“I don’t like to toot my own horn,” Alex Amend said, smiling, yet visibly a little nervous.

Amend, who was Beaufort County Early College High School’s valedictorian this year, is humble, but he has much of which to be proud. On Friday, a new adventure begins as Amend leaves to attend North Carolina State University. Thanks to hard work and staunch motivation, he earned scholarships for a full ride there.

Among other awards, Amend was the fourth recipient of Washington (noon) Rotary’s scholarship — in years past, money was only awarded to three students.

“I’m like, jaw hit the floor. I’m like, ‘No way.’ I was very ecstatic for that one,” he recalled about receiving the call from a Rotary representative.

Amend said he was first attracted to the Early College because of the added responsibilities and the opportunity to earn an associate degree (or in his case, two degrees). He is hardworking, passionate and emblazoned with those corny, motivational phrases from his parents.

“I really enjoyed being there. … A lot more freedom and a lot more say in what you want to do,” Amend said of his experience. “We know how to structure ourselves enough, but that being said, there’s a lot more distractions.”

At N.C. State, Amend plans to study engineering, either mechanical or aerospace. He said he has always enjoyed building things since he was a child, so the career path came naturally.

He also grew up with a strong family unit, who pushed him to do his best. Mom Gloria Long-Mills said hard work was already engrained in his personality — seeing people procrastinate bothers him and the thought of it stresses him out. Long-Mills said her son is also a big political activist, heading up the LGBT club at the college and serving as a fellow on Hillary Clinton’s campaign.

Amend may have a lot of changes ahead, as N.C. State is sure to be different from his home in Chocowinity. He said he is nervous and scared, like many college freshmen, but also ready for the future.

“It was kind of like my dream school, my dream degree. It’s kind of awesome. I’m really excited for that,” Amend said.