Brinkley-Lane Scholar: Anna Kurschat
Anna Kurschat was drawn to East Carolina University because of its strong health sciences programs and the opportunity she would have to participate in real-world learning through internships and hands-on experiences in the sports industry.
She will step onto campus in August as a member of the incoming Brinkley-Lane Scholars cohort after flying across the Atlantic Ocean from her home country of Germany. Moving to a different country is a big step for Kurschat.
“Not knowing exactly what to expect can feel a little overwhelming, but I also see it as an exciting opportunity to challenge myself and grow,” the daughter of Tessa and Tobias Kurschat said. “I am most excited about meeting different people and getting to know the college experience. In Germany, college is often more focused on academics and less on campus life. Therefore, I am really looking forward to being part of a strong and active community.”
Part of that active community will be her place as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, 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. Both in-state and out-of-state recipients receive a fully funded education, covering the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and high impact experiences. Included in the scholarship is the ability to explore the world and pursue additional educational opportunities with a $5,000 study abroad stipend and a $3,000 enrichment scholarship. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means more than academic achievements to me,” she said. “It represents a commitment to leadership, service and growth.”
Kurschat held various leadership roles during her high school years, including team captain of her tennis team and coach of Junior Eagles Tennis, a community service program at an American preschool.
“The Junior Eagles program really helped me strengthen my passion for sports and develop better communication and leadership skills,” she said. “This experience made me realize that I want to continue to create opportunities for positive team culture and community wherever I go.”
That passion for sports led Kurschat to pursue a major in exercise physiology with the future goal of becoming a physical therapist to work with athletes in a collegiate or professional setting.
During her undergraduate years, she wants to immerse herself in organizations related to health, fitness and community service. She also plans to study abroad in Italy after hearing positive stories from her grandparents and learning about the partner programs offered through ECU.
Kurschat plans to spend her summer preparing for her transition to college and spending plenty of time with her family, especially her grandfather, with whom she is especially close.
“Since I am an international student, it will be even harder to leave my family since there will be an ocean between us,” she said. “Family is very important to me; therefore, I want to spend as much time with them before I leave. At the same time, I am mentally preparing for this new chapter of life and looking forward to becoming more independent.”
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means more than academic achievements to me. It represents a commitment to leadership, service and growth”
High school: Lessing-Gymnasium Norderstedt & Williamsburg Christian Academy
Intended major: Exercise physiology
Current City: Henstedt-Ulzburg, Germany