Marissa Diaz
For Marissa Diaz, East Carolina University was not a household name. The Naples, Florida native learned about ECU from close family friends who are also Pirate alumni.
“They thought it fit my personality and interest perfectly and insisted I see it,” the 17-year-old said. “I fell in love with the diverse community, genuine people and welcoming campus culture.”
Diaz visited the Honors College and College of Nursing during that first visit and felt at home in a way that she hadn’t during other college campus visits.
“My campus visit reflected the learning environment, support and opportunities available to ECU students,” she said. “It is where I envision myself growing into the person I am working to become both academically and professionally, making ECU my number one college choice.”
Diaz is part of the newest cohort 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.
“Becoming an EC Scholar means opportunity, growth and camaraderie,” she said. “Growing up in a military and first responder family, I have always had camaraderie; no matter how far I am from home, there’s always someone in that community that I could talk to. Even though I was 13 hours from home, the ECU community felt more like home than I did at my number one college in Florida, just five hours from home.”
When thinking about where to go for her study abroad, Diaz is considering options.
“I have never been outside of the United States, so I am super excited to be a part of this study abroad experience,” she said. “I look forward to deciding where I want to go and gaining an excellent, eye-opening experience.”
While enrolled at Barron Collier High School, Diaz participated in a variety of sports, Marine Science Club, and Health & Humanity Club, among others. She wants to continue this level of involvement at ECU.
“It has been a priority to be involved at my school to ensure I surround myself with friends,” she said.
Her involvement with athletics is what led her to pursuing a major in nursing. Since she started playing sports at a young age, she has had her share of injuries and time spent with healthcare professionals.
“Their support and care through my recovery process were super inspiring, and they made me feel safe and cared for at my lowest,” she said. “My desire to help others and my passion for the medical field has also inspired me to pursue another medical-related major that I hope to figure out by the end of this summer.”
Diaz, the daughter of Michele and Hector Diaz, plans to spend this summer focusing on herself before her move to ECU. She will also continue working at the Collier County Sheriff’s Department and potentially volunteer at her local hospital.
“I fell in love with the diverse community, genuine people and welcoming campus culture.”
High school: Barron Collier High School
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Naples, Florida