Every May and June, graduation season descends upon us. Everyone from preschool to college students take the next steps forward in their lives. One high school student in Georgia is way ahead of the curve.
NeeAli Scott, 17, had a college degree before she even graduated from high school. This is an impressive feat. She plans to be a cardiothoracic surgeon one day.
NeeAli earned her associate of science degree from Savannah State University one month before graduating from her high school. She graduated from Savannah Arts Academy on May 20, 2024. NeeAli took this approach to take advantage of the free credits she could earn in Georgia.
"I really just wanted to get as much education, a college education, as I can now for free,” she explained to WJCL. "In the state of Georgia, you get 30 credits free. So that's already half of the associate's degree."
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It wasn’t always easy. "Some classes gave me a little more of a challenge than others," she explained. It was definitely worth it.
NeeAli isn’t exactly sure where she will continue her education. Her top choice would be to attend a historically Black college or university. She does know what she wants to do in the big picture, though. "I would like to work in an inner-city hospital and give back to the youth here in Savannah or wherever I may end up," she explained.
NeeAli’s mom Sabriya Scott is understandably proud of her daughter. She took to Instagram to celebrate her accomplishments. "Today my baby did her BIG one!! She's OFFICIALLY a Savannah State University Graduate at 17 years old," she wrote. "She just graduated from College before graduating from High School."
NeeAli has come a long way from being a 2 lb. micro-preemie with the odds against her. It will be exciting to see what this bright young woman will do next.
