Emma Romig
All her life, Emma Romig has been fervent and fearless when it comes to achieving her goals. She’ll bring that same determined personality to East Carolina University when she arrives in the fall.
Romig, an aspiring nurse anesthetist from Wilmington, is one of the newest members of the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program, 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.
The daughter of Joel and Nicole Romig of Wilmington, Romig is already planning how to have an impact in her community and beyond — and how to take advantage of the numerous opportunities that come with being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, from campus seminars to studying abroad in Europe.
“When I get there, I definitely want to look at student government,” Romig said, adding that she is also considering club sports, health care clubs and other campus activities as well.
This summer, she will travel with family and friends, including a trip to Nicaragua and possibly to Puerto Rico. She also plans to work and babysit to earn extra money for college expenses. Her worldly view also extends to the study abroad stipend included in the Brinkley-Lane Scholars program; Romig would like to go to Switzerland and shadow nurses.
“They have a huge population of nurses there,” she said. “It would be a cool place to go and be able to get involved, shadow and see how it is in a different place. And it’s really pretty.”
Romig’s interest in nursing stems from a natural inclination to make a difference, and health care allows her to use her skills to care for and help others. The COVID-19 pandemic cemented her decision because Romig realized she could easily adapt to challenges that arise at a moment’s notice — as they do in nursing.
“Nurses are able to adapt to different situations,” she said. “Whatever comes at us, we can tackle.”
Romig eventually wants to become a nurse anesthetist — an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia for surgery or other medical procedures. She was attracted to ECU’s nurse anesthesia program for post-graduate studies and looks forward to the preparation she will receive as an undergraduate.
As she prepares for college, Romig is taking stock of how far she has come already and how she got here.
“I think a lot about what stands out in my life and getting the most out of every day,” she said. “I want to keep exploring my independence and how to apply that. I always want to dive in and try new things.”
“The Honors College really stood out to me; the program is awesome and full of opportunities that make it so much more than just the name.”
High school: John T. Hoggard High School
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Wilmington