Kelsey Hicks

Hometown/State: Garner, North Carolina

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2009

Scholarship(s) Awarded: Helen Snydey EC Scholars Award

Major/Intended Major: Mathematics

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?

After visiting many campuses, ECU was the only place I felt like I was at home. When I learned about the EC Scholars Program I knew I should not pass up the opportunity to apply. I finally chose to attend East Carolina because of its reputation for strong academics and student success.

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

Without my scholarship I would not have been able to attend a university. My financial aid alone was not enough to allow me to attend East Carolina. My scholarship has afforded me the best education I could have hoped for and would not have been able to obtain otherwise.

What special undergraduate research opportunities have you experienced at the university?

I came to East Carolina unclear of what major and career I wanted to pursue. However, after taking a variety of courses I was able to make an informed decision about my future and how my interests could guide me into selecting a career. I plan to take advantage of several research opportunities within my major this fall.

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university?

After getting to know many of my fellow EC Scholars I see how I am eligible for leadership in any of the student organizations I participated in last year. EC Scholars has given me more opportunities than I could have ever imagined.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

I plan to obtain my Doctorate degree in mathematics and I hope to eventually teach at East Carolina. East Carolina has helped me to discover what my future holds and I can only hope to have East Carolina be a part of that future.

How have you made a positive impact while you have been at East Carolina University?

I have worked hard to uphold the strong reputation of EC Scholars. I have a strong interest in helping others also achieve academic success and I have used tutoring as a tool to encourage my friends and fellow students to succeed above and beyond their original expectations.