Alena McQuarter, a 17-year-old American prodigy, and her mother, Daphne, made history on October 23 at Columbia Southern University, when Alena received a Doctor of Education degree while her mother collected a bachelor's degree in psychology at the same ceremony. The commencement, held at the Foley Event Center in Foley, Alabama, brought together more than 1,300 graduates. This moment marked the culmination of years of sacrifice, belief, and quiet determination for the McQuarters.
Daphne credits a philosophy she developed early on for everything that followed. She noticed her daughter's exceptional abilities at a young age, when Alena was 3 years old and reading chapter books. Daphne said she knew at that moment that there was a gift in her daughter that she had to nurture. This nurturing produced remarkable results, with Alena securing a NASA internship at 12 and receiving a medical school acceptance at 13.
Alena's academic path was not without detours, though. Three weeks into an engineering programme at Arizona State University, she withdrew, citing that she did not want to build a chair. Rather than push back, Daphne stepped aside, allowing Alena to switch to biomedical sciences, a decision she never reconsidered. Not everyone was encouraging, however, as a primary school principal reportedly dismissed Alena's potential when she was in fifth grade.
Despite this setback, Alena persevered, helped by her teachers. Marie-Claire Boutrin, a biology professor at Oakwood University in Huntsville, taught Alena when she was just 13. Boutrin said she felt free to teach Alena without the limitations of the normal system, as teaching is not just about conveying academic information but also mentoring. Nyasia Brunson, who taught Alena in sixth and seventh grade, has attended every one of her graduations since, travelling from Texas to Arizona and now Alabama.
Daphne's dream of sharing a graduation stage with her daughter required coordination. When she approached Freda Braddock, dean of Columbia Southern's College of Education, Braddock needed no convincing. She herself had graduated alongside her own mother and was eager to make it happen for the McQuarters. This achievement is a testament to the sacrifices and dedication of both Alena and her mother.
In her commencement address, Alena left classmates with a challenge, saying that it is not enough to get through the door if you don't hold it open for somebody else. Alena now expects to complete her Ph.D. at Loma Linda University early next year, with plans for medical missions and a pilot's licence to follow. Daphne, meanwhile, is pursuing a master's degree in global education while raising two grandsons, aged 11 and 8.
The McQuarters' story serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting children to reach their full potential. Their achievement demonstrates that with hard work, determination, and the right support, individuals can achieve great things, regardless of their age.
Key points
- Alena McQuarter, a 17-year-old prodigy, has earned a Doctor of Education degree from Columbia Southern University.
- Alena's mother, Daphne, graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology at the same ceremony.
- The McQuarters' achievement serves as an inspiration to many, highlighting the importance of nurturing and supporting children to reach their full potential.
