Oswaldo Javier Rangel Corona
Nineteen-year-old Oswaldo Javier Rangel Corona was not home when he was named an EC Scholar.
“I was so eager to find out, but I was at work and could not leave to check my mailbox,” Rangel Corona said. “I texted my girlfriend to please check for me. She sent me a picture of my acceptance letter. I wanted to cry. I felt so alleviated and proud for I knew I was bound for an amazing journey.”
Beginning his amazing journey at ECU was an easy choice for Rangel Corona.
“I chose ECU because it is very close to home,” he said. “I have many friends who go to ECU already, so I was very familiar with the school. I love the vibes on campus, and it has an amazing business program.”
“The Honors College made my choice easier,” he added.
EC Scholars is 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, valued at nearly $63,000.
“(Being an EC Scholar) means the absolute world to me,” said Rangel Corona, who will soon be a first-generation college student. “It’s breathtaking, and I can’t wait to start working with the Honors College this August.”
When Rangel Corona eventually steps on campus, he has a goal he wants to act on immediately.
“I am definitely looking forward to getting involved with other business majors,” he said. “I have always believed that two heads are better than one, and I can’t even imagine all of the brilliant people I am going to meet. I can’t wait to develop a bond with my professors and peers.”
Along with marketing, Rangel Corona is interested in international business, and he plans to lean on the study abroad opportunities that come with being an EC Scholar.
“I intend to get my international business degree,” he said. “This degree requires you to study a semester in another country. With that, I would love to go to Mexico and study in Guadalajara, Jalisco.”
Before getting his international degree and even before stepping on campus, Rangel Corona does plan to keep busy over the summer.
“I’m going to work and try to save up a little more money before school,” he said. “I am going to prepare myself mentally for school and just enjoy the summertime.”
Corona is the son of Elizabeth and Javier Rangel.
“Being an EC Scholar means the absolute world to me.”
High school: Beaufort County Early College High School
Intended major: Business
Hometown: Grimesland