Trisha Rangaraju
Trisha Rangaraju wants to serve others while giving back to the community through a career in medicine.
While at Green Level High School in Cary, Rangaraju has been able to shadow physicians, conduct research on the health of athletes, and facilitate online STEM education for rural students in India and North Carolina.
She’s looking forward to getting involved in even more opportunities as an EC Scholar at East Carolina University, the most prestigious undergraduate award program 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.
“To me, being an EC Scholar means developing myself, both academically and personally, and accomplishing my goals while giving back to the community,” Rangaraju said.
She intends to major in public health and pursue a pre-med pathway. “I think it would be a really fulfilling career, and I hope to serve others and make an impact,” she said. “I’d ultimately like to become a pediatrician.”
Rangaraju was drawn to ECU from the outset.
“ECU was everything I wanted in a college, and the scholars program was my deciding factor,” she said. “I love the collaborative nature on campus and the many activities, programs and research facilities available. The networking is amazing, and the atmosphere is very encouraging and positive, which I really wanted in a university. It also has a really good reputation for my major, so I knew it would be the perfect place for me to further my goals.”
Rangaraju said she’s excited to get involved in research at ECU, especially at the Nancy W. Darden Child Development Center. She also plans to join clubs such as the American Medical Student Association, the Pre-Health Association and the East Carolinian newspaper.
For study abroad, Rangaraju said she’s considering Melbourne, Australia, and Italy, Greece or London. “These places have a good reputation for my major, plenty of volunteer and sightseeing opportunities, and relaxed and friendly cultures, which is important since I’ll be spending a whole semester there,” she said.
A constant in Rangaraju’s life has been dance, something she’s done since she was 4. Through the years, she has won several awards and helped choreograph for younger students in her dance school.
“I’ve loved growing myself into the best possible dancer I could be. It’s definitely my passion,” Rangaraju said. “I’ve also been involved in a couple of sports such as track and softball that have helped me grow stronger both physically and mentally and helped me meet some amazing people.”
Along with dance, she’s on her high school track and field team and is dually enrolled at Wake Technical Community College in Raleigh. She’s a member of the Science National Honor Society and the National Honor Society, and helped start a club that raises funds and supplies for the N.C. Children’s Hospital. She works part time as a tutor for elementary and middle school students.
Before coming to campus, Rangaraju plans to arrange some research and internship opportunities for the fall. She also hopes to have a relaxing break by going to the gym, the beach and spending time with family and friends.
Rangaraju, 18, is the daughter of Prakash and Deepa Rangaraju of Cary.
“To me, being an EC Scholar means developing myself, both academically and personally, and accomplishing my goals while giving back to the community.”
High School: Green Level High School
Intended major: Public Health
Hometown: Cary