Toby Bryson
For Toby Bryson, enrolling at East Carolina University and earning an EC Scholar distinction is the culmination of many parallel dreams. Bryson, a Greenville native and graduate of D.H. Conley High School, will begin a new chapter on his path toward a nursing career — and being a part of Pirate Nation.
“ECU is a part of who I am,” he said. “I grew up in Greenville and my parents are ECU alumni, so naturally I was raised as a Pirate. After touring other schools, I realized I wanted to experience ECU life as a student. I can’t imagine myself anywhere else.”
Bryson, 18, is the son of Kent and Jennifer Bryson of Greenville and a member of the newest class of EC 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 an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
While Bryson has been preparing for opportunities like those offered by the EC Scholars program, he is still a bit in awe that they are now his reality.
“Being an EC Scholar is life-changing,” he said. “It means being part of a program that consists of some of the most innovative groups of people in the country. I was overwhelmed by how much of an impact the current scholars are already making in just their first and second years at ECU. I was impressed with how much the alumni of the program have impacted their respective fields.”
As an intended nursing major, Bryson plans to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees at ECU and become a flight nurse for EastCare, the helicopter medevac and transport team at Vidant Medical Center. He is actively building a solid foundation for that dream, working as a volunteer firefighter for Eastern Pines Fire Rescue.
“Joining Eastern Pines Fire Rescue sparked my interest in the medical field,” he said.
Bryson plans to spend the summer completing EMT basic requirements at Pitt Community College so he can work with Pitt County EMS squads during his undergraduate tenure. He also runs his own lawn care business and pitches in at his father’s construction company. He spends any leftover time at Atlantic Beach and Cape Hatteras.
Bryson plans to pursue intramural sports and other extracurricular activities at ECU and is considering the worldwide opportunities for study abroad as part of EC Scholars.
“I am honestly just excited for the opportunity to go somewhere new while furthering my education at the same time,” he said.
No matter where he goes in the world or the path he follows, Bryson knows one thing for sure.
“I definitely want to have a positive impact on my community and world,” he said. “Being a scholar is the chance to work hand in hand with doctors, instructors, students and friends while making a difference — one I never thought I’d have the chance to make.”
“Being a scholar means I have the potential to better myself and to help those around me.”
High school: D.H. Conley High School
Intended major: Nursing
Hometown: Greenville