Isabella Gillespie

Hometown/State: Mount Airy, North Carolina (otherwise known as Mayberry)

Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2012

Scholarship(s) Awarded: R. L. Davis East Carolina Scholars Award

Major/Intended Major: Pre-Med

Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?

While I applied to and received acceptance from all the colleges in the state that have medical schools, East Carolina offered me a greater opportunity. The package offer of Honors College, EC Scholars, and Early Assurance to the Brody School of Medicine made East Carolina University extremely tempting. To be completely honest, it was the staff and people at ECU that sealed the deal. At ECU I was a person with a name and not just a number. For me, I felt like I was joining a big family.

What has your scholarship enabled you to do?

My scholarship has enabled me to relax and focus on education rather than worry about the costs associated with obtaining my educational goals. The extra funding has allowed me to increase my credit hours per semester. In addition, I have been able to focus on research and community service instead of part-time employment. I have actually expanded my mentoring program and website (www.empoweringspecialpopulations.com). The opportunity to travel abroad is something that I have not yet experienced, but it is something that I have always dreamed of.

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

While I have published medical research, it has not been under ECU.

I have been assisted in lining up a position in medical research that I hope will start during Spring of 2013.

What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at the university?

ECU has encouraged me to maintain my position as a hospital volunteer and go beyond my wildest expectations. I have become involved in ECU student government. In addition, I have established a relationship at a local assisted living facility in Greenville. As a member of the Honors College, I have worked at the local food bank. I have cleaned up local parks and learned to take care of the local habitat. Most importantly, I have learned to work as a team member and empower those I seek to lead. I have auditioned and been accepted as a Magnolia Belles, sponsored by the Alumni Association of ECU. Scholastically, I have started study groups and inspired others to seek academic excellence.

What are your career plans/aspirations?

My career goal to be a doctor has always been rooted in my desire to care for people. East Carolina University has provided me the perfect opportunity to secure my dream. In addition, it offers me lots of exposure to grow as a person and community leader.

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

I’m the girl that occupies the student study lounge until two in the morning (even on Friday nights) and still puts on a dress before heading out to an early morning class. I think this shows my professional attitude toward learning and the high regard I have for those who have offered me the opportunity to be an EC Scholar. I pride myself in trying to positively impact those around me and establish the academic flavor which can be found within the diverse campus of ECU. I feel like I have a support system here. Hopefully, I can extend that support to my peers and classmates. I have been honest with my fellow students; it takes a lot of study time to achieve my full potential. Realizing that potential is a commitment that I made when I became an EC Scholar and Early Assurance student. I’m the girl that you can go study with or seek if you desire academic encouragement. I have tried to establish a well rounded daily agenda that includes things I enjoy, like singing and working out at the Student Recreation Center. Of course, the bulk of my time is spent on studying. I hope that I have made a positive impact to those around me by demonstrating determination and academic rigor. In addition, I hope that my dedication serves to promote ECU as a place of educational opportunity.