Thousands graduate from East Carolina University

Fall commencement at Minges Coliseum was a joyous time for students and their families.

From undergrads to doctoral degree recipients, graduates say it's been a long journey and they're looking forward to the future.

For some in the health care profession, they're entering into a fast growing occupation.

One nursing school graduate and a doctoral graduate we spoke to say they're already lined up work in their profession.

"I plan to work at labor and delivery at Vidant Medical Center, it was my dream job, super excited," says Chandler Furlough, an undergrad nursing graduate.

"I'm looking to improve patient outcomes and encouraging young individuals that they can actually make it and become a nurse," says Shelia Smith, a doctor in nursing graduate.

As these students leave the pirate's ship to charter their own futures, Friday is the first commencement for ECU's newest chancellor, Cecil Staton, who says he's pleased to see how they'll use their degrees to further to mission of the university and that's to serve.