Sarah Wright
The health care system has been an influential force in Sarah Wright’s life. Inspired by her mother, Amanda, executive director of pharmacy at Cape Fear Valley Health System, Wright wanted to explore the same work environment.
“Through watching her administrative work, I witnessed her combine her love of medicine with her passion for leadership, something I hope to master in medicine one day,” Wright said. “Watching my mom oversee the COVID-19 vaccination process for all health care workers furthered my interest in learning how best to optimize my career in health care through administrative work.”
Through the scholarship application process, Wright said that ECU had one key factor that sets the university apart from its competitors: the college’s ability to seek out potential while maintaining the student’s identity.
“At ECU, I am not just a number. I’m a student becoming a part of the ECU family who possesses potential beyond my high school transcript,” she said. “ECU has mastered the balance between professional and personal relationships, making all future Pirates feel welcomed with open arms.
“Being selected as an EC Scholar means I am surrounded by individuals who share the same passions and unwavering drive as me, allowing me to continue growing as both a leader and a person,” said Wright. “I’m looking forward to working with people who are eager to represent our university with immense grace, pride and dignity.”
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.
Wright will major in chemistry and biology in preparation for a pre-med track. She plans to continue her education in medicine in hopes of becoming a doctor.
“I hope my time at ECU will allow me to feel drawn to a specific field of medicine and prepare for the journey ahead,” Wright said.
“I would love to be a part of ECU’s student government and rush my freshman year. I believe both activities will allow me to branch out and learn more about the school I now represent and serve,” said Wright. “I know ECU has a club for everything imaginable, so I’m eager to see all the different interests students have to explore and participate in.”
For her study abroad experience, Wright is particularly interested in either England or Switzerland to learn about universal health care. “But visiting somewhere with a lot of holistic and alternative medicines, like Japan, would also be a great experience for my career,” she added.
Wright, 18, is the daughter of Amanda and Larry Wright of Fayetteville.
“Despite it just being a piece of paper, the EC Scholar letter was both my ticket home and the opening sentences to the newest and most anticipated chapter in my life.”
High school: Terry Sanford High School
Intended major: Biology and chemistry
Hometown: Fayetteville