Since UNCG debuted Follow Me in 2023, we’ve met a broad range of students preparing for careers in business, arts, science, and teaching, as they take advantage of unexpected opportunities and enjoy life in Greensboro. This time around, each video features a student who steps up to advocate for others.
It’s a rare breed of leadership when young scholars turn their ideas into action for the benefit of their peers or those who need help. In these videos, you’ll meet a Student Government Association (SGA) president striving to make UNC Greensboro a better place, a public health major initiating a program to boost students’ mental health, and an Honors College student getting a jump-start on a career in special education. Meet them all in Season 4 of Follow Me.
Amber Fairchild, Student Rights Advocate
Major: Biology
Background: Amber’s curiosity for living things began as a child growing up in Singapore.
Favorite Way to Decompress: Getting lost in nature.
Unexpected Opportunity: One day, she noticed that a groundskeeper was installing invasive plants on campus, so she shared her knowledge with him. The next day she realized the invasive plants had all been removed. This small action inspired her to run for SGA president and facilitate more change for UNCG students.
“It’s been super easy for me to turn ideas into initiatives at UNCG.”
Amber Fairchild
Malcolm Johnson, Community Health Advocate
Major: Public Health, with concentration in community health education and minors in Sociology and Social Work
Side Hustle: Resident Advisor in Spartan Village
Favorite Spot at UNCG: The Coleman Building (and Dr. Strack’s sweet view)
Unexpected Opportunity: Malcolm decided it was never too early to enact the “promote, engage, change” mission statement on his public health T-shirt. He spoke to advisors about starting a club, the Public Health Initiative Network (PHIN), which is now nearly 100 members strong. The club strives to empower students with the tools to make a positive impact on the health of their community through community service and holistic well-being.
“This community is about so much more than getting an education.”
Malcolm Johnson
Natalia Fagundez, Special Education Advocate
Major: Special Education with concentration in Spanish education and minor in ASL
Background: As a child of immigrant parents from Uruguay, Natalia’s early education sparked a fascination with accents, languages, and nonverbal communication.
Favorite Spot at UNCG: Lloyd International Honors College, where she found challenging academics and mentorship, travel abroad and research opportunities, and a “community of scholars” who became her closest friends.
Unexpected Opportunities: Natalia’s advisor, Dr. Julie Bost, tipped her off to a long-term substitute position at Guilford Elementary School. Thanks to this connection, she was able to land her first job running her own Exceptional Children class a whole semester before graduation.
“I am a big helper. That’s why I’m into education. I love meeting people and helping.”
Natalia Fagundez
Story by Becky Deakins, University Communications.
Videography by Sean Norona and Grant Gilliard, University Communications.
