Alexia Woodward
Alexia Woodward was only in middle school when her mother was admitted to the hospital. She says the memory is mostly a blur now, but she still remembers the kind and steadfast nurses — and the first time she wanted to be one.
“I wanted to be that figure to other patients when they are in a vulnerable time in their life,” she said.
The 17-year-old from Elizabeth City is one of 20 freshmen entering ECU this fall as 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, along with a stipend for study abroad, for a total value of nearly $63,000.
“What was important for me when selecting ECU was feeling like I belonged,” Woodward said. “Beyond the classroom and extracurriculars I ultimately decide to pursue, ECU will be my home for the next four years, so I knew that I had to find a place that felt like home.”
Woodward said she was drawn to the emphasis ECU’s Honors College places on service to the community and leadership.
“Being an EC Scholar means being part of a community that is actively encouraging each other so that we can strive to be our best,” she said. “This will allow me to delve into the many opportunities that ECU has to offer and take advantage of the unique resources in the greater Greenville community.”
“ECU also has an excellent nursing school, and since that is my intended major, it was definitely a factor in choosing to attend ECU,” she added.
After she completes her degree in nursing, Woodward wants to become a nurse midwife.
“As a teenager, I became really passionate about women’s wellness around the world, and as a result, I joined different groups so that I could be an active advocate for women’s rights in health care and in society,” she said. “This is a big reason why I want to become a nurse midwife. Nurse midwives not only aid in the delivery of babies, but they also provide routine reproductive health care to women.”
Woodward said she plans to be an active member of Pirate Nation, including joining clubs for nursing students and playing intramural sports.
“I want to participate in a lot of activities around campus so that I can meet a wide variety of people,” she said. “I am also interested in doing research, so I would like to find a faculty sponsor or a faculty member already conducting research so that I can help.”
Thrilled by the prospect of studying abroad, Woodward said she plans to visit Japan to continue improving her communication skills.
“Going to Japan for an extended period of time would really aid in my studies,” she said.
Woodward is the daughter of Yasuko and Zacharias Woodward.
Her summer plans include working in the Outer Banks to save for college expenses and spending time relaxing.
“Being an EC Scholar means being part of a community that is actively encouraging each other so that we can strive to be our best.”
High school: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Elizabeth City