Jayda Bodine

Multiple cancer diagnoses in Jayda Bodine’s immediate family have spurred her interest in becoming an oncologist in the future.

Bodine is one of 20 high school seniors named an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship for four years, along with a stipend for study abroad, for a total value of $62,000.

Bodine intends to major in biology at ECU with a goal of attending medical school and ultimately working as a pediatric hematology-oncology physician.

“My first encounters with cancer and its impact occurred at age 5 and 9 when my grandmother endured two separate stage 4 diagnoses. My other grandmother passed in under four weeks after a glioblastoma diagnosis last year while my dad was deployed again,” Bodine said.

Bodine has a passion for working with children from babysitting to mentoring children of Wounded Warriors in her hometown of Jacksonville. Becoming a doctor will allow her to “contribute to positive prognoses, improved outcomes, enhanced patient and family connectivity skills and the ultimate pursuit of saving lives,” she said.

She said she knew she wanted to attend ECU after visiting campus for her EC Scholars interview. “I am truly blessed to represent ECU and be a part of this very unique program that will most definitely challenge me to continue living life outside of complacency while exposing me to greater knowledge, teamwork, leadership and adventurous experiences,” Bodine said.

Before starting classes, Bodine hopes to take a vacation with her family and spend the summer completing her certified nursing assistant exam, shadowing physicians and surgical procedures, volunteering, and preparing for competitive weightlifting.

A multi-sport athlete, Bodine has participated in strength and conditioning for years. She was first introduced to power lifting in fifth grade, and recently has been training with a competitive Olympic weightlifter. “I enjoy lifting and have battled back from four shoulder reconstructions in high school,” she said.

At Lejeune High, Bodine has played volleyball, basketball and softball all four years, and served as captain of each team. An all-conference player, she received the 2018 William Clary Medal from the N.C. High School Athletic Association and was a Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist.

Bodine is an AP Scholar, Lejeune High School Scholar and a member and president of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Students Against Destructive Decisions. She has received outstanding achievement awards in multiple AP classes and served as Chief Junior Marshal for the Class of 2017 commencement. She also has been a four-year member of the Student Government Association.

At ECU, she would like to pursue research and shadowing, as well as get involved in ECU campus clubs and intramurals. She also is looking forward to studying abroad, possibly in the United Kingdom or Australia.

Bodine is the daughter of Wayne and Connie Bodine of Jacksonville.