Elyssa Morales

Where are you from?
I am from Mebane, N.C. 

What high school did you attend?
I attended Eastern Alamance High School. 

When did you graduate?
May 2019

In your opinion, what are the three best things about UNC Charlotte?  
- The recent addition of the football team, accompanied by the marching band, has only added to the experience of being a college student and has increased Charlotte’s Niner Pride. We are now able to enjoy tailgating and homecoming. Who doesn’t love a football game on a cool September afternoon?
- The light rail has been an exciting development on the UNC Charlotte campus. It will be incredibly helpful for students who do not have access to transportation as well as those who are up for a fun evening in the city of Charlotte. 
- The campus itself is beautiful. Thanks to our founder Bonnie Cone, the cohesiveness of each building on campus is very aesthetically pleasing and helps to unify its large surface area. With now nearly 30,000 students, traveling the campus is a far less daunting walk when you have awesome scenery. 

Where is your favorite place on campus?
The main staircase located in between CHHS and COED. When walking toward the left and right staircases, you get the most breath-taking and picture-worthy view of campus. 

What is your favorite Charlotte restaurant?
I love food too much, so I will give three different restaurants depending on my mood: Toyama Express Japanese, JJ’s Redhots, and Blaze pizza. 

What was your favorite class that you have taken and why?
My favorite class that I have taken was Intro to Philosophy with Dr. Pitts. This class was a required class to graduate, but was not a prerequisite for my majors. Nonetheless, I was never as mentally and philosophically (ha-ha) challenged as I was while taking this class. I learned immensely about who I hold myself to be, as well as the beliefs of others who are vastly different than me. Since taking this class, I interact with others in a far more intentional manner and continue to practice empathy more frequently. 

Tell us three random things about yourself.
- I’ve been told I am great at impressions. 
- I am half Puerto Rican and have visited Puerto Rico on several occasions to spend time with my family who lives there. 
- I have a great love and appreciation for well-directed movies. My current favorite movie is the The Dark Knight….also She’s The Man. No regrets. 

 

Alumna
2019
Finance
Management
Congrats to ‘19 Management and Finance Graduate Elyssa Morales. After graduation Elyssa will be joining Bank of America through its Financial Management Analyst Program as a first year associate. The best part of her time in the Belk College was being a part of the Business Honors Program, which transformed her academic experience and perception of college.
What majors did you pursue and why?

I was a double major in Management (Organizational Management concentration) and Finance. My dream is to be a business owner where I can interact with my hobbies every day. These majors have already taught me skills required to lead effectively and operate a successful business. More importantly, I continue to discover new interests and develop my creative side within a business setting. 

Why did you choose the Belk College of Business/UNC Charlotte?

I have known that I wanted to attend UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business since I was 16 years old. The location of the university in the heart of Charlotte seemed so attractive to a small-town girl. Moreover, its modernity and academia appealed to my love for intellectual challenges.    

What activities are you involved in when not working/studying?

When I have little or no homework, I lead a ministry on campus, frequent the gym, canvas and paint, go to the movies, and try new restaurants with friends. 

What was the best part of your academic experience?

Being a part of the Business Honors Program has completely transformed my academic experience and perception of college. Not only was I able to make friends immediately, but these same friends have been in almost all of my classes, which has given me confidence and reassurance that my friends and I share similar academic goals. I served as the Sophomore class representative and have worked closely with the executive board in various Explore UNC Charlotte events, open houses, and community and social events both on and off campus. 

How would you describe the Belk College of Business to someone who is thinking about applying?

The Belk College of Business interlinks a smaller population of students and faculty within UNC Charlotte who have similar majors and career paths. This creates an environment which fosters opportunity for networking within the university and gives way for career and community involvement in Charlotte. The Belk College of Business faculty provide the tools necessary for success in both the academic sense and through community service activities and social participation on campus. 

If you received a scholarship or financial aid, how did that help you?

With the help of loans and grants, I have received the full experience of what the Belk College of Business offers, and I have taken advantage of the ubiquitous resources made available to me to ensure I achieve ultimate academic success. 

What are your next steps after graduating?

After graduating with my double majors in Finance and Organizational Management, I will be joining Bank of America through its Financial Management Analyst Program as a first year associate.

What is your best memory from your time at UNC Charlotte?

My fondest memory of UNC Charlotte in light of the recent events was seeing the strength of the Charlotte community. It was both uplifting and encouraging to see faculty, staff, students, alumni, and UNC Charlotte supporters from all walks of life come together in resilience and unison. #CharlotteStrong

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