Fosua Dadson
When Fosua Dadson began researching colleges she might attend, East Carolina University’s commitment to service stood out.
“I saw opportunities for me to volunteer, to contribute,” said the 18-year-old.
Her desire to serve goes beyond community service. Dadson plans to major in public health with the goal of becoming a physician assistant or medical doctor, specializing in emergency care. “Ever since I was a young child, I’ve wanted to work in the medical field. My goal is really to help people,” she said. “Public health covers so many different areas and it will give me a good foundation to do that.”
Being an EC Scholar will help Dadson further strengthen that foundation. 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.
Community service was a big part of Dadson’s high school experience; she was a dedicated member of Key Club, an international, student-led service organization. She also played softball and served as a student council representative. As a junior, she and four other students teamed up for a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society fundraiser. “We raised $20,000! That’s one of my proudest moments. I’m so proud to have been part of that,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved in service at ECU and giving back to the community,” Dadson said. “And there’s a pre-physician assistant club, too. I’m excited about the opportunities for new experiences and mentorship through EC Scholars.”
Dadson, who speaks English, French and Fante or Twi, is originally from Ghana and moved to Raleigh as a 10-year-old. She hopes to put her French to use studying abroad. “I’d like to go to France,” she said. “I want to study the French health care system, learn how it works and how I can apply it to my future career.”
Before she arrives on campus in August, Dadson has a couple of special projects to finish. Like many, Dadson, who is the daughter of Paulina Attom and Andrew Dadson, took up a new hobby during the pandemic. “Our neighbor quilts and I told her last summer that I was interested in learning how,” she said. “First, she showed me how to do embroidery, then she taught me how to quilt.”
Dadson is working on her fourth quilt — a gift for her high school English teacher. “She was my English teacher sophomore year and again senior year. She really motivated me and saw my potential. And she helped me with my college application essays,” Dadson said. Once her gift quilt is complete, Dadson plans to make a quilt that will bring a bit of home to her room on campus.
“I’m looking forward to getting involved in service at ECU and giving back to the community. I’m excited about the opportunities for new experiences and mentorship through EC Scholars.”
High school: Leesville Road High School
Intended major: Public health
Hometown: Raleigh