Anya Duffy
When making her college decision, Anya Duffy had two requirements: She wanted to go out of state and attend a large university. What checked the final box in favor of East Carolina University for the Ripon, Wisconsin, native was becoming a member of the Honors College.
“The Honors College made it so that I was in a small community but still guaranteed that big school experience,” the 18-year-old said. “I knew that I was going to be getting more opportunities, people would be happy and willing to answer my questions, and they’d be supportive of me.”
Duffy is one of the 20 recipients of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars award, 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.
“It’s a very big privilege,” she said. “Even getting the opportunity to be a part of Selection Sunday and then to actually win the scholarship is huge and such an honor. Being a scholar means I get to represent a school that I’m sure I will love.”
What excites Duffy the most about Brinkley-Lane Scholars is the chance to study abroad. She’s still deciding where she wants to study but is looking into Italy or Austria due to locations in central Europe, which will allow her to visit multiple countries.
“I love traveling — that’s why I want to go to North Carolina because I get to travel out of state,” she said. “The fact that I could do that overseas was what brought me the most joy.”
The community that Brinkley-Lane Scholars provides also drew in Duffy. Her cohort has already created a group chat, and she’s looking forward to getting to know as many of them as she can before the August retreat to Ocracoke Island. She’s also excited to attend orientation in June and start meeting fellow honors students.
After finishing her high school education at Ripon High School, she’s looking forward to starting her undergraduate degree in history.
“I am a huge fan of research itself,” she said. “I love digging through stuff to find information, and so that, paired with all of the interesting things that have happened throughout human time, makes for a perfect major.”
Her choice of major — and interest in research — will help further her along the path to her long-term career goal of becoming an attorney and potentially judge.
Duffy is the daughter of Jayson and Jennifer Duffy of Ripon, Wisconsin.
“The Honors College made it so that I was in a small community but still guaranteed that big school experience.”
High school: Ripon High School
Intended major: History
Hometown: Ripon, Wisconsin