There are numerous rising stars within the Class of 2009. There is no doubt that we will see this fantastic group of students go on to enter the workforce, earn masters’ and Ph.D. degrees, and become teachers, lawyers, dentists, and doctors. Behind a shy smile resides one of the great minds emerging from North Carolina Central University this year, Annika Barnett.

The choices that this Raleigh native has made along the way have been key to her success. Deciding to attend NCCU while progressing through Southeast Raleigh High School was easy since both of her parents, Alfreda and Rodney Barnett, are alumni. They were proud of their daughter’s decision, making sure never to pressure her to attend their alma mater because they wanted her to make the choice for herself.

It also helped tremendously to be a recipient of the Soaring Eagle Scholarship. The scholarship provided full support for all four years of her matriculation, a laptop, and additional funds to cover the cost of books.

“NCCU was my first choice, and it helped that I wouldn’t have to worry about loans, which also made it easier to prepare for the loans I would need to complete med school.” Barnett added, “not to mention that my mother was also able to go back to grad school too without the worry of paying for me to go to school at the same time.”

Making the most of her college experience, Barnett engaged in extra-curricular activities throughout her matriculation. As a biology major, she participated in the Health Careers Club, Pre-Professional Health Society, Chancellor’s Scholars, Honors Programs, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Barnett has been accepted to not two or three, but five medical schools, all of which rank in the Top 25 medical schools in the country [Harvard (1), Duke (7), Stanford (12), Emory (20), and UNC-Chapel Hill (24)]. When presented with the options, it is no wonder she chose the top medical program in the nation, Harvard University. A chance to go back for a “second look” weekend where she met future classmates and professors helped solidify her decision to attend this coming fall.

Barnett said, “I really felt at home there and thought that these are going to be great people to be in class with.” The training she receives at Harvard will no doubt ensure she becomes a remarkable pediatrician one day.

“I’d like to thank all of my professors whose love of science helped inspire me and made me feel very well prepared,” said Barnett.

Annika is just one of the many shining 2009 graduates that will continue to make this university very proud.