Dustin T. Humphries
Dustin T. Humphries values education and wants to make a difference in the lives of others. Currently, he makes an impact by engaging through community service, and one day he may defend clients through the practice of law.
The 17-year-old senior from Timberlake is a student at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham. He is the son of Jason and Tracie Humphries and is one of 20 freshmen entering East Carolina University this fall as an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate academic scholarship program offered at the university.
“For me, being an EC Scholar means that I will have a sound support team that will ensure my success in college,” Humphries said. “I know that being an EC Scholar places me in an excellent community of intelligent, passionate individuals, something that will make me both a stronger student and a better person.”
The EC Scholars 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 nearly $63,000.
Humphries chose to attend ECU because of his mother’s experiences and ECU’s focus on its students.
“Just a few years ago, my mother graduated from East Carolina University in its online teaching program. She always spoke so highly of how ECU’s faculty and staff supported her through her long journey, and based on her experience, I knew I would receive the same high-quality support that she did,” Humphries said. “I chose ECU because it is focused on student growth and success above all else, something that will make my college experience worthwhile.”
This summer, Humphries will intern at El Centro Hispano, a nonprofit in Durham whose mission is to advocate for equality and inclusion of Hispanics and Latinos in the North Carolina Triangle. Humphries will continue to help revitalize the tutoring center’s library, a project he assisted with last summer.
While at ECU, Humphries is most excited to continue his engagement in community outreach initiatives, especially those regarding education.
“One of the best ways to shape the future is to start with children. So, I hope to pour into the Greenville community by teaching and tutoring young students,” he said.
Through the EC Scholars scholarship, Humphries hopes to study abroad in Latin America, perhaps in Buenos Aires or Bogotá. Regardless of where he travels, he said he wants to study in a place where he can blend his passions for politics, business and Spanish.
Although Humphries is not completely certain about his career aspirations, he is considering law school after he completes his undergraduate education.
“We need policymakers that have a solid understanding of economics as well as the diverse perspectives in the Unites States, as this will make laws that stand strong for generations,” Humphries said. “Beyond this, being a lawyer would give me the ability to defend clients in need of help.”
“I know that being an EC Scholar places me in an excellent community of intelligent, passionate individuals, something that will make me both a stronger student and a better person.”
High school: North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Intended major: Economics and Hispanic studies
Hometown: Timberlake