Student: Anthony Blackmon

An ACL injury while playing football has inspired East Carolina University senior Anthony Blackmon to pursue a career in anesthesiology.

After experiencing anesthesia firsthand, Blackmon realized he was interested in the process. He has set his sights on medical school to make it a career.

“I was curious how that process happened,” Blackmon said. “I came across anesthesiology. It is something that played a big role in my life at such a young age.”

Making it to medical school is no easy task, but Blackmon is ready for the challenge. “The biggest obstacle is studying for the MCAT,” he said. “Also establishing and building relationships with professors is an important part.”

While studying biology, public health and preparing for the medical school application process, Blackmon keeps himself busy as a member of the Marching Pirates, president of his fraternity and trainee supervisor with ECU Transit.

Blackmon has served three years in leadership for the Marching Pirates. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Brendle/ECU Marching Pirates)

“I joined the marching band in 2019,” he said. “I ended up deciding to stay all the years after.”

A talented musician, Blackmon plays the trombone and tuba and has been a part of the Marching Pirates leadership team for three years. He plays tuba in the band.

He joined the ECU Transit team in 2020. “It is a great campus job to have,” he said. “I can work in between classes so it is very convenient, and it is a great work environment.”

In the training program, Blackmon mentors students who are unsure they can even drive a bus.

“I see the students I have helped train driving the buses on their own now and that is my favorite part,” he said. “Watching someone think they can’t do it to going all around campus.”

His leadership does not stop there. As president of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, Blackmon leads the membership in acts of service on and off campus and works hard to create a good name for the organization.

“It is a lot, but it is a great position,” he said. “I have a lot of leadership time under my belt, and I enjoy it.” Blackmon and his fraternity compete in step shows.

Blackmon has served in a leadership role with the Marching Pirates since 2019, along with working with ECU Transit and serving as president of the ECU’s Phi Beta Sigma chapter. (Photo courtesy of Amanda Brendle/ECU Marching Pirates)

Phi Beta Sigma celebrated 40 years at ECU on Jan. 29, which involved a visit from its international president. “He joined the fraternity at ECU, so it was a cool experience,” he said. At the celebration, the brothers handed out two scholarships, a culmination of their fundraising efforts.

“It is a lot of community service,” Blackmon said. “We recently had a food drive and donated canned goods that fed over 50 families. We are trying to do good things for the community. We are working to make big changes.”

Since he dedicates so much time to his organizations on campus, Blackmon uses the free time he can find to relax. He enjoys playing music and catching up on TV. Blackmon also has horses, and while he does not participate in horseback riding competitively, he likes to go on trail rides.

“I want to use my degree before I head back to school,” he said. After he graduates in May, Blackmon intends to take a gap year to work in a lab position while studying for the MCAT and preparing his application to medical school.

STATISTICS

Name: Anthony Blackmon Jr.

College: Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences

Major: Biology

Age: 22

Classification/Year: Senior

Hometown: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Hobbies/interests: Playing tuba in marching band and horseback riding

Clubs and organizations: ECU Marching Pirates, Phi Beta Sigma
Fraternity, and I’m The First

FAVORITES

Favorite hangout: Wright complex courtyard

Favorite place on campus: Water fountain on the mall

Favorite place to eat: Bojangles

Favorite class: Ecology

Professor who influenced you the most: Dr. Carol Goodwillie

Favorite TV show: “Breaking Bad”

Favorite bands/musicians: Bruno Mars

Favorite movie: “Black Panther”

Favorite app: TikTok

MOTIVATIONS

Dream job: Anesthesiologist

Role models: My parents

Your words to live by: “It does not matter how slow you go as long as you do not stop.”

What advice do you have for other students? Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities that are available on campus that can lead to so many great things!