Brooke Vu
Name: Brooke Vu
Hometown: Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Year in School: Senior.
Major: Marine Science
Minor: Biology
Brooke Vu stood on the Wheelwright Auditorium stage to thunderous applause. As the crown was placed on her head, it was evident to her that the emotion and triumph of the evening would not soon be forgotten.
“That moment was an extremely humbling moment,” reflects Brooke, who was named the 2017-18 Miss Teal and Bronze last October. “I was so excited to be given the chance to represent my school at Miss South Carolina.”
While Brooke’s pageant victory might go down as her most memorable Coastal moment, it’s not to say that she hasn’t had other special CCU experiences both before and after her big evening last fall.
Before winning her title, Brooke was enjoying all that CCU had to offer. Whether it be building relationships with faculty, participating in the Coastal Sea Turtle Club, or cruising the area’s waters to collect samples from a local estuary, she enjoyed a fulfilling experience prior to winning the crown. As one might expect, her life would soon get busier. After the pageant, Brooke decided to use her new platform to serve the most vulnerable. She became involved with children’s hospitals, especially McLeod Children's Hospital in Florence. She also threw her support behind the Children’s Miracle Network.
Being the reigning Miss Teal and Bronze is an honor most would envy but it comes with plenty of stress. There is pressure to be everywhere and to perform well at the Miss South Carolina Pageant. At times it could be a little overwhelming.
“I have had to face many ups and downs this past year,” Brooke confesses. “But I am so happy I got to finish the year strong and I can’t wait for what’s next.”
Hopefully for Brooke, a career in sea turtle rehabilitation is what’s next. She wants to put her marine science degree to good use and help the animals she loves. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. What’s really next is her senior year. Our hope is that Brooke enjoys the remaining time left in her Miss Teal and Bronze term but still manages to enjoy the simple pleasures of being a regular student.
Q&A with Brooke
How did you hear about Coastal?: My mom graduated from Coastal in 1987.
Why did you come to Coastal?: I came to Coastal because of the marine science program and because I could stay close to home.
Favorite professor: George Boniello, Ph.D.
Favorite class: I love Dr. B’s 399 Winyah Bay Monitoring Class. We go on weekly cruises and collect samples of the Georgetown estuary. From these samples we can compare certain properties of the water to determine the health of the bay.
Favorite aspect of Coastal?: On a smaller campus you can build stronger relationships. I love how my professors know my name and I feel like they are truly there to make sure I succeed.
Favorite aspect of living in the Conway/Myrtle Beach area?: I grew up on the water. If I am not in class, I am at the beach!
Clubs/Intramurals/other extracurricular activities involved in?: Coastal Sea Turtle Club
Do you work anywhere currently (either on or off campus)?: I work at Ripley’s Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Plans after graduation?: I want to travel.
What are your hobbies?: I enjoy scuba diving, volunteering and traveling.
Do you have any hidden talents?: I can spin fire.
Bonus Info: I am your current Miss Teal and Bronze and placed in the top 15 at Miss South Carolina 2018.
