Hannah Bolick

Hannah Bolick chose East Carolina University because she knew the Honors College was a place that would encourage her diverse interests.

Advisors didn’t suggest she narrow her interests but rather “that they would make a plan for me that allows me to pursue all of my interests in some way,” Bolick said. “I also thought the campus was beautiful, and I loved the emphasis that ECU puts on studying abroad.”

The 18-year-old Wilmington native said being named an EC Scholar has opened a door to exciting challenges in her undergraduate career.

“It means being a part of an elite group of leaders,” she said. “I can’t wait to be challenged academically and otherwise, and to give back to ECU and the community as a whole.”

EC 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 an Honors College scholarship for four years, along with a stipend for study abroad, for a total value of $62,000.

When it comes to a course of study, Bolick plans to major in English and eventually teach at the high school level. She credits her last two AP English teachers with advancing her love of English and writing and to discovering the importance of English teachers.

Apart from working at Chick-Fil-A as much as she can, Bolick has a busy summer planned. She will attend a youth conference at a Southern Baptist theological seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, and continue to serve as a leader at her church’s vacation bible school. She also plans to spend as much time as possible with her younger sister and parents, Keith and Carla Bolick of Wilmington.

When she arrives on campus this fall, Bolick looks forward to getting involved in activities and clubs to broaden her horizons.

“I didn’t get to explore many hobbies and such after being solely focused on academics in high school, so I’d like to try that at ECU,” Bolick said.

Bolick plans to take full advantage of her opportunity to study abroad. With a dream of eventually traveling to every continent, she said the hardest thing will be deciding which countries to visit.

“I cannot wrap my head around the fact that there is a whole world of people and culture outside of America that I have never experienced, and I cannot wait to explore this world,” she said.

“I can’t wait to be challenged academically and otherwise and to give back to ECU and the community as a whole.”

High school:  John T. Hoggard High School

Intended major: English

Hometown: Wilmington