
“Rewriting the Rules“ At UNC School of the Arts
- J'rai Hammonds

- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
I had the incredible honor of returning to my alma mater, the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, as a panelist for “Rewriting the Rules: Alumni Who Took the Unconventional Path.”
The panel brought together a group of alumni who have taken unexpected turns in their careers, artists, entrepreneurs, and creators who have learned that sometimes the most fulfilling paths are the ones we didn’t plan. It was truly special to be back on campus, surrounded by passionate students and fellow graduates who are redefining what success looks like in the arts and beyond.
When it was my turn to share, I spoke about a pivotal moment in my own journey, my injury and the hip surgery that completely shifted my perspective on wellness, performance, and identity. What felt like a setback at the time became the spark that led me to earn my American Council on Exercise Personal Training Certificate. That certification opened the door for me to build something that reflects not only my love for movement but also my passion for holistic health and personal growth.
That’s how Glolistic Fitness was born.
During the panel, I shared how Glolistic has evolved into more than a fitness brand. It’s a space for dancers, artists, and creatives to rediscover balance, resilience, and confidence through holistic wellness. We talked about mindset shifts, redefining self-worth beyond performance, and learning to nurture both the body and the mind.
The conversation reminded me how important it is to share the real, unfiltered parts of our journeys. Growth rarely follows a straight line. And sometimes, the moments that challenge us most end up guiding us toward our true purpose.
I left the panel feeling deeply grateful for the opportunity to inspire the next generation of UNC School of the Arts artists, for the community that shaped me, and for every twist and turn that brought me here.
Here’s to rewriting the rules, embracing change, and continuing to glow holistically. ✨














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