Ashby Dickerson
Ashby Dickerson had an insider’s view of the EC Scholars experience — her older brother Cole. “I feel like the EC Scholars program is about being part of a family with people who are just as determined as I am to make a difference. My brother is also a Scholar and he comes home and talks about his experiences and I really wanted to be part of that,” she said.
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 Scholars program isn’t the only thing that attracted 18-year-old Dickerson to East Carolina University. “I want to be a physical therapist,” she said. “ECU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program has an excellent reputation.” In fact, Dickerson has already received early assurance admission to the program. Through the early assurance program, she’ll participate in research, clinical observation and other activities with the Department of Physical Therapy.
While her brother’s experience at ECU sparked her interest in the EC Scholars program, her younger sister sparked Dickerson’s interest in physical therapy. “My sister went to physical therapy when she was younger and I’d go along to her sessions. It was really interesting to see PT in action. I’d do exercises with her at home and got to be part of her progress,” said the Gatesville native and daughter of Laura and Daniel Dickerson.
Dickerson is already thinking about what she’ll do with her physical therapy career. “I want to serve rural communities in North Carolina. I live in a small, rural community; there’s just one traffic light in my county. And I’ve seen how communities like mine have been underserved when it comes to physical therapy,” she said.
“I think I’d like to work with older adults,” she added. “I’ve volunteered at a nursing home for the past few years and I just love the people I’ve met. I started out visiting a family friend who’d moved into the home. I’d bring my guitar and we’d sing church hymns together in her room. Then people started gathering outside her door to listen! So I started visiting and playing for them. I haven’t gotten to see them recently because of the pandemic; I really miss them.”
Dickerson has also volunteered with vacation Bible school at her local church, 4H Horse Camp, Gates Emergency Ministries food drives and with Girls on the Run. She’s looking forward to getting involved in the Greenville community. “I’m excited to be in a bigger place, to be part of a new community and to meet new people through volunteer opportunities,” she said.
An even bigger city may factor into Dickerson’s study abroad experience. She’s still exploring her options, but “I’d love to visit Paris and see all the high fashion there. And on decision day, I heard a student in the same program as me talk about her experience studying in Italy. It was inspiring!”
“I want to serve rural communities in North Carolina. I live in a small, rural community; there’s just one traffic light in my county. And I’ve seen how communities like mine have been underserved.”
High school: Gates County High School
Intended major: Exercise physiology
Hometown: Gatesville