Annaleise Darrohn
Annaleise Darrohn is shaping her future nursing career from a worldly perspective.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased her passion to serve others, and she believes that a solid foundation in nursing will come from exploring and understanding other cultures and health systems.
Darrohn, 17, is a member of the newest class of EC Scholars, 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.
Darrohn is the daughter of Jodi and Ken Darrohn of Raleigh and will major in nursing.
“After graduation, I plan to get my master’s in nursing and become a nurse practitioner,” she said. “After practicing for a bit, I am going to travel and get my DNP (doctor of nurse practitioner) to eventually open my own pediatric practice.”
Darrohn also plans to pursue educational experiences that include research and travel.
“I plan to begin researching early on to develop creative new holistic approaches to medicine in pediatric units,” she said. “I also plan to travel abroad as much as possible to gain the knowledge and understanding of different cultures, which is a critical aspect of nursing.”
Darrohn hopes that part of that learning process will include a study abroad experience in Italy.
“I am planning to go to Italy to see where my great-grandparents came from and gain the understanding and respect of a different health care system, to be the best well-rounded nurse I can be,” she said.
While traveling will help shape her future, Darrohn found a passion for nursing in her roots.
“Early on, I would work closely with my grandmother in monitoring my cousin’s heartbeats, family members’ blood pressure and delivering cards to anyone who was sick. I was the first one to look at X-rays, surgical procedures and the first to ask for medical books for Christmas,” she said. “My grandmother was an RN, and I look forward to carrying on her legacy and commitment to serve.”
Before coming to campus this fall, Darrohn will work as a nurse aide and get some travel time in. She looks forward to getting involved in campus activities including intramural volleyball, student nursing groups and the ECU Sign Language Club. She will also celebrate her decision to become an EC Scholar.
“I wanted to be a part of a family that gave back to the community and supported my future endeavors,” she said. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself and have a community of like-minded people who pushed me past my limits.”
“Being an EC Scholar means collaborating with strong and like-minded people to give back and make our community stronger.”
High school: Rolesville High School
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Raleigh