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Elizabeth Johnson to graduate from ECU at 18
Johnson is one of the youngest students to complete her degree from ECU. (Contributed photo)
Elizabeth Johnson, who was admitted to East Carolina University at the age of 16 and turned 18 in March, is one of the youngest students to complete her degree from ECU. This fall, she will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a certificate in business and technical communication.
Johnson first started her academic journey as a biology major but quickly decided that was not her calling. She switched her major to English and began working for The East Carolinian (TEC) soon after.
“I wrote an investigative series during my second semester at TEC, when I was a news reporter. I had the opportunity to see change due to my articles and it made me fall in love with being a reporter,” said Johnson.
At the newspaper, Johnson has held positions as a news reporter, and news and art chief.
“I have covered everything from ECU administration to local government to construction to concerts,” said Johnson. “I love being a reporter. I have enjoyed covering stories at TEC, and reporting is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Beyond her career ambitions, while at ECU, Johnson has expanded her knowledge by studying abroad. She has participated in these opportunities not just once, but three times throughout her academic journey. During the summer of 2018, Johnson studied in Poland and the Czech Republic.
“I was 17 and this was my first time leaving home,” she said. “I was terrified, but I grew so much.”
Johnson in China. (Contributed photo)
Beyond reporting and academics, Johnson has studied abroad three times as a student, including in Krakow. (Contributed photo)
Johnson in Prague.
Johnson later received the Rivers Scholarship, which allowed her to travel to Shanghai, China, in the summer of 2019.
“This helped me complete my education by giving me the opportunity to study the Chinese language in China for a month,” said Johnson. “Studying abroad was an amazing experience that opened my eyes to so many opportunities. I was able to connect with people across cultures that I never thought I would meet.”