Brinkley-Lane Profile: Joel Addy-Wedlock
Joel Addy-Wedlock can rattle off nearly 10 states he has lived during his childhood. There is Maryland, Oklahoma, Illinois and others, and a stint in Canada.
He moved from Albany, Georgia, to Greenville during the summer of 2020 and enjoys calling Greenville home, which will continue as he was selected as an East Carolina University Brinkley-Lane Scholar.
“I’ve loved Greenville,” Addy-Wedlock said. “I do love being in a comfortable environment. I think Greenville has been a great place to call home, and I want to continue making it my home.”
Brinkley-Lane 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 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.
Addy-Wedlock’s Pirate connection is unique, having already taken classes as part of the Innovation Early College High School. The partnership between ECU and Pitt County Schools gives high schoolers the opportunity to complete classes on ECU’s campus. Addy-Wedlock said he enjoyed biology, chemistry and math courses and also interns at the Brody School of Medicine.
“I think it’s one of the most helpful things that any student can do during their high school years,” Addy-Wedlock said. “I’ve really enjoyed being on ECU’s campus and having all the resources and meeting people. It’s really prepared me for college, in terms of studying, finding resources at ECU to help me out, talking to professors and going to office hours, learning how to work with others better. It’s been super helpful, and I think it’s given me a good head start for going full-time at ECU.”
Addy-Wedlock, 17, plans to major in public health with aspirations of advancing to medical school and studying internal medicine. He also is interested in playing intramural sports.
Study abroad opportunities at ECU could lead him back to Ghana.
“I’m half Ghanaian, from my mom’s side,” Addy-Wedlock said. “I haven’t been there since I was 3 years old. I’ve heard about a lot of change, so I really would like to go over there to see how things are different and learn more about the healthcare system.”
Addy-Wedlock is excited to grow and bond with other Brinkley-Lane Scholars.
“The No. 1 thing for me is community,” he said. “Everyone is so supportive. It’s like one big, supportive family. It’s not just about yourself growing and getting better, but the other people around you get better. That kind of community is the main thing I see about the Brinkley-Lane Scholars.”
“It’s not just about yourself getting better, but the other people around you get better. That kind of community is the main thing I see about the Brinkley-Lane Scholars.”
High school: Innovation Early College High School
Intended major: Public health
Current City: Greenville