January 14, 2016
Tomorrow Starts Here: Reflections of an Honors College Senior
By: Sarah Lisson, EC Scholar and Honors College Senior
“East Carolina University: tomorrow starts here.” Every time I hear these words at the end of an ECU commercial, I remember the day when my tomorrow started. It was February 29, 2012 — aptly dubbed “Leap Day.” That evening, with scholarship letters in hand, I took a giant leap of faith and told my parents that I wanted to attend ECU. At the time, I was certain of only two things: my major and my spot in the Honors College’s third incoming class. I had absolutely no clue what else was in store or what “tomorrow” held.
Now, as I blaze through my senior year, I look back at nearly four years of “tomorrows” that have been fuller and richer than I ever could have imagined. Four years ago, if you’d told me that I would study abroad in Central America, I would have called you crazy. I would have laughed if you’d said that I’d present a poster at a national conference (or even do research in the first place). I wouldn’t have believed you if you’d told me I would tour the Pentagon, meet a former Miss USA, or even become a football fan.
I also look forward to the “tomorrows” that are yet to come. Through opportunities offered by the Honors College, I have found my niche in my chosen field, which has helped me decide where I want to go to graduate school and what type of degree I
want to pursue. I have developed a strong sense of wanderlust and look forward to a future full of international adventures. I have learned the value of networking and made valuable academic and professional connections that will help me further my career. Most importantly, I have discovered the importance of philanthropy, and I am eager to continue returning the huge investment the Honors College has made in me.
None of us can be certain what our “tomorrow” will hold, but in my case, it has always been better than anything I could have crafted. If you’re a die-hard Disney fan like Mr. Baxter, you’ve probably heard the lyric, “There’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.” For me, the Honors College has become the second-happiest place on earth, and it’s set me up for a big, beautiful future of my own.