Life on UNC Campus for Morehead Cain Scholars

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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a merit-based scholarship through the Morehead Cain Foundation. It was the first merit-based scholarship in the United States, established in 1951 (Morehead-Cain, 2022). I chose to study and observe this group with the question, what are the unique challenges and benefits that Morehead Cain scholars face? I did not know much about this group before researching it. I was only aware that the scholarship existed, and that it funds their scholars’ education at UNC.

 

The program’s website is a great way to find information about the Morehead Cain Scholars and how to apply. The foundation funds everything these scholars financially need to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Additionally, the foundation provides traveling opportunities for the scholars with all expenses paid. Travel is an opportunity the foundation puts considerable emphasis on. There are opportunities to study abroad, take a gap year, and even just do summer explorations. This intrigued me, the vast opportunities the program offers and funds are outstanding. The financial coverage alone piqued my interest in the program, then learning about the opportunities to travel had me bewildered. The website also gives a detailed explanation of the application process and a checklist to ensure students understand how to apply, it is quite simple. All that is needed is a few essay-response questions, school counselor contact information, and a recommendation. I initially thought the application process would be complex after reading through the Morehead-Cain website I learned how simple it is.

 

Throughout researching the Morehead Cain Foundation, I learned how these scholars are provided with immense opportunities by the foundation. Although the abundance of opportunities comes at an expense of high expectations. This made me consider mental health as one of my main concerns while observing Morehead Cain scholars. The additional stress due to high expectations within merit-based scholarships has been connected to students self-medicating with alcohol (Cowan & White, 2015, p.138). The pressure of upholding to the foundation’s expectations could negatively affect its scholars in many aspects of mental health. An article by Emma Master explains how high-achieving students have a greater percentage of developing mental health issues. Perfectionism is a characteristic commonly found in these students, being hypercritical of themselves when they do not meet expectations (Emma Master, 2022, para. 12). These programs must consider mental health and place reasonable expectations on their scholars. While questioning the challenges Morehead Cain scholars face, I sought to discover the toll these expectations may take on them mentally.

 

After researching this group, and becoming interested to learn more, I interviewed two individuals. The first person I interviewed was Sarina, she is a first-year student at UNC and a Morehead Cain scholar. While she is new to the Morehead Cain program her perspective was vital for my research. The transition stage of entering a university is difficult for everyone, is it possibly more difficult for these high-achieving students? I initially asked Sarina how she felt about entering the program. She said she felt excited yet very nervous and did not know what to expect. Everyone was welcoming to Sarina and the other incoming scholars. The scholars were even provided with mentors to answer any rising questions they may have and for advice. Sarina had a smile stretched across her face as she explained to me the benefits of being a Morehead Cain scholar.

 

Sarina said the Morehead Cain program exceeded her expectations. She was not aware of the opportunities and connections available through the Morehead Cain Foundation. Before entering the fall semester at UNC and life on campus, Sarina experienced life within the Morehead Cain program. She went backpacking in Wyoming for a month with fifteen people she did not know before with no access to their phones. The summer enrichment programs and all the available travel options for Morehead Cain scholars are unique benefits. The program even has grants to finance research for scholars, like the Love Lace Fund (Morehead-Cain, 2022).

 

Another unique benefit would be the study environment and accommodations. The program provides a separate study space for Morehead Cain scholars, Graham memorial, and Morehead Cain Foundation. Along with the separate space, accommodations are provided such as advisors specifically for the scholars and mentors. Sarina told me there is a mentor program scholars can enter their sophomore year. The program connects these scholars to alumni mentors with the same major or prospective career as them. This provides scholars with a direct line of advice from someone who understands, in turn relieving much stress from these scholars.

 

I also interviewed an alumnus. She seemed excited to reminisce on and share about her time at UNC as a Morehead Cain scholar. She only had positive things to say about the Morehead Cain program. She seemed passionate about the opportunities available to the scholars, particularly the travel opportunities. During her time at UNC, she utilized travel opportunities to create social bonds that have outlived her time as a student and scholar. She traveled in the United States but also went as far as Spain. I was attempting to discover the unique challenges and benefits of these scholars. Traveling to Spain with all expenses paid is the most unique benefit I could imagine.

 

The Morehead Cain Foundation finances a free education for these scholars, which includes tuition, housing, meal plans, and travel opportunities. To my surprise in my interviews, I learned the foundation gives a stipend to each scholar. This money is to be spent at the discretion of each scholar. Morehead Cain scholars have been given the gift of graduating college debt free.

 

While the Morehead Cain Foundation does a great job of prioritizing the mental health of its scholars, the stress of reaching expectations is still relevant. Interviewing Sarina and the alumnus gave me an inside view of the program. Perfectionism is characteristic most Morehead Cain scholars seem to have. I was shocked to learn there is an imposter syndrome issue among the program’s scholars. Sarina shared that there are regularly scheduled sessions for individuals with imposter syndrome. Morehead Cain scholars are expected to put in effort and determination rather than attain an extremely high-grade point average. Therapy sessions are available to all Morehead Cain scholars, and they are encouraged to ask for help when needed.

 

Overall, I learned about the abundant benefits of being a Morehead Cain scholar as well as the challenges. While the stress may take a toll on some individuals’ mental health the program is proactive by providing resources. The foundation provides solutions to many challenges these scholars may face by providing alumni connections, student mentors, and therapy. The women I interviewed shared the same passion for the program. While attending a university is hard work, they explained how important it is to be involved in a group and make friends. Being in the Morehead Cain program gives these students a space to belong.

 

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Greer, Betsy. (2020, April 23). The Morehead-Cain Foundation Announces 70 New Morehead Cain Scholars. UNC University Communications. https://uncnews.unc.edu/2020/04/23/the-morehead-cain-foundation-announces-70-new-morehead-cain-scholars/.