Charlie Kemper
What non-academic experience at Wake Forest was most meaningful to you?
The community engagement projects I participated in, especially working with ESL students at Northwest Middle School, were among the most transformative experiences. Sitting with students, hearing their stories, and helping them navigate academic challenges reinforced my belief in education as a force for empowerment. These moments reminded me why learning should always extend beyond the classroom.
What song or songs will always remind you of your time at Wake Forest? Why?
Black and Yellow by Wiz Khalifa and Carolina On My Mind by James Taylor
Wake Forest’s Pro Humanitate motto is a guiding philosophy for many students and alumni. Did it have an impact on your student experience and has it influenced your plans for the future?
Absolutely. Pro Humanitate shaped my understanding of what it means to learn with purpose. It encouraged me to seek ways to integrate service into my education and to recognize that knowledge should be used to better the world around us. This philosophy will continue to guide me, whether I’m working in policy, education, or community advocacy.
What was your favorite class outside your major or minor areas of study and why did it appeal to you?
Philosophy quickly became my favorite class outside of my major because it taught me that there are no finite answers—only deeper questions. It challenged me to embrace uncertainty, think critically, and explore ideas from multiple perspectives. Philosophy shifted the way I approach problem-solving, not just in academics but in life, reinforcing that growth comes from the willingness to engage with complexity rather than seeking definitive conclusions.
Wake Forest has lots of traditions, and sometimes students create their own. Do you have a favorite Wake Forest tradition?
Rolling the Quad after a win 🙂
What surprised you most about your Wake Forest experience?
I was surprised by how much my definition of success evolved. I came in thinking success was about academic achievement, but I leave Wake Forest understanding that it’s about relationships, impact, and the ability to uplift others.
Who most impacted your Wake Forest experience?
Molli Hillman—my randomly assigned freshman-year roommate, then sophomore-year roommate, and now senior-year roommate—has had the greatest impact on my college experience. I never imagined that a randomly assigned roommate would become my closest friend for all four years, but from day one, Molli has been a constant source of support, laughter, and friendship.
Imagine you return to campus for your 10-year reunion. What do you hope will remain the same? What do you hope will be different?
I hope the strong sense of community and commitment to service remain the same. I hope that Wake Forest continues to expand opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with the world beyond campus and that students feel even more empowered to create change. I also hope some of the quirkier traditions stick around like rolling the quad, Shorty’s trivia, and free food truck days
Now that you are a graduating student, what advice do you wish you could have given yourself as an incoming student four years ago?
Step outside your comfort zone. Join that random IM team, dive into campus activities, and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself along the way. Your most meaningful experiences will come from the moments you least expect. Take every opportunity to connect with people, both in and beyond the classroom, and remember that success isn’t just about what you accomplish or what grade you get; it’s about the impact you leave on others.
Compare your career plans as a first-year student with your career plans now. Why did your plans change or not change?
When I started college, I envisioned majoring in Political Science, moving to D.C., and working in the public sector. Now, as a senior, while I’ve stayed true to earning my Political Science degree, my path has evolved. I’ll be continuing my education at Wake Forest Business School, pursuing a master’s in Business Management. Through my experiences at Wake, I realized that leadership, problem-solving, and creating meaningful impact extend beyond politics. Business offers a dynamic avenue to drive change, innovate, and work across different industries while applying my Political Science background to create real, tangible impact.