The incredible story of Alena Analeigh Wicker continues to reach new heights, proving that age is truly just a number when you're this brilliant. Back in 2022, the then-13-year-old wunderkind was making waves as the youngest African American ever accepted into medical school. Now, in 2025, that acceptance is becoming a reality as this phenomenal young woman, now 16, prepares to embark on her journey to becoming a doctor!
In May of 2022, at the tender age of 13, Alena received an offer that most aspiring medical professionals wait years for: a spot at the University of Alabama’s Heersink School of Medicine for 2024, through their Early Assurance Program. This program is designed for exceptional applicants who meet specific, rigorous criteria. Alena? She wasn't just meeting them; she was blowing them out of the water, being over a decade younger than the average incoming medical student!
Even back then, Alena was already juggling studies at Arizona State University and Oakwood University through online courses, showcasing incredible time management and a thirst for knowledge that's truly inspiring.
"What is age?" Alena wisely stated in a 2022 interview with The Washington Post. "You’re not too young to do anything. I have proven to myself that I can do anything I put my heart and mind to." This isn't just youthful exuberance; it's a testament to her extraordinary drive and intellect.
Her remarkable achievements haven't gone unnoticed. From features in esteemed publications like the Post to appearances on "Good Morning America," Alena's story is one that demands to be told.
And her accomplishments don't stop there! Just a year prior to her med school acceptance, at the age of 12 in 2021, Alena became the youngest intern at NASA! Talk about shooting for the stars! While she initially had her sights set on the cosmos, her passion has since steered her towards the world of medicine. By 2024, this powerhouse had already earned two bachelor's degrees!
Alena even took to Instagram back in 2022 to share her exciting news about medical school, amassing a huge following who are constantly inspired by her journey.
"I'm still a normal 13-year-old," she humbly shared with the Post back then. "I just have extremely good time management skills, and I'm very disciplined." She credited the learning-from-home environment during the pandemic for allowing her to accelerate her coursework – turning a global challenge into a personal opportunity.
Behind this incredible young woman is her equally amazing mother, Daphne McQuarter, a Fort Worth activist dedicated to women's equality through her organization, I Am Her Voice. Founded two decades ago, the organization focuses on rescuing girls from sex trafficking in the United States. "My mom is amazing. She gave me opportunities more than things," Alena said, also mentioning her 24-year-old sister. "She taught me to think beyond and see beyond. For me, that was the best experience."
Alena herself is also passionate about empowering the next generation, founding Brown STEM Girl, an initiative encouraging girls, particularly girls of color, to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Despite her incredible academic pursuits, Alena, now 16, still enjoys the simple joys of being a young adult: school sports, hanging out with friends, and even cooking. She's a reminder that brilliance doesn't mean sacrificing a well-rounded life. Her message to young girls everywhere, which still resonates powerfully today, is: "Never give up on you, never let someone tell you that you can’t do something."
