Kyia Riddick
Since she was a child, Kyia Riddick has dreamed of being a nurse. The Gates County native began researching nursing programs and learned about East Carolina University’s Pirate Nurses.
The EC Scholar’s Selection Sunday event solidified her decision to attend ECU.
“When visiting other universities, I felt out of place and like I would never fit in well, but on that Sunday, I knew where I belonged,” she said.
Riddick will join the EC Scholars community this fall as one of 20 incoming freshmen. 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 is all about excellence and collaboration,” she said. “The only way to achieve excellence is by being able to collaborate with the people around you. EC Scholars are meant for excellence and have the potential to change the world.”
The opportunity to become an EC Scholar came as a shock to Riddick.
“When I finally realized what exactly I was gifted, I was still stunned days after I received the acceptance letter,” said Riddick, the daughter of Mary Woodson-Riddick and Leary Riddick.
At ECU, she wants to become involved with clubs related to health care and volunteer in health care facilities. Although she doesn’t know where she wants to study abroad, she knows that she wants to make a difference during her trip or learn something that she can use to transform her community or future career.
Riddick plans to become a nurse practitioner and earn a doctorate in nursing while pursuing a career in pediatrics.
“I love being able to connect with a child and understand their pain, because making them feel better puts a smile on their face,” she said.
After she graduates from Gates County Senior High School, Riddick wants to relax and share one last summer with her friends before they go their separate ways. She also enjoys traveling and finding new restaurants with her dad.
“He is like my best friend when it comes to trying new foods,” she said. “My mom is typically along for the ride, just shaking her head at our antics.”
Riddick’s close ties with her family have pushed her to continue pursuing her dreams. The loss of her grandmother in January 2020 helped her strengthen her life path.
“Everything I do is so I can make that dream I painted for her a reality,” she said.
“EC Scholars are meant for excellence and have the potential to change the world.”
High school: Gates County Senior High School
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Gates County