Ryan Carter-Stanley

Hometown/State: Kernersville, North Carolina

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2012

Scholarship(s) Awarded: Cliff and Ruth Moore East Carolina Scholars Award

Major/Intended Major: Psychology on the Pre-Med track

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?

It was the irresistibility of the Honors College that drew me to East Carolina University. With or without the scholarship, I felt an impending sense of peace as I walked around campus. Being the homebody that I am, this feeling was quite unusual considering the two and a half hour drive from Greenville to Kernersville. I couldn't deny, however, that this is where I belonged. The campus is charming; its greenery and old buildings blend together in a way that differs drastically from other campuses I had visited. The students spoke about their experiences with a sense of passion and intensity that made me envious to experience it myself!

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

This scholarship has done for me what very few other opportunities and achievements in my life have ever been able to do. It has brought me a true sense of satisfaction that has justified all of my hard work up to this point. I feel accomplished to be among such a prestigious group of individuals. Thus far, I have built amazing relationships with other EC Scholars who share the same drive as me. I have been given the opportunity to study under Professor Bassman, a well known and renowned professor with EC Scholars. I now have both the ability to choose my classes with ease and the guarantee that I can participate in opportunities in the future, such as study abroad, with my financial freedom. It is rewarding to know my opportunities and limitless aspirations have now become a reality due to this scholarship.

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

The university has provided me with more resources than I could have ever hoped. Before I even had the chance to pursue opportunities on my own, they were thrown at me. Societies such as the Neuroscience Society have showed a great interest in undergraduate research and in individuals, like myself, who are interested in medicine.

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university?

As a part of this program, one of the most important lessons is leadership. The required Honors Colloquium that I am currently taking has redefined my view of leadership and what characteristics are truly important as a leader. I hope to take this new perspective with me into the medical field as I become a model to others through relational leadership. Leadership through understanding, listening, and humbling yourself are the best ways to serve. I am also pursuing leadership as a part of College Life, a ministry on campus that trains students to be leaders for high school Young Life students.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

After the completion of my undergraduate studies, I hope to continue my experience here at ECU as a Brody Medical student. By then, I will have experience in research and will hopefully have built strong relationships with faculty in the medical school. I plan to begin shadowing and volunteering next semester in order to become more perceptive of what will be required of me. Eventually, I would like to serve individuals in impoverished countriesthrough medical missions and research.

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

Being an EC Scholar is a blessing and I feel strongly it is my responsibility to not only take advantage of our opportunities, but also to share those opportunities and blessings with others. I believe I push my peers to reach their full potential in the classroom. I also, as a part of Professor Bassman's EC Scholar Seminar class, have begun volunteering once a week at Golden Living Nursing Home. There I am beginning to build a relationship with an elderly lady through special one on one time. Together we are teaching each other that no matter how old we are, love is something we all need. I plan to continue to serve others with a thankful spirit and take my lessons beyond the classroom.