As the first in her family to attend a four-year college, Kennedy Ani’a Rozier had a deeply felt commitment to higher education. “I always had the motivation to go to college and aim for goals that were beyond the educational experiences of my family and friends,” she said.
Now, with the additional, prestigious recognition of her selection as an Adam W. Herbert Presidential Scholar, this first-year student majoring in Pre-Radiologic Sciences feels immense gratitude and a sense that, “my path forward is more clear than ever.”
The Herbert Presidential Scholars Program gives top-achieving high school graduates in Indiana a head start on reaching their college goals with a four-year renewable scholarship to attend IU Bloomington, IUPUI, or any regional campus. Funded by the Lilly Endowment, Inc., the program welcomes a minimum of 30 incoming Indiana University freshmen every year.
IU Northwest helped light the spark
Showcasing a mature-beyond-her-years composure and confidence while discussing her current studies and life at IU Northwest, Kennedy, a graduate of West Side Leadership Academy, in Gary, In., noted that she first discovered the field of Radiologic Sciences by hearing from Dr. Michael McGee, who visited her high school a few years ago.
The discussion that morning was part of the Health Professionals Enrichment Program, designed to introduce local, underserved high school students to careers in medicine, dentistry, advanced nursing and other healthcare careers.
Kennedy still remembers the passion and excitement from the speakers that day, especially Dr. McGee, adjunct faculty member at IU School of Medicine – Northwest - Gary and medical director of the emergency department at The Methodist Hospitals.
“That visit, from many doctors, nurses, and students of color working in the health care field, really excited me and helped me see myself excelling in this type of work, and I’ve never looked back from that moment in high school. Now that I’m at IU Northwest, I really love learning about x-rays, CAT scans, and ultrasonic wave technology. The practical aspects of this field of study are endless, and I look forward to helping people, throughout my career.”
With this top honor, Kennedy’s promise extends to those closest to her, commenting on this accomplishment that, “receiving this scholarship and incredible honor not only helps me, but boosts those around me. They now can see that if you have faith in your future, as I have shown, you can do it too. My family is very proud of me, and they now see my efforts as a source of inspiration.”