Cursory: Alena Analeigh McQuarter made history by becoming the youngest person accepted into Medical School in the United States. She earned two degrees from different universities before even finishing high school.
Alena Analeigh McQuarter, an exceptional 13-year-old girl, has achieved a groundbreaking feat as the youngest individual ever accepted into Medical School in the United States.
Besides this incredible accomplishment, she has also earned two degrees from separate universities. Hailing from Texas, Alena’s educational journey began when she started taking high school courses at the age of 11.
By 12 years old, she was already enrolled in two colleges, actively pursuing two different degrees even before completing high school.Alena shared the news of her Medical School acceptance with a reel on her Instagram page, expressing her immense pride in the hard work that led to her success.
“Today I’m just grateful. I graduated High school LAST YEAR at 12 years old and here I am one year later I’ve been accepted into Med School at 13. I’m a junior in college. I’ve worked so hard to reach my goals and live my dreams,” she said.
Currently, she is a junior in college, attending both Arizona State University and Oakwood University simultaneously online, studying Biological Sciences.
Alena shared that her decision to apply to Medical School was influenced by the encouragement she received from her family and teachers, who recognized her abilities.
She sought early acceptance to the University of Alabama’s Heersink School of Medicine for the 2024 term and was delighted to receive the acceptance letter.
Despite being more than 10 years younger than the average incoming medical student and facing challenges due to her age and ethnicity, Alena firmly believes that age should never be a limitation.
”What is age? You’re not too young to do anything. I feel like I have proven to myself that I can do anything that I put my heart and mind to,” she said.
Alena’s exceptional academic abilities played a crucial role in her acceptance into the University of Alabama Medical School. Despite the slim chances she faced as a black student and due to her age, her remarkable academic achievements stood out and paved the way for her acceptance.
Alena has been fascinated by STEM (Science, Engineering, and Mathematics) from a young age. Her passion for these fields led her to secure an impressive 11-year internship at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
As the youngest intern in NASA’s history, Alena contributed to various assignments, including conducting remote research for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Cañada Flintridge, California.
Alena expressed deep gratitude to her mother, acknowledging her unwavering belief in her potential and constant support throughout her journey.
She credits her mother for providing her with every opportunity to succeed, cheering her on, comforting her, and instilling discipline when necessary.
”Mama, I made it. I couldn’t have done it without you, you gave me every opportunity possible to be successful. You cheered me on, wiped my tears, gave me Oreos when I needed comfort, younever allowed me to settle, disciplined me when I needed, you are the best mother a kid could ever ask for. MAMA, I MADE IT,” she said.
Alena’s mother, Daphne McQuarter, proudly shared that Alena’s gifted nature was apparent even during her early years as a toddler, demonstrating remarkable skills and advanced abilities.
Unfortunately, Alena faced bullying in high school due to her intellect, which led her mother to homeschool her for several years to ensure a supportive and nurturing learning environment.
After being homeschooled for several years, Alena returned to regular schooling in fifth grade. During this time, she continued pursuing advanced high school-level courses using a curriculum she designed herself.
Alena is driven by her aspiration to make a positive impact on others’ lives and uplift those around her. She believes that the best way to achieve this goal professionally is by becoming a Medical Doctor, which is why she chose this path.
Her determination is evident as she aims to become a qualified Medical Doctor by the time she reaches the age of 18.
Alena’s remarkable achievements have not gone unnoticed, as she has received several awards throughout her young life, including being selected as a finalist for Time’s Top Kid of the Year 2022 award.
“When I took my first biological class, I knew at that moment that this is what I’m supposed to be doing,” she said.
“A big part of what I want to do is viral immunology, and I want to advocate for underrepresented communities that lack health care. It’s something that I’ve become passionate about,” she said.
Aside from being a student, Alena is the founder of the ‘Brown STEM Girl’ , an organization that inspires and give scholarships to young girls of color pursuing STEM.
“It feels amazing to be able to create a path for girls that look like me, It doesn’t matter how old you are. You can do it. Don’t let anybody tell you no,” Alena said.
“I would say to any little girl out there that’s reading this: Never give up on you, never let someone tell you that you can’t do something,” she added.
Source: scholarshipregion
Read Also: 12-year-old Girl to Become Youngest University Graduate in Canada’s History
ALLSCHOLL TEAM
Thank you so much for reading. We will appreciate it if you share this with your loved ones.
Wow, what an exceptional girl.