Raghav Yelamanchili
During selection weekend Raghav Yelamanchili realized “everything clicked” and he knew he wanted to spend his undergraduate years at East Carolina University.
“ECU is the place that will prepare me for my future. It’s definitely the best fit for me,” Yelamanchili said. “The university and the Honors College really align with my values.”
Yelamanchili said he is excited about the resources and opportunities he will have access to through the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program.
“We really have the resources to change the world,” he said. “This is a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful.”
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.
“It felt like everyone I met was focused on connecting with me as a person and ready to help me be the best of who it is I want to be,” he said.
Yelamanchili plans to study public health and then attend medical school. He said he’s always wanted to be a doctor and use his leadership to focus on healthcare disparities and disadvantages to provide improve health care for everyone.
Yelamanchili is looking forward studying abroad. He said he is interested in studying in India, Singapore or Malaysia as possibilities. New Zealand also is in the running because his grandparents live there.
He remembers the day his acceptance letter arrived. Yelamanchili had seen the letter and was initially very nervous.
“I started opening it, saw the bright purple and I just ripped it open. It was very emotional,” he said. “I don’t even remember what we said. It was something I really did want. I was just so happy.”
Yelamanchili, 17, the son of Janardhan Yelamanchili and Krishna Eluri, grew up in Cary. He and his family are Telugu, an ethnolinguistic group from southern India. Telugu is one of the six languages designated as a classical language by the Government of India.
He began attending Manabadi Telugu Language School in fifth grade. The school was started by Indian immigrants to provide an appreciation of Telugu language and culture. He’s taught at the school since ninth grade.
“It connects me with my heritage and allows me to advocate for Telugu culture,” he said. “It’s been so wonderful to see the young students excited to learn.”
Yelamanchili has been very involved in music and plans to continue playing the flute at ECU with the wind ensemble or symphony orchestra. Additionally, he wants to get involved in diversity organizations and explore new hobbies.
With so much on the horizon, Yelamanchili will take some time this summer to rest.
“My grandparents will be here and so I am looking forward to spending time with people I love and care about,” he said.
High school: Green Level High School
Intended major: Public Health
Hometown: Cary