Gabby Curlings
Gabriela “Gabby” Curlings wants to become a gynecologist and one day hopes to research and advance female health care.
An 18-year-old from Greenville, Curlings is a senior at the Pitt County Schools Early College High School in Winterville, and the child of Gina and Sammy Curlings.
Curlings is one of 20 freshmen entering ECU this fall as an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at the university. 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 means that my once unreachable dreams have actually begun, and that I can do for others what wasn’t done for me or my peers,” Curlings said.
An activist and volunteer, Curlings keeps busy by providing services to others within the community and making an impact in their lives.
Some of Curlings volunteer work includes working closely with LGBTQIA+ students, and leading freshman and parent orientations as a Pitt County Schools Early College High School ambassador. Through the Health Sciences Academy, Curlings has performed more than 100 hours of volunteer service, completed medical coursework, attended health care related job fairs and participated in job shadowing at Vidant Medical Center. Curlings also has helped others through 45 hours of Teen Court, participating in juvenile court cases as a juror, clerk, bailiff and an attorney in training. This leadership work led Curlings to a membership in the National Society of Leadership and Success, an organization that believes in building leaders to make a better world.
If all this does not sound like enough, Curlings has found time to participate in research through the Young Entrepreneur Project challenge, where participants present a creation or business. Curlings performed extensive research on body image within younger children, which resulted in a children’s book presentation. In addition, Curlings participated in the Early College Research Academy, and worked with physicians, therapists and professors to examine the relationship between music, the brain and mental illness.
This summer, Curlings will spend time with loved ones before moving onto campus and wants to perform volunteer work with the Trevor Project, which provides 24/7 crisis support services to LGBTQ young people.
Curlings does not know where they will study abroad while at ECU but is looking forward to traveling as part of the scholars’ program.
“I love traveling and learning about other cultures,” Curlings said. “I am just so excited for what I will get to do while I am abroad.”
While attending ECU, Curlings plans to participate in extracurricular clubs, organizations and activities.
“I am eager to get involved with the women and gender office, along with LGBTQ clubs and so much more,” Curlings said. “I can’t wait for the memories I will get to create with so many passionate and amazing people.”
“I chose ECU because on Selection Sunday, a day where I would usually be filled with anxiety and doubt, I never once felt insecure.”
High school: Pitt County Schools Early College High School
Intended majors: Public Health and Sociology
Hometown: Greenville