Callad
Callad Gregory is steady. Calm and self-assured. He’s not loud, he doesn’t need to be. Callad’s confidence is quiet. And though his resting face can be pensive and unapproachable - he calls it “intimidating” - Callad is quick to assure others of his openness. “I'm a welcoming and inclusive person. If anybody needs anything, I'm always ready to talk.”
Callad graduated from Midlothian High School, headed to North Carolina State University. There, he’ll start in the Life Sciences First Year program with a track towards human biology. He chose NCSU strategically, drawn by the strength of the major and the deep well of opportunity in Raleigh. Callad thinks ahead, not just calculating, but with a vision for what he wants, and what he can do.
Callad’s confidence is hard-earned. A natural overthinker, he’s had to learn to trust his instincts. “I’ve had to teach myself that when I make a decision, it’s most likely the right one, and not to keep analyzing.” That mindset took root during a tough sophomore year at Midlothian. A promising future sometimes looked out of reach; Callad lost his motivation to excel. But his friends and family wouldn’t let him forget his talents and gifts; Callad’s support system helped him find his way back. His drive returned to the point where Callad’s accomplishments in school and extracurricular activities led him to be selected as a Pedestal Fund’s Scholar.
Callad’s not locked into a specific career path yet—maybe physical therapy, maybe surgery—but whatever he does, he wants to be a standout. In whichever field he enters, he dreams of opening his own practice. “I really like being in charge.” It’s easy to picture Callad as his own boss, a focused, efficient, and trustworthy leader.
Outside of academics, Callad lives for adventure. “I’m a big thrill guy. I just went skydiving.” He’s also looking forward to bungee jumping over a waterfall and visiting all fifty states. Callad’s ultimate goal is a life of purpose, and the freedom to chase big dreams.
The Pedestal Fund is proud to support Callad’s next chapter, sure to be written with the quiet grace and power of someone who’s not only going places - maybe all fifty states - but who will lead the way.