First-year scholars celebrate month of successes, camaraderie

Brinkley-Lane students stand in front of Ocracoke lighthouse — First year Brinkley-Lane Scholars pose for a group photo in front of Ocracoke Lighthouse during the Holloman Retreat.

For the Brinkley-Lane Scholars, the first few weeks at East Carolina University have been exciting, demanding and full of growth. Each scholar harbors different interests but as a group, they have formed a tight-knit community to help each other navigate this new environment. With a diversity of majors, personalities and goals, these scholars have immersed themselves in classes and clubs that interest them.

At the beginning of their first year, each class of Brinkley-Lane Scholars has the opportunity to go to Ocracoke. This is the first of many impact experiences that allow for team building and professional exercises. The scholars emphasized how important this trip was in bonding with their cohort.

“We definitely got closer; our group meshed really well together. We don’t all have a ton in common, but we found things that all interest each other and really came together,” said Haleigh Long, a first-year scholar and engineering major.

Micheal Greer, a first-year chemistry and biology major added, “You really develop a trust and a family of sorts with them [first-years] …it is that sense of community everyone keeps talking about.”

Each scholar commented on the sense of community fostered by these experiences. Having a group of people going through a similar experience has helped them feel less alone. Greta Bublitz, a first-year chemistry major, recognizes the importance of a positive environment.

She said, “If you surround yourself with people who radiate positive energy — like the other Brinkley-Lane Scholars — you will begin to absorb it yourself.”

Brinkley-Lane Scholars stand in front of Ocracoke restaurant

While adjusting to the academic rigor of their schedules, many scholars added on second majors or began research. They are excited to take on new challenges and opportunities. The support and advice of faculty and staff have made this seemingly difficult transition much easier.

“So far, the faculty and staff have already been more than willing to help and provide connections and resources to me,” said Zasha Griffin, a first-year engineering major.

“One of my professors said, what is the equation of luck, it is opportunity meets preparation,” added Roz Burgess, a first-year entrepreneurship major.

With a constant emphasis on opportunities and preparation, the first-year scholars have already begun involving themselves around campus. Many students have gone to campus events like Get a Clue to help better understand where their interests lie. Leadership is a core value of the Brinkley-Lane program, and these students have gone above and beyond to prove that.

“I feel like these first-year experiences are important to the Brinkley-Lane program as they afford you the opportunity to embrace discomfort, build leadership skills and collaboratively work with peers,” said Kathryn Adkins, a first-year marketing major.

Burgess shared advice that he was given coming into the program: “Lead with who you are and not with what you have done.”

It is always difficult to begin a new chapter of life, but these scholars have taken it in stride. They answer the question frequently brought up in the program, “What made us the 20?” with their actions every day.