About me

Hey, again. My name is Owen Dyer. I am from a rural town in Eastern North Carolina named Snow Hill. Many people don’t know where this is, so I always find myself repeating the same explanations of its geographical location. First, “Well, I’m from right in the middle of Kinston, Greenville, Wilson, and Goldsboro,” and Second, “I’m about 15-20 minutes west of East Carolina University.” Both of these get the same responses: “Ah yes, I know where that is” and “Yeah, I have no clue where that is.” 

Beyond the tobacco fields and corner stores I call home, I believe I come from the best roots. Snow Hill has a supportive community, with wonderful people and most importantly, my family and friends. I am a proud 2024 graduate of Greene Central High School and have been a Ram for my entire life. For 18 years, or pretty much since the first day I opened my eyes, I have had Golf and saltwater infused into my veins. From the time I could walk, my father had me on the course hanging out with his buddies. And by the coast, my grandmother had me listening to good ole beach music on Sunday afternoons. Though many from my hometown would call me a “City Boy” because I don’t go hunting or fishing every day, and I drive a BMW, I can still blend my way through any conversation about a truck lift or running hunting dogs. 

In High School, I was what many would call the “overachiever.” I was a part of every club, organization, sport, event; you name it. From being the president of the National Honor Society to starting a suicide prevention and mental health club, I was dedicated to my involvement. 

Beyond my leadership with school clubs and on the cross-country trail, I have been an active member of community organizations and local businesses. At 14, I started working for a local catering company (a little shoutout to Scarborough Fare Catering). Here, I not only had the means to make my own money, but this opportunity opened my eyes to the world of the true workforce, the importance of teamwork, relationships, and communication (plus I got to try new foods and bring the leftovers home). At 16, I established my own role with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce as Volunteer Database Coordinator. Here, I got to be on the phone all the time scrolling through Instagram. JK. In a post-COVID-19 world, the GC Chamber of Commerce died. I was a lending and youthful hand in creating a social media presence for the chamber, managing the website, advertising for events, representing local businesses, and building connections within all sectors of the community together. I gathered sponsorships for local fundraisers, assembled high school volunteers for events, and wrote blog posts just to scroll through social media. AGAIN, JK. It was because I truly liked writing and wanted everyone to know all of “Greene County Happenings.” 

Now, I am a rising first-year student at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (GO TAR HEELS). Here, I am planning on studying Health Policy and Management and potentially adding some form of media and journalism or international studies to the mix. With my acceptance to the University, I have also been offered a position on the cohort for the UNC-Global Gap Year Fellowship. With this, I will be taking a year off of coursework and pursuing a form of service work abroad of my choice (hopefully in Italy, STAY TUNED). 

To wrap up the long introduction, I hope this has given a little insight into who I am. I enjoy running, working in food service, hanging out with friends, spending time with family, going to the beach, trying new foods, meeting new people, seeing new places, and experiencing new things. This is who I am. There’s no place I’d rather be. I am Owen Dyer.