Chaz May
East Carolina University®
www.martinmarietta.com | September/October 2 2019 The Conveyor 13
It’s a rare condition for anyone to handle, but its presence in the
life of a teenager? That’s almost unheard of. As Martin Marietta
Scholar Chaz May considers his future, it’s something that’s
weighing heavily on his mind. Ultimately, he’d like to devote his
career to finding a cure.
Bullous pemphigoid is a chronic skin condition that causes painful
blisters to emerge on parts of the body like the lower abdomen,
upper thighs and armpits. While it most frequently strikes people
over the age of 70, May found himself living with it before his
18th birthday.
“My dermatologist says fewer than 100 people in my age group
get this in the United States, so, in some ways, I guess I was dealt a
bit of an unlucky hand,” he says. “But I’ve never found a need to get
down on myself for it. I do everything I can to make the best of it.”
In his future, making the best of it will mean helping people as
a trained dermatologist. For now, May is content to simply not let
the condition slow him down in any way.
As a high school student, he played varsity baseball and remained
active with a host of charitable organizations, including the Make-
a-Wish Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Red
Cross and the Special Olympics.
Balancing so much activity proved challenging at times, but
May says he figured out how to make it all work while maintaining
close relationships with his family and friends.
“I’d have baseball practice until 6 p.m. Then, I’d be involved with
my service projects. Then, homework, which would keep me up
pretty late,” he says. “I often had to tell my friends that I couldn’t
hang out, but it was OK because they were all in the same position.
Sometimes, we would get together and hang out while we did
homework.”
Starting at East Carolina University with plans to remain just as
busy, May is confident he’ll continue to balance his activities and
his social life. The greater challenge, he insists, will be keeping up
his grades.
“I did well in high school, but the academics always came
naturally, so now, I think my focus needs to be on maintaining good
study habits,” he says. “I know that I’ll need to have good study
plans in place. If I can keep up with those and put in the work every
single week, I’m sure my grades will be just fine.” ▼
Just the Facts: Chaz May
Parents: Clarks Quarry Leadperson Joseph Liskey and Holly Liskey
High School: Croatan High School (North Carolina)
Chaz’s message to mom and stepdad: “You’ve taught me so many life
lessons. You’ve taught me the right priorities. I’m focused 100 percent
on academics and that’s because you had me make that plan.”
Photo courtesy of East Carolina University
/www.martinmarietta.com