kamal’s commitment to learning and service has remained throughout his professional endeavors.
Today, Kamal resides in Cary, North Carolina, where he contributes his expertise to the field of medical insurance. During our conversation, Kamal generously imparted invaluable advice and wisdom, which I am eager to share with you all. His insights serve as a reminder of the significance of perseverance, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to lifelong learning.
Below is a Q&A with Kolappa, slightly edited for clarity:
Can you share some highlights from your time at SSM? What are some memorable experiences or moments that shaped your journey?
One of the most impactful moments during my time at SSM was when I had the opportunity to meet someone who openly identified as LGBTQ+. Coming from Eastern North Carolina, where discussions about sexual orientation were often taboo or nonexistent, encountering someone who openly embraced their identity was both eye-opening and nerve-wracking for me.
Initially, I felt a sense of nervousness and uncertainty as I navigated this new encounter. However, as I engaged in conversations and spent more time with this individual, I quickly realized that we shared far more similarities than differences. Despite our diverse backgrounds and identities, we bonded over shared interests, aspirations, and values.
This experience profoundly influenced my perspective on diversity, acceptance, and the importance of keeping an open mind. It taught me the invaluable lesson of not judging others based on preconceived notions or societal stereotypes but rather embracing the richness of human diversity and celebrating the unique experiences that each individual brings to the table.
What hall did you live in?
Third West!
How did your experiences at our school prepare you for your career or further education?
My experiences at our school had a profound impact on preparing me for my career and further education. Before attending ‘SSM, my previous high school experience had been relatively easy, and I hadn’t been challenged to push myself academically or personally. However, upon entering SSM, I encountered a dynamic environment where hard work, dedication, and collaboration were not only encouraged but also essential for success.
One of the most significant lessons I learned at SSM was the importance of putting in consistent effort and dedication to achieve my goals. Surrounded by peers who were driven and committed to their academic pursuits, I was inspired to elevate my own standards and work ethic.
Favorite NCSSM school traditions?
Koffeehaus was a blast; it provided a lively atmosphere where students could showcase their talents while enjoying each other’s company. IVIZ, on the other hand, offered a more relaxed setting, perfect for casually exploring fellow students’ rooms and mingling with friends. Both traditions added vibrancy to campus life, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among students. Overall, they were highlights of my time at NCSSM, providing unforgettable moments of enjoyment and connection.
What extracurricular activities or programs did you participate in during your time at NCSSM, and how did they contribute to your overall experience?
During my time at NCSSM, I served as a Peer College Counselor, assisting fellow students through the stressful yet fulfilling college application process. Engaging in Science Olympiad and reaching Nationals provided exciting opportunities to delve into the sciences and collaborate with peers. Additionally, I found immense enjoyment in humanities classes, particularly Asian studies, which broadened my global perspective through exploration of culture and literature. Overall, these experiences contributed significantly to my growth and enriched my education at NCSSM.
Any advice for current students? Anything you wish you would have done differently?
Focusing on refining time management skills is crucial, particularly for those, like myself, who were heavily involved in social activities at Science and Math, balancing academics and social life can be challenging. I highly recommend students seize this opportunity to explore new interests and passions they may not have considered before; it’s a chance for personal growth and discovery. Additionally, learning to prioritize self-care is essential; while academic success is important, it’s equally vital to recognize that grades don’t define one’s worth, nor does the prestige of one’s college choice.
Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that my time at Science and Math was the most fulfilling and transformative period of my life thus far. The school’s supportive environment and diverse opportunities have played a significant role in shaping the person I am today, and the lessons learned here continue to resonate across every aspect of my life. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend Science and Math to anyone seeking an enriching educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom.
