Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Faith Occhipinti
For Faith Occhipinti of Fuquay-Varina, the sense of community at East Carolina University and within its Honors College made her educational decision an easy one.
“I chose ECU because of the community that the people there have created. Both times I have visited the campus have been great experiences where professors have taken time to show me around and help answer any questions I may have had,” she said. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the honors program at ECU.”
As part of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program, Occhipinti will receive 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.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Occhipinti has been active in athletics and the arts, playing soccer since she was 4 and basketball since she was 6.
“I enjoy running, too,” she said. “I ran track in middle and high school and enjoy running long distances. I am also very passionate about art. I love to make jewelry and draw.”
She is looking forward to participating in Honors College activities and is interested in club sports.
Occhipinti plans to major in public health with a pre-health concentration and minor in art.
“I want to be able to help people, and I am passionate about health and fitness,” she said. “I am currently interested in either pursuing a career in physical therapy or oncology.”
Occhipinti said she is grateful and excited for the opportunity to be part of ECU’s honors program, but until the fall, she plans to spend as much time as possible at the beach.
“The ocean is my favorite place and I can’t wait to spend the summer months there,” she said. “I will also be able to hang out with my friends as they come back from college.”
Will her love of the ocean factor into her decision about where to study abroad?
“I love Europe so I do think it would be very cool to experience studying there, but I also have always wanted to visit Australia or Brazil, so those might be options as well,” she said.
Occhipinti is the daughter of Lisa and Jeff Occhipinti.
“I want to be able to help people, and I am passionate about health and fitness. I am currently interested in either pursuing a career in physical therapy or oncology.”
High school: Holly Springs High School
Intended major: Public health
Current City: Fuquay-Varina