A Pirate's life: The first-year Honors experience

Choosing to enroll at East Carolina University marks more than the beginning of a college education; it is the first step toward joining a community defined by ambition, support and opportunity. For Honors College students, that decision opens the door to an environment intentionally designed to cultivate leadership, connection and growth from the moment they arrive on campus.

Beyond providing substantial financial support through merit-based scholarships like the Honors College Fellows and Brinkley-Lane Scholar awards, the honors environment creates close mentorship, collaborative learning and access to leadership opportunities for all of its students.

For Lucky Rajendran Balaji, a first-year Brinkley-Lane Scholar, the moment of deciding on a college to attend was based on the support the university provided to her as an undergrad.

 “From the moment I connected with the program, I could sense that it was more than an academic distinction; it was a network of students, faculty, and staff who genuinely support one another,” she said.

Likewise, first-year student Khushi Patel, an intended nursing major, said, “Everyone in the Honors College wants to see you be successful and grow, so I knew I would succeed and have a great support system with me.”

The first-year experience in the Honors program begins at the iconic Pat and Lynn Lane Living-Learning Community in Greene Residence Hall, where introductions to like-minded individuals come naturally, and friendships form quickly.

Eleanor Maupin, a first-year Brinkley-Lane Scholar, said, “Living with a roommate who was in Honors, as well as seeing the familiar faces of other Honors students daily, helped me feel more comfortable and develop lasting friendships.”

Located just steps from the Mamie Jenkins building housing the Honors College, this community places first-year students at the center of an environment designed for connection and growth. Faces seen in the residence hall often reappear in honors seminars and classes like HNRS 2000, where conversations that begin in the classroom continue to be used in their academic career.

Patel said, “I love the creativity that the Honors College presents, whether it be through their events, seminars or electives.”

Likewise, Balaji said, “HNRS 2000 played a significant role in helping me explore campus resources, engage in volunteer opportunities and reflect on my personal and professional goals.”

With access to research opportunities, leadership roles, and involvement in campus ministries and organizations, first-year Honors students are empowered to make meaningful contributions early in their college careers.

Balaji embraced these opportunities by founding GeneLink, an organization dedicated to genetics education. Through her initiative, she has helped expand public awareness of genetic disorders, emphasized the importance of genetic screening and promoted preventive strategies within her field of study.

For Kenley Belcher, a first-year nursing major with a minor in medical sociology, making an impact has meant serving as a chemistry tutor. She said, “My experience has been super positive as a tutor because it is really gratifying to know I am making an effort to help others.”

Similarly, Patrick Claire, a first-year public health student, volunteers his time at ECU Health Medical Center.

“Volunteering as a patient transporter as well as in the emergency department has been my most rewarding experience at ECU so far, as I have been able to learn so much about how to build my bedside manners, build relationships and connections with patients, and learn how to comfort them in difficult situations,” Claire said.

On a social aspect, many first-year students engage in Greek life on campus. Belcher, a sister of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, describes the experience as a way to build meaningful friendships and find a sense of belonging away from home. She explains that through weekly chapter meetings, sisterhood events and special campus functions, she was able to form close relationships not only within her own society, but also with other members of Greek organizations.

 “I knew I wanted to find that second family away from home,” she said. “I have been able to find that with my big, my pledge class and all older grades as well.”

Being a member of ECU Club Disc Golf helped Claire create an engaging social network with fellow enthusiasts who share his passion for the sport. What began as a casual activity in high school evolved into a meaningful part of his college experience, allowing him to connect with others outside of his major. Through regular practices, Claire has been able to build friendships with teammates in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Furthermore, through events like the Get A Clue Involvement Fair and exploring the Pirate Experience, an online event and engagement platform, students are able to find clubs and organizations of any niche or interest. Each of these clubs has room to grow beyond just being a member.

For example, as a participant of the Student Planners Action Network (SPAN), Maupin is provided with opportunities to get involved with the American Planning Association Conference in Charlotte. Now, running for president of the club, she hopes to steer their initiative toward more community service opportunities and team-building activities.

Belcher found her leadership growth in the campus ministry Girls with Glory. Serving as one of the club leaders, Belcher had been positioned to attend events and network, allowing her to sharpen the skills of planning on a budget.

“It has allowed me to interact with students that aren’t in my regular circle of friends, and I think that’s super important because a diverse social circle has always been more important and valuable to me,” Belcher said.

Balaji also noted that in her first year on campus, she has been training to be the treasurer of the TriBeta Biological Honors Society, she is the membership chair of HOSA, and she participates in MedPals and Future Pirate Physicians. These opportunities provided her with valuable mentorship, exclusive volunteer opportunities and early clinical exposure.

She said, “Each role reflects my commitment to leadership, service and advancing health care education.”

Likewise, Claire is a part of the Society of Future Pirate Physicians. Claire has found that the support of the leaders and peers in this organization has helped ease his worries on his path to medical school. He has been able to network and meet students from the Brody School of Medicine and ECU Health doctors.

“The path to medical school is a long and often confusing one, so it’s nice to have a club where I can talk with fellow freshmen premeds to share our experiences and learn from the older students about what the path looks like,” he said.

Academically, ECU professors are making significant strides to support student success by fostering engaging and accessible environments. Through interactive discussion and individualized support, faculty guide their students toward personal and professional growth. This level of commitment helps build confidence, encourages academic exploration and provides exclusive opportunities that prepare students for success in their future careers.

For Rachel Rosenberg, a first-year student majoring in mathematics and engineering, professors like Dr. Ricky Castles, associate professor in engineering, have helped her become a TA and conduct research in her first year. Without networking and finding these impactful connections, Rosenberg explains that she would have been behind in her goals.

Maupin added, “One of the biggest pieces of advice I can give to incoming students, or even my peers, is to get to know your professors. Some older Brinkley-Lanes advised me to introduce myself to all of my professors on the first day of class, and I am so happy I took their advice because it has certainly paid off.”

Likewise, Patel’s Honors seminar professor, Dr. Linda Bolin, became an immediate connection that has led to advanced support and opportunities in the nursing program.

“I was able to volunteer at a mobile health clinic and get hands-on experience with that. In addition, she comforted me through my nursing application, and it always just felt like she was there for me,” Patel said.

As Balaji commends the Honors staff for each of their roles, she notes that her HNRS 2000 professor challenged her to think critically and deeply reflect on her goals, purpose and leadership.

Balaji said, “Together, they have created an environment grounded in mentorship, structure and genuine encouragement, one that has made my first-year not only successful, but deeply transformative.”

Furthermore, as their first year in the Honors program comes to an end, Honors students are now leveraging their experiences and connections to set future career, academic and personal goals. They are actively defining specific milestones and shaping their future with the Honors communities and around campus.

Just next semester, Maupin has set her eyes on studying abroad in New Zealand, while Patel wants to get into nursing school to launch his path as a CRNA next fall.

Rosenberg’s goals are to gain internship or CO-OP experience close to campus. However, she also said, “I’m just going to start my slow descent into adulthood and figure things out as I go.”

No matter how the cookie crumbles for these students, one truth remains constant: the Honors College stands behind them. Through an intentional network of faculty who challenge and support them, peers who collaborate and uplift them, and donors who invest in their potential, the Honors College provides more than opportunity, but a foundation for success, service, and excellence.