GREENVILLE — A recent graduate of Beaufort County Early College High School is one of 20 students named an EC Scholar at East Carolina University.

Nineteen-year-old Oswaldo Javier Rangel Corona of Grimesland is the son of Elizabeth and Javier Rangel. He is a first-generation college student who earned associate degrees in science and arts at Beaufort County Community College through the early college high school program.

“I was so eager to find out, but I was at work and could not leave to check my mailbox,” Rangel Corona said. “I texted my girlfriend to please check for me. She sent me a picture of my acceptance letter. I wanted to cry. I felt so alleviated and proud for I knew I was bound for an amazing journey.”

Beginning his journey at ECU was an easy choice for Rangel Corona.

“I chose ECU because it is very close to home,” he said. “I have many friends who go to ECU already, so I was very familiar with the school. I love the vibes on campus, and it has an amazing business program.

“The Honors College made my choice easier,” he added.

EC Scholars is the most prestigious undergraduate award program offered at ECU. The four-year merit scholarship recognizes outstanding academic performance, commitment to community engagement and strong leadership skills. Recipients receive an Honors College scholarship, along with a stipend for study abroad, valued at nearly $63,000.

“(Being an EC Scholar) means the absolute world to me,” Rangel Corona said.

When Rangel Corona eventually steps on campus, he has a goal he wants to act on immediately.

“I am definitely looking forward to getting involved with other business majors,” he said. “I have always believed that two heads are better than one, and I can’t even imagine all of the brilliant people I am going to meet. I can’t wait to develop a bond with my professors and peers.”

Along with marketing, Rangel Corona is interested in international business, and he plans to lean on the study abroad opportunities that come with being an EC Scholar.

“I intend to get my international business degree,” he said. “This degree requires you to study a semester in another country. With that, I would love to go to Mexico and study in Guadalajara, Jalisco.”

Before getting his international degree and even before stepping on campus, Rangel Corona does plan to keep busy over the summer.

“I’m going to work and try to save up a little more money before school,” he said. “I am going to prepare myself mentally for school and just enjoy the summertime.”

This fall’s class of 20 EC Scholars hail from 13 counties in North Carolina as well as the state of Florida. They were chosen from almost 600 applicants.

For more information, visit news.ecu.edu/scholars/.