Student Spotlight

Gracei Parker (B.A., B.S. 2027)

As a student in the English department, I have enjoyed exploring the various categories of literature, as I have discovered that reading greatly deepens empathy for those around you and improves creativity. The experiences that I have had so far in the department have exemplified the level of enthusiasm and dedication that I hope to mirror as a teacher. The professors in the English department that I have had the opportunity to learn from have always been a community of support for me because they hold high expectations while prioritizing student wellbeing. These characteristics have both catapulted my success as a student and inspired me to be the future educator that I am today.

Outside of the department, I am the president of Apple Ambassadors and a mentor for the ECU Education Living-Learning Community. I work in the Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement as a Student Leadership Assistant, where I plan volunteer opportunities for students on campus and aid the office in running Purple Pantry. It is especially meaningful to me to be recognized for the Russell Christman Memorial Scholarship because of the legacy that Mr. Christman had as an educator. I feel very grateful to be the recipient of this scholarship because this will eliminate financial burden as I go into my junior year.

Emily White (B.A., 2024, M.S. 2026)

“I took Linguistic Theory for Speech and Hearing Clinicians my first semester at ECU as a prerequisite to my Bachelor’s program and was really drawn to linguistics and second language acquisition, so I took more classes every semester after that. I’m incredibly grateful for the professors I have had in the English department — they have been encouraging and have supported me throughout my time at ECU and through my graduate school application process. My additional coursework in linguistics and TESOL has aided in my understanding of language disorders and will allow me to be a better and more informed clinician overall. I was accepted into the Masters of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders program for the fall 2024 semester, and I am excited to apply my knowledge in the clinic and through my coursework and continue in my learning.”

Once Ms. White completes her Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders, she plans to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in a medical setting.