Senior cohort of Brinkley-Lane Scholars sets sail to Big Apple
From the moment first-year students step onto campus, many imagine a senior year where everything finally feels clear: goals are set, plans are in motion and dreams are within reach. Now living that reality, fourth-year Brinkley-Lane Scholars are deep in capstones, Signature Honors Projects, graduation plans and lining up careers or continued education.
In the middle of the hustle and bustle of senior year, the high-impact trip to New York City offered something different: a chance to pause, reset and see new possibilities. The experience shifted perspectives, refreshed mindsets and opened doors to future opportunities for this Brinkley-Lane Scholars cohort.
Alex Puckett, a biology major and Brinkley-Lane Scholars Roundtable president, said, “The trip to New York City allowed us to briefly retreat from those worries and strengthen our bonds as a cohort.”
For some scholars, the visit to the Big Apple marked an entirely new experience. Haley Williams, a political science major, and Kaliee Grubbs, a double major in computer science and mathematics, were both first-time visitors. The trip gave them stories, memories and a sense of confidence that will stay with them long after graduation.
“Everyone there was on a mission of their own and there was energy all around,” Williams said.
Exploring Times Square served as a gateway to learning about iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Wall Street, while also taking in the architecture of Grand Central Terminal and towering skyscrapers like the One World Trade Center. McKenna Lawler, a musical theatre student, noticed how the city itself felt like a performance.
Lawler, having dreams of moving to the area, said, “I feel like my connection to this trip is probably more apparent than some of my other classmates…this trip really did a wonderful job helping understand some of the logistics of living in New York City.”
After conversations with their tour guide, Daniel, many seniors felt a deeper, more personal connection to the city. Places they had only read about in books and magazines suddenly felt real and immediate. For Grubbs, that shift made the trip especially meaningful, transforming New York from a distant idea into a lived experience and offering new insight into the world beyond campus.
Likewise, Puckett found that Daniel reflected what she thinks it means to be a compassionate and community-centered individual, and in her field, she can see how using empathy, positivity and genuine connection builds trust with her patients.
“His [Daniel’s] attitude completely reflects all aspects of a good community servant,” Puckett said. “He was enthusiastic, caring, kind and passionate about his work.”
Other highlights from the trip include seeing the Tony Award-nominated The Great Gatsby in the Broadway Theatre. Lawler was captivated by the production and said she now fully understands the excitement surrounding its nomination, especially after witnessing Jeremy Jordan’s iconic performance on a live stage.
“Honestly, my favorite part was watching how my peers reacted to the show,” Lawler said. “I felt like I was getting to share a part of my heart with my class and knowing that they loved it so much meant the world to me.”
Julia Cavanaugh, a psychology and anthropology major, grew up in a musical family and explained how the theatre always seems magical no matter her age. She shared that after four years of studying people and culture, being engaged in New York’s melting pot deepened her appreciation for the countless perspectives, opportunities and paths the world has to offer.
Similarly, Kaeleigh Kruger, a voice performance major, shared that experiencing first-hand what she has studied helped solidify her perspective and confidence in pursuing her career.
“Meeting with ECU music and musical theatre alumni who live in New York City and support themselves through music-related careers was inspiring!” Kruger said.
During their free time, some of the scholars scored tickets to Moulin Rouge. Though the search for affordable seats was discouraging at times, the experience became a real-life lesson in persistence. Puckett explained, drawing on what she learned in HNRS 4100 with Brittany Thompson, “This experience reminded me that persistence truly is key.”
Ultimately, this timeless trip transcended majors and interest that created a meaningful part of senior year and reminded Gabby Gervasio, a public health and sociology major, of the cohort’s very first trip together to Ocracoke.
“The trip…brought strong feelings of excitement, hope, and memories of…our first trip.” Gervasio said. “It was a full circle moment where we [the cohort] traveled together again but as stronger individuals, ready for whatever comes our way.”