High school freshman Alyssia “AJ” Roundtree recently received a surprise that could jumpstart her dreams of a medical career. The letter informed Roundtree that she had been nominated to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders this June, just outside Boston, on the University of Massachusetts Lowell campus.

“She was so excited when we found out,” said her mother, Liz Roundtree. “None of us had any idea that she was nominated for this. It was a total surprise.”

During the three-day event, Roundtree will join students from across the country to hear from Nobel laureates and National Medal of Science recipients. The itinerary includes advice from Ivy League deans, stories from patients who have experienced “medical miracles,” and presentations on cutting-edge medical technology.

While she was also invited to the two-week National Youth Leadership Forum for Advanced Medicine and Healthcare, the family decided to stick with the shorter program for now.

“I’m not ready for her to do something like that yet,” Liz Roundtree said, noting the two programs overlapped. “Maybe next year.”

Though only a freshman, the younger Roundtree has had her sights set on the medical field since she was a small child. While she initially wanted to be a veterinarian, her focus has shifted toward human medicine and the prestigious halls of the Ivy League. During the trip, she plans to tour Harvard, as well as Brown University and potentially Yale.

“That’s where I want to attend college,” she said of Harvard.

Her mother admitted that discussing elite universities this early feels surreal. “It’s just so weird for me to think about,” she said. “She’s only a freshman and we’re talking about Harvard or some other Ivy League school.”

To help cover the estimated $3,000 cost for tuition, airfare and housing for the Massachusetts trip, the family is turning to the community for support. A breakfast fundraiser is scheduled for April 25 at 8 a.m. at the Harbor Light Church. The family is also considering a rummage sale to help bridge the financial gap.

Back home in Wrangell, Roundtree remains focused on her immediate studies. She hopes to take advantage of college preparatory courses that would allow her to graduate high school with an associate degree and a head start on her medical education.