Jayson Arnold, Public Health

Jayson Arnold said his time at East Carolina University has taught him to embrace the unexpected.

From the pandemic his freshman year to helping hurricane relief efforts through his American Red Cross internship this fall, he has learned to adapt and thrive.

“The disaster relief has been a great experience because no one expected it to happen… then two weeks later I’m helping out. I’m in the mix,” he said. “It really shows how adaptive you need to be and your situational awareness being on point. You’re doing what you need to do, so it’s really helped me so much and put real life into perspective.”

After graduation, Arnold is considering a full-time job with the Red Cross, joining the U.S. Air Force, or possibly both. The Sanford native is earning a bachelor’s degree in public health and a minor in aerospace studies in the College of Health and Human Performance.

With parents, an aunt and fiancé all in the health field, Arnold has seen their work and dedication make a difference. Arnold’s father retired from the U.S. Army after 22 years, his mother is a respiratory therapist at Womack Army Medical Center in Fayetteville, and his aunt — an ECU alumna — is a nurse.

Jayson Arnold, back row second from right, who completed an internship with the Red Cross this fall, stands with other Red Cross workers and volunteers. (Contributed photo)

“That kind of pushed me toward the health side of things. I’ve had a natural inclination to just help people,” he said. “In whatever way, shape or form, whether it’s hands-on or behind a desk, I just want to be able to make an impact in the community.”

During his internship, Arnold has worked in three areas within the Red Cross in Charlotte, from outreach and securing food and shelter for evacuees to directing and working with volunteers to ensure they have everything they need before traveling to a disaster relief area.

“I wasn’t actually supposed to help with the disaster relief but after that happened, they asked if anyone wanted to volunteer to help out, and it was a no-brainer for me,” Arnold said.

Arnold said the internship has given him the opportunity to grow in unexpected ways.

“It really has impacted me for the better. It’s been a great experience,” he said. “They gave me so many different roles, and I’m eager to have new experiences. I told them the different career fields I was interested in, and they helped me take on the role and learn more.”

At ECU, Arnold found a mentor in Capt. Jocelyn Bly, operations flight commander in ECU’s Air Force ROTC program. “She gave me a lot of tools and experiences and is kind of where my interest in the Air Force is from,” he said.

Arnold reflected on all that he has learned as he prepares to graduate from ECU.

“I would tell my younger self to persevere, don’t worry about any naysayers or anyone not in your corner for the right reason,” he said. “Making sure you stay your path, it doesn’t matter how many times you change your path, just stay head on and know what’s true to your heart.”