Brinkley-Lane Profile: Hannah Escobar
For as far back as she can recall, Hannah Escobar has been interested in learning about Japan. Now that she’s a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, she will get the chance to experience it in person.
“I’ve been fascinated by Japanese culture, cuisine, and history for about as long as I can remember,” she said. “I’d also love to try and use the little bit of Japanese I gained from my semesters learning the Japanese language.”
Escobar, the daughter of Richell Teo-Escobar and Homer Escobar, is a member of the 2025 cohort of 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. Scholars benefit from access to an array of leadership opportunities, research with award-winning faculty and a robust alumni network.
In addition to her selection as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar, Escobar also is an early assurance student in nursing; the program guarantees entry into the College of Nursing’s BSN program and provides the opportunity to enter the Ph.D. program upon completion of undergraduate degree requirements.
“Being accepted as an early assurance student in nursing is an absolute honor,” she said. “I will be able to pursue my dream of nursing (nursing research specifically) and I hope to eventually further my education beyond a bachelor’s degree.”
After graduation, Escobar wants to pursue nursing research, specifically in oncology.
“From a young age, I have dreamed about performing research on cancer treatment,” she said. “I chose nursing because it’s an incredibly versatile field, and there are so many wonderful nursing opportunities nearby. I come from a long line of health professionals, so I have always been exposed to the medical field in general.”
Before she comes to campus for the fall semester, Escobar will enjoy her first free summer — her school experiences so far have been based on a year-round schedule.
“It will be a new experience,” she said. “I plan on spending a lot of time with my family, and I’d love to do some volunteering work with younger children over the summer.”
Escobar is eager to take advantage of the opportunities that will line her undergraduate path forward.
“Being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar means being a part of an incredibly talented and accomplished cohort that I will be able to grow with and learn from,” she said. “I will finally be able to explore every opportunity and discover my place in the community, as well as find new interests.”
She plans to approach the scholarship program, her academics and other goals by taking a step back and taking an analytical look at what is in front of her.
“I find that viewing the challenge in pieces instead of a whole helps me process things without getting overwhelmed,” Escobar said. “I hope to transfer this to both college life and nursing by taking things one step at a time.”
“I will finally be able to explore every opportunity and discover my place in the community, as well as find new interests.”
High school: Franklin Academy
Intended major: Nursing
Current City: Rolesville