Javier Limon
Javier Limon wants to make a difference in the lives of others and plans to one day become a physician, providing health care to rural and underserved communities. More specifically, he has career aspirations to become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
The 18-year-old senior from Winterville is a student at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, and the son of Francisco Limon and Denisse Rivera. Limon is one of 20 freshmen entering East Carolina University this fall as an EC Scholar, the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at the university. In addition, Limon is an alternate for the Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance program.
“When I looked into ECU, I saw I could be a part of a community that was committed to achieving their goals, and I wouldn’t be just another number,” Limon said. “To me, being an EC Scholar means affirming a commitment towards service and leadership, which we must strive to demonstrate for our community.”
Limon is very active in the community. He has participated in more than 100 hours of service as a member of the Health Sciences Academy, and he is a member of numerous honor societies, including the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society.
He is a member of the Greenville Youth Council, a group focused on improving the community by encouraging youth engagement within the city. He also worked for a candidate in North Carolina’s special election for the 3rd Congressional District. Limon is a part of the Brody School of Medicine Honors Medical Research program, in which he currently is involved in assessing the dangers of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances on the immune system.
The EC Scholars 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 really interested in health care policy and government institutions in comparison to the United States,” said Limon, who will pursue dual degrees in biology and political science when he begins taking classes in the fall. “This is why I would like to go to either Norway or the U.K., to get a better understanding of how other countries function and challenge my preconceived notions.”
This summer, if restrictions put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 are eased, Limon said he would like to spend more time with friends before going their separate ways.
“I hope that since our senior year was cut short, we will at least be able to spend some more time together in the summer,” said Limon.
In the fall, Limon is looking forward to getting involved in pre-medical events and groups, student government and he said, “growing closer with my fellow EC Scholars.”
“When I looked into ECU, I saw I could be a part of a community that was committed to achieving their goals, and I wouldn’t be just another number.”
High school: J.H. Rose High School
Intended major: Biology and political science
Hometown: Winterville