Brinkley-Lane Profile: Hannah Snead
Hannah Snead has left her mark on East Wake Academy, including as class president and captain of her volleyball team. After graduation, the 18-year-old has chosen East Carolina University as the next step in a journey inspired by a cousin’s childhood seizures.
Snead, whose parents are Jenny Boulden ’01 and Rob Snead of Zebulon, is one of 20 incoming freshman who will be part of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars, 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.
She said the scholarship is an honor, and that ECU was already her top choice. Coming from a small high school, she toured several smaller universities, thinking the environment would be less of a culture shock. But after visiting the biology department and Honors College at her mom’s alma mater, she loved the atmosphere and the opportunities afforded at ECU, including a strong medical program.
“I’m very excited to be able to join such a welcoming community,” she said, and to “help my community, learn lots about leadership, and get connected with different people, because we all come from different areas in North Carolina and some even international. So I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and working with one another to build those relationships.”
Snead plans to work toward a career in pediatric neurology; she has always wanted to work with children, and a cousin’s struggles with epilepsy sparked an interest in medicine and neurology. This summer, she has arranged to shadow a neurologist in Greenville to learn more about the field. Outside of that experience, she hopes to spend the summer with family and friends and get some time on the water at the beach and on the lake.
At ECU, she wants to continue her involvement in student government.
“I’m on the student council at school, and I really enjoy planning events and having that leadership role,” she said. “I’m definitely looking forward to that, and I want to get involved in campus ministry; that’s something that’s really important to me.”
Snead is also interested in playing volleyball with the club team, having played for her high school as well as a travel team. She was also on the school’s dance team and in her church’s youth group, has volunteered at a horse rescue, and has worked the concession stand at the Carolina Mudcats baseball stadium.
When it comes to studying abroad, anywhere she can participate in research opportunities will be on the table, she said.
“I’ve never been out of the country, and I’ve only been to a few states, so I’m really looking forward to that opportunity to travel somewhere and see different cultures,” she said.
Italy may top the list, she said, since she and her mom wanted to go this year but weren’t able to work out the scheduling.
ECU, she said, just felt like what she was looking for: “a small community atmosphere and a big campus.”
“I’m very excited to be able to join such a welcoming community, to help my community, learn lots about leadership, and get connected with different people.”
High school: East Wake Academy
Intended majors: Biology & neuroscience
Current City: Zebulon