Honors students participate in life-changing spring break experiences

During spring break, many of our East Carolina University Honors College students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of enriching experiences. From attending conferences to studying abroad, check out what seven of our students did, in their own words.

Ellisa Fisher – Alternative Break Experience in Ecuador

Traveling to Ecuador for spring break was such an incredible experience. We traveled with the group “Nido de Vida” , who were kind enough to welcome us into their country, neighborhood, and home. Most of our time was spent in a rural, farming community where we got to help plant trees, learn how to milk a cow, make yogurt, and visit a senior center. My favorite activity of the trip was a hike through the jungle and farmland to a swimming pool area of the river. The landscape was so beautiful and I learned so much about Ecuador’s rich environment. 

This opportunity felt special because of the integration into Ecuador’s community and culture. We were able to connect with our hosts and their family on a personal level. It was a chance to be completely immersed in a lifestyle different from our own , which was a privilege to experience. I hope to take with me the hospitality that is integrated in Ecuador’s culture while staying mindful of the sourcing of my agricultural products. I loved this trip so much and made so many new friends in just a short week!

Kathryn Adkins – Study abroad in Italy

I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Paralympics as part of a study abroad program focused on the intersection of sport and disability at an international level. Throughout our time in Italy, we stayed in Venice, Trento, and Milan, while also visiting cities such as Predazzo, Cortina, and Tesero. We attended four of the six Paralympic events, including para biathlon, wheelchair curling, para alpine skiing, and para hockey. In addition, we volunteered with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and explored historic cities, gaining both academic and cultural insight.

What began as a class quickly became one of the most impactful learning experiences I have had. I built meaningful connections with fellow students who share my passion for adaptive sports, while also interacting with Paralympic athletes and their families. One of my biggest takeaways was seeing athletes celebrated for their performance rather than defined by their disabilities. The energy of international fans and the strong sense of inclusion throughout the Games showed me how powerful sport can be in bringing people together. This is an experience I will never forget.

Mateo Olmo-Ramirez – McDonald Conference at West Point

It was one of the best and most transformative experiences of my life!! I learned so much about myself and about what it truly is to be a leader. Hearing from CEOs, Flight Directors at NASA, former NYC Public Health Commissioners and so many others was so inspiring. Everyone there was extremely nice and approachable and gave me so much advice. West Point is also a beautiful place with so much history at every corner. I wanted to thank everyone for their role in allowing me to have this amazing opportunity to go to the conference, specifically Dean Fraley for letting me know about this opportunity! 

Eva Stephenson – Study abroad in Mexico

My name is Eva Stephenson, and I am a second-year Honors College student majoring in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Psychology. Over spring break of 2026, I had the privilege of participating in a seven-day study abroad experience in Baja California Sur, Mexico, where we visited the towns of Loreto and Guerrero Negro. This opportunity was made possible through the course HNRS 2014: Honors Seminar in the Sciences, which introduced me to the migration patterns of blue and gray whales, their ecological history, and the conservation efforts that protect their populations. 

 The first part of our journey took place in Loreto, where we spent three days exploring the town, visiting historic Spanish missions, and observing blue and humpback whales in the Sea of Cortez. Seeing blue whales glide through the water, sometimes lifting their tails high above the surface, was breathtaking. We even witnessed a humpback whale breach, an unforgettable moment that brought our classroom learning to life. We also saw sea lions and blue-footed boobies resting on a nearby volcanic rock formation, and we had the incredible chance to swim in the water with the sea lions. Being surrounded by marine life in its natural environment made me feel deeply connected to the ocean and the world around me. 

We then traveled to Guerrero Negro, where we spent two days visiting additional Spanish missions and observing gray whales in a protected lagoon. This lagoon serves as a nursery where mother whales give birth and prepare their calves for the long migration back to Alaska. When we spotted a whale, we waited patiently for it to approach us. I was fortunate enough to experience a mother whale and her calf coming right up to our boat on both days. The whales seemed to enjoy it when we splashed the water and gently touched them. It was remarkable to witness how sensitive they were to our emotions, how calmness, joy, and curiosity seemed to flow between us. It truly felt like the whales were just as happy to be near us as we were to be near them. While in Guerrero Negro, we also visited expansive salt flats and endless sand dunes, landscapes unlike anything I had ever seen. 

I am profoundly grateful for this study abroad experience, both for the beauty of the places we visited and the people I shared it with. Immersing myself in Mexican culture while witnessing some of the most stunning natural environments I have ever seen is something I will carry with me forever. This trip deepened my understanding of the powerful connection between humans and the ocean, and it reinforced the importance of advocating for whale conservation, especially considering how close these species once came to extinction. My time in Baja has strengthened my passion for protecting marine environments and inspired me to share what I have learned with others. 

Jenna Caputa – Study abroad in Dominica

During my study abroad in Dominica, I had the opportunity to gain clinical observation hours through working directly with patients in a variety of clinical settings, from schools to community centers to long‑term care facilities. Each day was a new clinical site where we either worked on supporting children with language production, helping adults practice comprehension strategies, or observing how cultural context shapes communication. I wasn’t just watching sessions; I was learning how to adapt, listen, and meet people where they are in their lives. Being immersed in real clinical environments helped me apply what I’ve learned in the classroom setting. I saw and experienced the human side of speech therapy in a way that lectures and PowerPoints simply can’t capture.

What made the experience truly meaningful were the connections I formed—with the patients, with my peers who were learning alongside me, and the faculty who guided us. The people of Dominica welcomed us with warmth, and their openness allowed me to see the impact that culturally responsive care can have. The more I understand where their perspective comes from, the more I can connect and help them as a future clinician. I also grew closer to my cohort as we navigated new environments, reflected on our experiences, and supported one another. It was a great way to become closer to them since we’ll likely support one another in the future too. At the end of this trip, I felt like I strengthened my confidence, deepened my cultural humility, and reaffirmed why I want to pursue a career in communication sciences. I want to build relationships, honor people’s cultures, and help individuals communicate in ways that enrich their lives.

Sam Dewar – Alternative Break Experience in Ecuador

I had the opportunity to travel to Quito with East Carolina University Honors College for an 8-day service trip alongside AllPeopleBeHappy, where I worked closely with local communities to support sustainable agriculture initiatives. During the trip, we collaborated with families, learned about the role of agriculture in strengthening local economies, and helped plant over 300 plants and trees to promote long-term sustainability. This experience was impactful because it broadened my global perspective, deepened my understanding of cultural collaboration, and showed me how community-driven efforts can create meaningful and lasting change.

Megan Grimsley – Alternative Break Experience in Italy

Being able to attend an alternative break experience this spring break was one of the most rewarding opportunities I have had. Throughout the week, I volunteered with several local organizations across northern Italy, which allowed me to engage directly with different communities and better understand the impact of service on a global scale. Each experience offered something unique, and I was able to see firsthand how people live, work, and support one another in ways that both differed from and resembled my own community.

Traveling to three distinct areas within Italy also showed me how much culture and community can vary even within one country. From differences in daily life to local traditions and values, I gained a deeper appreciation for diversity and perspective. Overall, this experience taught me the importance of staying open-minded, stepping outside of my comfort zone, and recognizing the value of connecting with others across cultures.