Hello! My name is Sarah Hardin, and I am a new student at UNC Charlotte. I recently transferred from Clemson to UNC Charlotte, so I’m starting to get to know the people and places. I will be using this blog to develop my writing skills and to analyze and inquire into various beliefs and cultures that I or other people may hold. I named my blog "The Open Road" because I believe that an open road, like writing, is full of possibilities. You can choose to slowly meander down an open road and enjoy the view, or you can put the pedal to the metal and go somewhere. On the first day, my classmates and I read this quote from Stephen King: “You must not come lightly to the blank page.” I completely agree with this quote, yet I also struggle with it. I usually don’t enjoy writing, and try to avoid it. I try to keep journals, but I usually end up giving up. Writing has usually been something that I half-heartedly attempt because it requires effort and deep thinking. This blog will keep me accountable, and I believe that I will be able to write about subjects that I’m passionate about. I’m not going to meander down this open road; I’m going to put the pedal to metal.  I'm interested to see where my writing will take me, but I know the journey will be a long yet interesting one.