Gaelle Desert
Gaelle Desert believes she hit all the right notes when she became an EC Scholar as part of the Honors College at East Carolina University.
“From the moment I toured ECU and was introduced to their honors program, I have been truly welcomed and met with kindness from current students, alumni and staff,” Desert said. “The community and family mentality has always been a major deciding factor in choosing ECU as my home for the next four years. Importantly, I deeply appreciate not only how close the faculty work to support their students through their academics and career, but also the possibilities ECU provides in enabling students to continue their interests outside of their major.”
For Desert, those interests include music. She plays violin and piano, performing the latter competitively through the National Federation of Music from which she has received superior ratings for the past nine years.
“Music has empowered me to express my creativity and grow into my individuality,” she said. “Taking on the challenges of new pieces and stepping out of my comfort zone within the music world has enabled me to confidently approach the unfamiliar. … But most importantly, whether it be through my own fingers or a playlist I’ve assembled, music has always remained a reliable outlet for expression.”
Beyond music, Desert enjoys volunteering with her church and other youth groups.
“Getting involved in your community, especially among youth, is a great way to make a difference,” she said. “… It’s a rewarding experience to have the ability to spark their interests and empower them to discover hidden talents and passions.”
Desert, the daughter of Sandra and Emmanuel Desert, plans to double major in neuroscience and psychology. She hopes to become a doctor with a focus on pediatric and neonatal development.
“I hope to apply my fascination with child development and neurology into a career that combines both critical thinking and compassion,” she said. “Although this profession requires an unimaginable emotional strength and dedication, I am ready to apply myself and take advantage of ECU’s resources and research environment to propel me toward postgraduate learning.”
Desert said she is looking forward to getting involved with research as well as various student organizations at ECU. With family origins in French-speaking Haiti, she already knows how she would like to spend her EC Scholars study abroad experience.
“Studying abroad in France would enable me to better understand and apply what I know while providing an opportunity to improve on my fluency and accent,” she said. “I’m eager to immerse myself in the Francophone culture to truly experience their mannerisms, social customs and incredible cuisine.”
EC 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 an Honors College scholarship and a stipend for study abroad for a total value of nearly $64,000.
“I am beyond excited to begin this new chapter as a Pirate,” Desert said.
“I am beyond excited to begin this new chapter as a Pirate.”
High school: Ardrey Kell High School
Intended major: Neuroscience and psychology
Hometown: Charlotte