Haley Moore’s journey at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) began with a visit and a good feeling.
A conversation with a campus tour guide from her hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina, made NCCU feel familiar, welcoming and possible. It was enough to say yes.
Moore arrived knowing she loved literature, but passion alone wasn’t enough. Early struggles caused her GPA to drop below 3.0, costing her scholarship eligibility. She had to file an appeal.
“I realized I had to take this seriously,” she said. “Not just for my family, but for myself.”
Moore leaned into her studies. Faculty mentorship and engaging coursework transformed her from a capable student into a committed one.
“I’ve always loved reading and writing,” Moore explained. “But here, my professors pushed me to think deeper and to believe that my voice matters.”
Rising Pressure
Moore presented at Duke University’s Triangle Undergraduate Literary Conference for the past two years, exploring the works of authors William Faulkner and Phillis Wheatley.
“To represent NCCU in spaces like that meant everything,” she said. “It showed me I belong.”
Those experiences marked a turning point. Moore no longer saw herself as just a student.
“Haley has grown into a confident scholar and leader,” said Rachelle Gold, Ph.D., professor of English. “She uses her voice to uplift others while she pushes intellectual boundaries as a reader, creative writer, and critic of American and British literature.”
But achievement brought pressure. Moore began expecting perfection, leading to anxiety and panic attacks. The path she was on wasn’t sustainable.
She paused, stepped back from immediate graduate school plans and focused on her well-being with support from faculty, family and her community.
“My journey doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s,” she said.
Redefining Resilience
With therapy and medication, Moore regained her footing both academically and personally. She became a straight A student and strengthened her leadership as president of Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She encouraged students across disciplines to engage with literature.
“Sometimes opportunities pass you by,” she said. “But being part of something helps you find them and take them.”
Her support system, including her mother, partner and twin sister, who is forging her own path in STEM at Fayetteville State University, has helped her navigate both challenges and change.
“It’s not about being perfect anymore,” she said. “It’s about continuing, even when things aren’t.”
Now Moore plans to pursue a master’s degree and Ph.D. in English beginning fall 2027, with the goal of becoming a professor, and hopes to return to NCCU to teach.
“Take your time. Take care of yourself. Don’t let anyone make you feel like you don’t belong.”