Marzuq Islam
Marzuq Islam doesn’t have to look far to find the people who have influenced him the most.
“My parents are a huge influence,” Islam said of his father Rashidul and mother Tasneem. “My dad and mother came from Bangladesh, and they were able to make a name for themselves in their community. In addition, they also drilled into my head important lessons. They raised me to be outgoing, punctual, confident and intelligent.”
Islam is coming to East Carolina University as an EC Scholar in the Honors College. 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.
“Being an EC Scholar will enable me to gain new perspectives and new ways of thinking,” Islam said.
The 17-year-old from Cary attended Research Triangle High School, where he was part of a robotics team.
“I learned how to solder and operate various tools,” he said. “This was the primary reason I chose engineering as my major.
“I always had a fascination with technology and working with my hands. I would watch YouTube videos on the latest tech and would help my dad with various building projects. However, I also had a fascination with biology and medicine. Thus, I chose bioprocess engineering since it combines two of my passions.”
He plans to go to medical school to become a doctor.
“I always had a fascination in medicine and helping people,” Islam said. “Becoming an EC Scholar helps enable me to pursue that path.”
He said deciding to attend ECU was an easy choice.
“I was impressed by the people and the campus during Selection Sunday,” Islam said. “In addition, I got to meet faculty and scholars and see their passion. This encouraged me to make ECU my home for the next four years.”
He said he’s looking forward to the research opportunities and various student clubs that ECU has to offer, and hopes to study abroad in either Asia or Europe.
“I like the culture and history there,” he said.
Islam was part of the Cary Teen Council and served as a page in the N.C. House and for Gov. Roy Cooper. He enjoys video games, poetry, drawing and playing guitar.
He hopes to spend this summer working before coming to ECU but is uncertain, partially because of the coronavirus pandemic. His mother works as a nurse, so he admits the past few months have not always been easy.
“It has been somewhat stressful,” he said. “Because my mom is a nurse, she is on the frontlines, making sure the place she works is safe. As for me, I have tried to occupy myself with various activities. Some of these activities include drawing and playing guitar. It really is a fight against boredom. Even though we live in tumultuous times, we try to keep our hopes up. It will end soon.”
“Being an EC Scholar will enable me to gain new perspectives and new ways of thinking.”
High school: Research Triangle High School
Intended major: Engineering
Hometown: Cary