At the age of 12, Alena Analeigh had already been accepted to Arizona State University in Arizona, where she would be studying engineering. She decided to change her career path after a year of studying engineering to become a doctor.

She attended full-time at Arizona State University and Oakwood University, where she completed two and a half years of engineering coursework in just one year. “I aspire to make a lasting impression on the world. And guide a group of females that are confident in their abilities,” Alena remarked.

It only took her one engineering lesson for her to realize that this was not the direction she wanted to go. “I believe that my desire for helping and traveling the world to engage with people is actually where viral immunology comes from.”

Alena hard at work in the lab. She is currently completing a pair of biological science degrees from two universities

Alena at her high school graduation alongside Clayton Turner (left), director of NASA’s Langley Research Center

Alena has changed her academic interests before because she is intelligent and capable of handling any situation. She first intended to pursue a career in astronomy, but she changed her mind after realizing that she loved construction.

But today, at the age of 13, she was accepted into the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, and at the age of 18, she will graduate as a medical doctor.

Last week, after receiving her admission letter, she posted on Instagram to share her happiness and gratitude for her mother. Statistics would have indicated that I would not have succeeded, she claimed.

Alena Analeigh Wicker, 13, (right) was accepted into the University of Alabama’s Heersink School of Medicine class of 2024

Alena is in many ways a normal girl. She is a Lego fanatic, posting many of her building projects on her Instagram account, and says she loves cooking, singing, going to arcades with friends, and playing soccer

An adoptive young black child from Fontana, California. I’ve put in a lot of effort to fulfill my dreams and attain my goals. Mother, I succeeded. Without you, I would not have been able to. You gave me every chance to succeed there is. You encouraged me, dried my tears, offered me Oreos when I was in need of solace, never let me get comfortable, and corrected me when I needed it.

“You are the ideal mother a child could have. MAMA I SUCCED! You have always had faith in me. You gave me room to develop and change.