Cassidy Fitz-Randolph
As a high school theater kid, Cassidy Fitz-Randolph loves the stage and feels comfortable in front of an audience. When she goes to college at East Carolina University, she plans to use her speaking skills on a different kind of stage – on air as a broadcast journalist.
“I’ve done theater since I was very young and have always loved to be on stage telling a story. My theater teacher used to throw wads of paper at us until we had perfect volume and diction, and I think those skills would carry well onto camera,” she said.
Fitz-Randolph, 18, is the daughter of Rick and Maria Fitz-Randolph. She intends to double major in political science and communication, citing ECU’s School of Communication as the main reason she decided to attend the university
“To have access to an amazing internship program and other life-changing opportunities would help me explore and begin my career in broadcasting,” she said. “I hope to pursue a career as a political journalist as I’ve always loved to write and being able to incorporate that into my career is exciting. And politics affect everything in our society, so to learn the science behind it offers me the chance to be part of the influence.”
Nicole Wallace, a political analyst for MSNBC and NBC News, is one of Fitz-Randolph’s idols.
“She’s one of few political journalists who tie their stories to the facts, rather than support just their party,” she said. “I think being a political journalist is important as you communicate factual information to the public and inspire change.”
Fitz-Randolph believes being an EC Scholar in the Honors College will give her the tools to make such an impact on society. 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 and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
“The EC Scholar program gives its scholars not only the opportunity to set goals but to meet and exceed them,” she said. “Being a Pirate means being passionate and driven, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
At ECU, Fitz-Randolph plans to continue theater and study abroad in South Korea.
“South Korea has a rich history and offers an experience of a life very different from what I’m used to. As someone who is part Korean, I would love to explore and immerse myself into the culture,” she said, adding, “East Carolina University is a place I can truly see myself thriving.”
“Being a Pirate means being passionate and driven, and I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
High school: E.A. Laney High School
Intended major: Political science and communication
Hometown: Wilmington