Morgan “Rose” Shelor
Hometown/State: Cary, NC
Incoming EC Scholar Class (year): 2012
Major/Intended Major: Hispanic Studies, minor in Linguistics and Art
Why did you choose to attend East Carolina University?
I originally came to East Carolina University because of its superb nursing school. ECU was also the only university that would allow me to minor in Spanish as a nursing major and I wanted to continue studying Spanish. I volunteered at Rex Hospital during high school. I was able to experience the inner workings of a hospital, which began my interest in working in the medical field. While I originally started college as a nursing major, I realized through a medical Spanish class and internship at Vidant Medical Center that I would rather work in the hospital interpreting.
What has your scholarship enabled you to do?
The scholarship will enable me to study abroad to Granada, Spain, with my Spanish professor, Rosa Lopez-Cañete. The Honors College and the EC Scholars program have also provided me with a network of support. It has allowed me to focus on my studies instead of worrying about student loans, as well.
What special undergraduate research opportunities have you experienced at East Carolina University?
This semester, I am actually working on a research project in my Structure of the Spanish Language class with Dr. Ricard Viñas de Puig. We are researching whether Spanish speakers in Greenville gradually adopt and assimilate English words and some English grammar into their Spanish because they are surrounded by an English speaking culture. I am really excited about getting to do research within my major.
What unique leadership opportunities have you experienced at East Carolina University?
I have grown in leadership through working on campus at the Adventure Programs Center (APC) and through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, where I am a women's small group leader. East Carolina University has offered me so much more than just academics. My professors are personable, clearly care about their students and are passionate about their areas of study. The EC Scholars program gives me a base of support to grow in leadership outside of academics.
Last semester, I had an internship at Vidant Hospital with the Spanish interpreting office. It was invaluable. I witnessed the ability of great interpreters to put Spanish-speaking patients at ease. These patients would come into the emergency room nervous and uneasy. They couldn't communicate with the staff about what had happened and were unsure of what the nurses and doctors were doing to help them. When the interpreter arrived and began explaining everything in their language and in a culturally relevant manner, the patients always seemed to relax and feel more confident in the medical care they were receiving.
What are your career plans/aspirations?
I see myself in the hospital interpreting between medical personnel and Spanish-speaking patients. I have always been drawn to culture-crossing careers. My parents taught English as a Second Language (ESL) when I was young, so multilingualism and multiculturalism have always been a part of my life. I want to continue to grow in that area and make a career of interpreting and translating.
How have you made a positive impact while you have been at East Carolina University?
I have made a positive impact through the leadership I have in InterVarsity. This year, I have been able to begin investing in freshmen girls through my small group. Being able to encourage them, help them as they transition into college, and talk with them about Jesus has been exciting.
