COMMUNITY STORIES: SHREYA GUNDAM
I was 10 years old when we moved, which meant I had to leave a lot of childhood toys and traditions behind.
From fashioning a Christmas tree out of an old math notebook, to crafting a Halloween mask out of napkins, I learned to be resourceful and innovative. I would stay up all night conjuring up new ideas and then spend the morning bringing them to fruition.
My current love for problem solving and entrepreneurship stemmed from these experiences.
From my own experience, I quickly understood the necessity of Student-Made on my campus and the huge opportunity for growth. The role entails cultivating valuable skills such as strategic planning, establishing partnerships, and effective collaboration. The ability to hone these and see the tangible impact it’s making for students is so rewarding.
Especially because all of the managers are so talented at what they do
Chapel Hill is steeped with community support and potential for small businesses to succeed, making it the ideal spot for student entrepreneurs.
I don't want us to confine ourselves to campus boundaries or rely on the same opportunities. I believe that our recognition among town departments already shows that we're on the right track.
There is truly nothing better than hearing people express their love for our art through unfiltered squeals because it highlights the uniqueness of each creator and affirms that we all have a place in the artistic community.
Student-Made embodies the spirit of "be scared and do it anyway," and that's how we've built a community of hidden gems.
As Campus Manager, I'm learning how to push the agenda forward, take agency when met with obstacles, and create tangible results that exceed expectations. As the organization is constantly changing, I'm also learning how to adapt and overcome, which is arguably one of the most valuable skills to have.
It's apparent in the way that creators from different backgrounds are able to support one another while growing their own businesses.
It gives me a sense of belonging in the entrepreneurial space, and I hope to inspire others to use their artistic passions to institute social change.
