Charles Brooks
There’s a nightstand in a Wake Forest home that contains a letter. The letter, addressed to 18-year-old Charles Michael Brooks Jr., includes purple and gold stars and the words “we are delighted to congratulate you on your acceptance into the EC Scholars program.”
Brooks received the East Carolina University letter after coming home from a school play rehearsal. He didn’t open the letter because he wanted to wait for his parents.
“I had the horrible challenge of waiting for them (parents),” said Brooks. “Finally, my parents got home, and I opened my letter. The purple and gold stars fell across the kitchen table, and before I actually read anything, my parents, brother and I were dancing and laughing and crying. It may be one of the most emotionally charged moments of my life.”
Brooks’ qualifications stood out among a record number of talented EC Scholars applicants. Being an EC Scholar is still setting in for him.
“I still have moments where I am struck by how blessed I am to have the honor of calling myself an EC Scholar,” Brooks said. “The people, the endless possibilities, and the chances to chase after any dream are the aspiration of every rising college student.”
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.
Currently, Brooks is on a pre-med track and intends to major in biology. He plans to attend medical school, maybe the Brody School of Medicine, and eventually be a primary care physician for a rural clinic.
“This idea of being able to help others in communities where funding or attention is often lacking or absent has always been a calling of mine,” said Brooks. “I want to be the person that can look at a community and know each member’s name and how I can help them. … I want to be there for people to celebrate with them and comfort them. I want to change people’s lives for the better and show them the compassion that seems to be lacking in this world.”
Before medical school, there’s life as an ECU Pirate. Brooks wants to be a part of the community that he experienced during his college visits. “What really sold me were the students and residents I interacted with,” Brooks said. “Everyone had a drive and desire for success not only for themselves but for each other as well. I wanted to be part of a community that wanted me to grow and succeed alongside every other Pirate on campus.”
He also wants to get involved with the Christian community at ECU, cultivate his passion for gardening and community vegetable beds, find a running club and dive headfirst into ECU’s sports.
Before life as a Pirate, there’s one more summer. Brooks was planning to visit Italy and Greece, but COVID-19 has curtailed those plans, and that’s OK. Italy will be there for his study abroad program, and he now has a chance to catch up with friends and memories that were lost during the pandemic.
“I want to change people’s lives for the better and show them the compassion that seems to be lacking in this world.”
High school: Heritage High School
Intended major: Biology
Hometown: Wake Forest