After a few lessons, ballroom dancing just clicked for incoming first-year student Nickolas Bleykhman.

The international champion in Latin dancing practices six days a week for about three hours a day. The routine has helped him establish a work ethic that he says will help him not just in dancing but in all aspects of his life.

Bleykhman will bring that strong work ethic with him to Carolina, when he starts classes next week. He is looking forward to taking classes and meeting people with similar interests.

“The connections and friendships — they don’t just last through those four years as an undergrad. They last for a whole lifetime,” Bleykhman said.