Student: Joseph Bryant

Joseph Bryant, a native of Greensboro, is a senior majoring in public health studies at East Carolina University and an aspiring pharmacist. 

“Medicine is an important part of a community’s health, but a lot of times people don’t know what types of chemicals they’re putting into their bodies,” Bryant said. “As a pharmacist, I would be able to help people understand what kinds of medicine they’re taking, what types of interactions they may have, and even find them cheaper, more affordable alternatives. I want to be able to give back to the community as a pharmacist.” 
    
As a student, Bryant has volunteered at community events and organizations and works as a resident advisor at Gateway West residence hall.  

“Being an RA is both challenging and rewarding,” he said. “It’s challenging because the students you work with are all different, so bringing them together can be a challenge. But connecting with students and helping them is extremely rewarding.” 

Bryant has completed nearly 1,000 hours of community service by participating in ECU’s Martin Luther King Jr. service day, the Susan G. Komen Race, Science Olympiad, Third Street Community Center’s after-school program, blood drives and the Greensboro Housing Authority. He has also been a wheelchair assistant for the NCAA and volunteers every Friday at Vidant Medical Center. 

“When I did the wheelchair assistant volunteering, the tournament was in my hometown, Greensboro,” Bryant said. “I still live there when I’m not at school, so I volunteer whenever they have big events. 

“I really enjoy volunteering and giving back because you get to learn from everyone you meet. It’s a heartwarming experience,” he said. “You realize how blessed and lucky you are. My time volunteering has solidified my desire to help others throughout my lifetime and career.” 

Although Bryant received an offer to play basketball at another university, he decided to attend ECU. 

“I turned down my basketball scholarship because I had intended to try out for ECU’s basketball team,” he said. “In order to prepare myself, I decided to join the club basketball team, which was a great decision. We ultimately won two national club basketball championships during my time on the team.” 

While Bryant never played for the Pirate basketball team, he is thankful for the opportunities he’s had at ECU. 

“One thing that I really appreciated about ECU was the diversity, which I would not have gotten at a historically black college or university. It’s important to be in a diverse environment so that you can be prepared to help others who are different than you in the real world,” said Bryant. 

At ECU, he has been involved in the ECU Ambassadors and Residential Scholars program and the Eta Sigma Gamma Fraternity (Public Health Honor Society). He also received multiple scholarships, including the Laura Marie Leary Elliot Scholarship, the Ledonia S. Wright Memorial Scholarship, and the ECU Residential Scholar Scholarship.

Following graduation, Bryant plans on attending graduate school for pharmacy. 

What is something cool about ECU that you wish you knew during your first year? There are so many opportunities to develop your leadership skills that will build your confidence and provide you the chance to learn from our professors and administrators. 

What advice do you have for other students? Surround yourself with individuals who you want to grow with scholastically, spiritually and have the same values. 

Your words to live by: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Written by: Sophronia Knott
Photography by: Cliff Hollis 

Statistics

College: Health and Human Performance 

Major: Public Health Studies, Pre-Health Professions concentration

Age: 21 

Classification/Year: Senior 

Hometown: Greensboro

Hobbies & Interests: Basketball, video games, community service

Clubs & Organizations: ECU Ambassador, Pre-Pharmacy Club, Y.A.C.H.T Club, T.E.A.M., 2016 Cohort Student Chancellor’s Leadership Academy, Eta Sigma Gamma-Public Health Honor Society,  Residential Scholar Program

Favorites

Favorite place to eat: RJ’s Famous Chicken, BBQ and Ribs

Favorite Movie: The Other Guys 

Favorite website: youtube.com

Favorite place on campus: Student Rec Center

Favorite hangout: The mall and my friends’ apartments since I have lived on campus all four years.

Favorite class: African-American literature with Dr. Watson

Favorite TV show: First Take/Sports Center

Favorite band/musician: J. Cole

Motivations

Professor who influenced you the most: Dr. Anne Spuches was my first chemistry professor. She has always been very supportive and given me the confidence that I needed to tackle a very tough career choice. 

The one thing you cannot live without: My phone 

Dream Job: ­Pharmacist

Role model: My parents have supported and helped me in reaching my goals.