Rachel Pollard

Hometown/State: Richlands, North Carolina

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2010

Scholarship(s) Awarded: Dowdy Student Stores EC Scholars Award

Major/Intended Major: Biology (Pre-vet)

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?

I chose to attend East Carolina University for many reasons. I have a sister who is a sophomore at ECU, so naturally I've always had an interest in this university. I also chose to attend this institution for the opportunities I knew awaited me here. Because I was fortunate enough to receive the Dowdy Student Stores East Carolina Scholar Award, I am no longer just an average student. I have connections that enable me to be placed in higher-level courses, be involved in countless meaningful leadership and volunteer opportunities, and to participate in study abroad as well as undergraduate research. I also came to ECU for the generous and caring faculty and staff who I knew would go out of their way to do anything for me.

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

The Dowdy Student Stores East Carolina Scholar Award has relieved me of my worries about paying for college, which has allowed me to explore leadership and volunteer opportunities. If not for this scholarship, I may have chosen to apply for a part-time job, which would have limited my growth as a leader and volunteer in the Greenville community. Because of the East Carolina Scholar Award, I have been able to play intramural soccer, meet an amazing new group of friends, experience countless leadership opportunities, and volunteer at organizations such as the Little Willie Center and the Humane Society of Eastern Carolina.

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

As a freshman, I have not yet been able to participate in undergraduate research at East Carolina; however, I have plans to do so. During my senior year of high school, I joined a research team at the Center for Human Genetics at Duke University, so I have some prior experience with research. At Duke, my work involved many calculations and statistical analyses, so in the future; I'd like to participate in a project that is more hands-on. I have a cousin who has been diagnosed with autism, so I would be interested in completing research that involves interacting with children with autism or working on finding a more effective treatment or even a cure for the developmental disorder.

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university?

I have been able to participate in numerous leadership organizations, such as the Rising Leaders Circle and Honors Ambassadors. The Rising Leaders Circle is an organization that prepares freshman and sophomore students for applying to Omicron Delta Kappa, a National Leadership Honor Society. Through this organization, I have been able to learn about leadership and service and will be able to participate in many leadership organizations throughout the year. Also, I will hopefully be able to further my learning and better my leadership skills by becoming an RLC chairman next year.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

I plan on graduating East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and pursuing a career in veterinary medicine. Since I was a child, I have absolutely loved animals and could not think of a more fitting profession for me.

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

As an EC Scholar, I have made a positive impact while I have been at East Carolina University through my volunteer work. Every week, my fellow freshmen EC Scholars and I spend about two hours with a resident at Golden Living Center, a local retirement home. We also participate in various other volunteer events. For example, one Friday, we helped create a gravel parking lot and brick walkway at a local crisis intervention center. Since I moved to Greenville, I also participated in a Stop Hunger Now Food Drive at the Greenville Boys and Girls Club. I believe that I have made a positive impact while I have been at ECU by giving back to the community that has allowed me to pursue my career aspirations.