Alondra Martinez
Alondra Martinez picked East Carolina University for many reasons, but especially the generosity of the student body and the opportunities that she will have as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar.
Brinkley-Lane Scholars is 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 a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board for both in-state and out-of-state students and unique high impact experiences, as well as the ability to explore the world with a $5,000 study abroad stipend. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means knowing that I will always have 19 friends cheering me on, who will always encourage me to keep on going even when I might doubt myself,” Martinez said. “Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar also means being an outstanding representative for ECU and the Honors College. I want future Pirates to know that they will be joining a wonderful community.”
An out-of-state student, Martinez said she learned about ECU when a friend invited her to tour campus with them for one of the Honors College Academic Days.
Martinez intends to major in communication with a concentration in public relations. She hopes to work in public relations or marketing following graduation.
“My friend’s mom actually introduced me to the communications field and what it encompasses, and it felt like a perfect match for me. It’s a mix of a lot of my interests including journalism, marketing and humanities,” Martinez said.
She explored digital media and journalism while serving as editor of the Bel Air High School yearbook club and the school newspaper, The Bellarion, in her hometown of Bel Air, Maryland. She also completed dual enrollment courses at Hartford Community College while working part-time at a restaurant.
With a Brinkley-Lane Scholar stipend to study abroad, Martinez said she isn’t sure where she will go. “At Selection Sunday, one of the scholars discussed a two-week trip she took in Europe where she got to visit a handful of countries so I might try and pursue something similar to that,” she said.
Martinez is looking forward to getting involved in several campus activities. “I plan on rushing in the fall, hopefully joining clubs such as AMEXCAN and the Student Activities Board, and attending all of the amazing events I’ve seen on social media like Polar Bear Plunge and the legendary Barefoot on the Mall,” she said.
But first, Martinez will enjoy time with family and friends, traveling to the Caribbean with her sister and to the Outer Banks with friends this summer. She hopes to take a few spontaneous trips and catch up on her “to be read” book collection.
Martinez, 18, is the daughter of Maria Barajas of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Alfonso Martinez of Bel Air, Maryland.
“To me, being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means knowing that I will always have 19 friends cheering me on, who will always encourage me to keep on going even when I might doubt myself.”
High school: Bel Air High School
Intended major: Communication
Hometown: Bel Air, Maryland