Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Maria Mendoza-Guerra
Maria Mendoza-Guerra is passionate about public health, and she’s confident that attending East Carolina University will help further her potential and opportunities in the field and with her personal goals.
“I think ECU aligns not just with my future plans, but also a lot of my core values,” said Mendoza-Guerra, a Brinkley-Lane Scholar selection from the Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy in Smithfield. “Service is definitely part of that. Also, the family atmosphere and when I went to selection Sunday, everyone seemed like a family and was so supportive and encouraging each other.”
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.
Mendoza-Guerra, 18, plans to major in public health, part of the Department of Health Education and Promotion in the College of Health and Human Performance, and has career aspirations of becoming a physician.
“My parents (Jose Luis Mendoza and Diana Guerra) also played a huge role in my decision to come to ECU,” she said. “I am a first-generation college student, and one of the reasons as to why I filled out the application to be a Brinkley-Lane Scholar is because they have always been supportive and have pushed me to reach my goals. Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means so much more to me, given the fact that my parents have made so many sacrifices to get my siblings and I to where we’re at.”
Mendoza-Guerra will visit Mexico in July for her first trip out of the state of North Carolina. She mentioned Turkey and other countries as possible study abroad destinations to contribute to her ECU experience.
“It’s a huge honor and an incredible opportunity,” Mendoza-Guerra said. “I feel so grateful to be given this opportunity, so I want to give back to that. Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, to me, means being a leader and giving back to the community as well.”
She works as a nurse aid at UNC Health Johnston, Johnston County’s primary healthcare system. She practices active communication skills while gaining experience in different department settings, and enjoys talking with patients.
Stemming from her previous visit to ECU and after enjoying Mexico, Mendoza-Guerra will be eager to return to eastern North Carolina as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar.
“Because I haven’t spent much time in Greenville yet, I’m excited to branch out and just getting to explore and meet new people,” she said.
“It’s a huge honor and an incredible opportunity. I feel so grateful to be given this opportunity, so I want to give back to that. Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, to me, means being a leader and giving back to the community as well.”
High school: Johnston County Career and Technical Leadership Academy
Intended major: Public health
Current City: Smithfield