Brinkley-Lane Profile: Sahana Suresh
Sahana Suresh could see herself flourishing at East Carolina University, first when visiting as a sophomore in high school and later as a Brinkley-Lane Scholar finalist.
“When I returned for Selection Sunday, I was completely sold. Everyone — the finalists, the scholars and the staff — was incredibly welcoming and genuinely understood me as a person,” she said. “They were interested in what I hope to achieve and what I want to accomplish in the coming years. I could fully envision myself thriving here academically, socially and personally. It truly felt like a place where I belonged.”
Suresh, the daughter of Suresh Chandrasekaran and Saraswathy Veeraraghavan of Raleigh, is one of 20 incoming 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 talking with past and current scholars, Suresh heard the same thing over and over: It was the best decision they ever made.
“Hearing their experiences made me realize that being a Brinkley-Lane Scholar isn’t just about academics or leadership; it’s about joining a family that pushes you to grow, encourages your passions and stands by you through everything,” she said.
Receiving the scholarship is one of the greatest honors she’s ever had, Suresh said.
“It means having the chance to challenge myself, explore new opportunities, serve my community and learn alongside some of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met,” she said. “I already feel a sense of belonging here, and I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow both as a student and as a person over the next four years.”
Suresh, 17, will soon finish her senior year at Enloe Magnet High School in Raleigh, where she has been involved in several organizations including as president of the Gender Inclusivity in STEM (GIS) club. The student-initiated program introduces third graders at a nearby elementary school to hands-on STEM experiments, encouraging curiosity and confidence.
That work also inspired her Advanced Placement research project into the portrayal of women in STEM on classic American TV shows. “I learned how media bias can shape aspirations as early as elementary school. That’s something I’m determined to change in the future,” she said.
She has been involved in Enloe’s HOSA-Future Health Professionals’ chapter, participating in competitions for pharmacology, public service announcement, mental health promotion and CPR/First Aid. One of her favorite projects was launching a campaign called Spread the Smile — aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health and introducing coping skills through mindfulness activities.
“Both GIS and HOSA have helped me grow as a leader, a teammate and an advocate. They’ve solidified my passion for health care and community service, two things I’m excited to continue at ECU,” she said.
An intended biology major, Suresh has always been drawn to science and helping others. She interned with the Bleeding Disorders Foundation of North Carolina and shadowed health care professionals. Her long-term goal is to become a physician.
Beyond the classroom, she’s looking forward to getting involved in ECU student life. For the past seven years, she has been learning Bharatanatyam, a form of Indian classical dance, and wants to join ECU Khazana and possibly other groups to keep growing as a dancer and try new styles.
For study abroad, Suresh plans to travel to Spain to further her planned Hispanic studies minor. She looks forward to immersing herself in the language and culture of different regions of the country and traveling across Europe.
“Learning languages is something I’m deeply passionate about, and I currently speak English, Tamil, Spanish, Sanskrit, and I hope to learn American Sign Language,” she said.
“I believe that this experience will be incredibly valuable for my future career in medicine. Being able to communicate with patients in multiple languages is essential to me, and I want to ensure there are no language barriers when providing care. I think learning more about the culture and language in Spain will greatly enhance my ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.”
This summer, Suresh will spend time with friends and family and continue exploring different areas of health care through shadowing and volunteer work.
“I already feel a sense of belonging here, and I can’t wait to see how much I’ll grow both as a student and as a person over the next four years.”
High school: Enloe Magnet High School
Intended major: Biology
Current City: Raleigh