ECU student is role model in service, scholarship

Jordan Widgeon

By Kathy Muse
College of Health and Human Performance

When Jordan Widgeon left her home in Indian Trail, N.C. to attend East Carolina University, she wanted to enhance her time management skills and learn to make decisions independently.

Widgeon, exercise physiology major in the College of Health and Human Performance, not only mastered this skill, but also emerged as a leader in service because of it.

“I had to learn how to make the most of my free,” she said.

Widgeon accomplished this by becoming active in campus activities and organizations. She serves as a member of the Kinesiology Major’s Club, Pre-Physical Therapy Club and as a sister of Sigma Alpha Omega Christian Sorority.

“Maintaining a good agenda and writing down all of my assignments and events is essential,” said Widgeon.

In her role as teaching assistant in the student development and learning in higher education class, she became a mentor to students who needed to talk about transitions to college life. The class is designed for freshmen who are intended majors in pre-health professions.

“Since I shared the same major with the majority of these students, it was a joyful experience to give advice about challenges I faced only three years earlier,” said Widgeon.

This semester, Widgeon keeps busy with project MENTOR, a research project designed to help obese adolescents experience exercise success. She works three nights a week with one assigned child on campus.

“I love seeing all the kids improve their physical fitness and lose weight with their healthy lifestyle changes, she said.

Following graduation from ECU in May, Widgeon plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee.

ECU academic advisor Jennifer Abbott said Widgeon has been an excellent and well-rounded student. She has “maintained a stellar GPA and been active in service to others,” Abbott said. “She is a role model for all students.”

Widgeon’s advice for student success is to get at least seven hours of sleep, go to class daily, get to know professors and always remember to bring an umbrella. She encourages getting involved, networking and helping others.

“It is well worth the time spent,” she said.