Ryan Baucom

Hometown/State: Marshville, North Carolina

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2011

Scholarship(s) Awarded: Belk Special Funds

Major/Intended Major: BS Biochemistry

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?

I chose to attend East Carolina University because of the unique opportunities that I will have through the Honors College and EC Scholars program. I was interested another university in the North Carolina system, but the East Carolina Honors College offered me many more benefits. I don't feel as if I am just a number here and I feel that I will receive a higher quality of education. Before I was aware I had received the scholarship, the tuition scholarship through the Honors College also played a large role in my decision to attend this university.

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

My scholarship has enabled me to focus less on how I am going to pay for my undergraduate education and be able to afford medical school in four years. It has also enabled me to become a part of a group of students who are all academically driven and motivated to help those around them. I have had opportunities to meet people that I would have never received had I not gotten this scholarship.

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

During my undergraduate career, I plan on getting involved in research pertaining to my major, which is biochemistry. I am not sure as to what type of research I will have the opportunity to perform at East Carolina but I am very excited about anything in the chemistry field.

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university? 

I am very excited about the upcoming leadership opportunities that I will be able to experience at East Carolina University. Being an EC Scholar means that I am a leader in the university and that I should step up and help my fellow students. I am sure I will have various other leadership positions in clubs and organizations throughout campus once I begin my freshman year.

What are your career plans/aspirations? 

I plan to attend Medical School after my undergraduate work and pursue a career in the medical field performing surgery. I decided I wanted to become a doctor when I was in the seventh grade and have been preparing for that career since then. I have shadowed many health professionals including surgeons and am sure that this is the career path that I want to follow.

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

I plan to make a positive impact at East Carolina University by serving the community around me and helping other students as well. I plan on getting involved in some sort of community service in Greenville, possibly in the medical field and making a difference. I'm sure through the various group projects that the scholars are a part of as well as my individual volunteering I will make a positive impact on the university as well as the surrounding Greenville area.