Athens Reporter

When Morgan Byers arrived at Harvard University, she was struck by the grandeur of the campus's architecture. Arriving early for the semester, she participated in The First Year Outdoor Program, an experience described by Byers as "basically the inauguration to campus." This program involved living off the grid in Southern New Hampshire with fellow classmates.

Harvard University, known as the oldest higher education institution in the United States, boasts over 600 buildings and had more than 31,000 students enrolled as of 2022. Among these students is Byers, who graduated as valedictorian from East Jackson Comprehensive High School in May 2022. Despite her move to Cambridge, Massachusetts—a journey of over a thousand miles—Byers considers her high school on the east side home.

During high school, Byers was active in various sports and extracurricular activities. She held leadership roles such as President of Beta Club and was involved in Student Council and Varsity Cheerleading. These experiences prepared her for college life.

Byers chose to study science at Harvard with plans to double-major in Human Development and Regenerative Biology. Reflecting on her new environment, she stated: “The campus was everything that I had ever imagined... It is awe-inspiring.” Her success is partly attributed to support from teachers and counselors during her high school years.

Initially interested in law, Byers shifted focus after being inspired by a biology class at EJCHS. She began volunteering at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), which solidified her interest in science.

In high school, Byers joined the Twenty-First Century Leaders Program—a non-profit aimed at empowering young leaders across Georgia—which she describes fondly: “I am the biggest fan of Twenty-First Century Leaders.” She also dual-enrolled at The University of Georgia where she engaged in research through programs like UGA Young Dawgs.

Despite applying close to deadlines for colleges like Duke and others nearby, encouragement from her father led Byers to apply to Harvard last minute. Her acceptance brought shock and joy: “It felt as if I was in a dream.”

After completing two semesters at Harvard, Byers will spend summer abroad with the International Medical Program studying in Portugal. There she will shadow physicians for eight weeks before returning to Cambridge for her second year.