She was given three days to live at birth, and she defied all odds to graduate at 24

Born with brittle bone disease and given just three days to live, Nekhidia Harris has defied medical predictions to achieve extraordinary success. Today, standing at a little over two feet tall, Harris is a living testament to resilience, graduating from Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, New York, with a degree in social work at the age of 24.

When Nekhidia Harris entered the world, doctors informed her parents that their daughter wouldn’t live past three days. Despite their dire predictions, Harris has not only survived but thrived, overcoming countless challenges that would have deterred many. Over the course of her young life, she has endured multiple surgeries and broken her bones dozens of times. Despite these physical challenges, she continued to push forward with an unwavering determination to achieve her dreams.

Reflecting on her college graduation, Harris expressed immense joy, saying, “I feel so excellent. After the hard work, sleepless nights, and all-nighters, it feels really good that I accomplished my Bachelor’s degree in social work.” Her story is a reminder of what sheer grit and perseverance can achieve, even in the face of the most difficult circumstances.

Now 25, Harris has continued her educational journey, enrolling in a master’s program in social work at York College in Queens. Her commitment to helping others is at the heart of her career goals. “I love children, and they gravitate towards me,” Harris says. “I want to help them in every way I can.” She uses her experiences and her platform to inspire others, especially those facing adversity.

Throughout her life, Harris has remained grounded in the wise advice from her father: “Use my brain as my height.” Despite her physical stature, she stands tall in every other way, letting her intellect and determination shape her path. This mantra has been a guiding light as she navigated both her academic pursuits and her personal challenges.

Harris is not just focused on her own achievements; she is dedicated to giving back to others, especially children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Alongside her family, she co-founded the Harris Family Vision Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2011 to support underprivileged children in Jamaica, Haiti, and St. Vincent. “Charity begins at home,” she says, emphasizing the importance of her family’s efforts to give back to their communities.

Harris’s journey, from being a girl who doctors said would not survive more than a few days to becoming a college graduate and a philanthropist, is a remarkable story of courage and strength. As she pursues her master’s degree, she continues to embody the message that nothing is impossible. Her story resonates with everyone who has ever faced obstacles, and it serves as a powerful reminder that with determination, even the highest hurdles can be overcome.

For those who wish to give back, Harris has a simple message: “Don’t let anything stop you. If you want to give back, do it, even if it’s a prayer or a small donation. You don’t need to have everything figured out to make a difference.” Her example is an inspiration to all, proving that resilience, passion, and a desire to help others can take you further than anyone ever expected.

Nekhidia Harris is a force to be reckoned with, and her story is far from over. As she continues her education and advocacy work, the world will no doubt hear more about this extraordinary young woman who has overcome every obstacle in her path. She reminds us all that no matter how tall we stand, it’s the size of our spirit that truly matters.

In a heartwarming and inspiring tale of perseverance, Dr. Cynthia Kudji and her daughter, Dr. Jasmine Kudji, recently made history by becoming the first-ever mother-daughter duo to graduate from medical school at the same time and match at the same hospital. This groundbreaking achievement underscores not only their shared dedication to the field of medicine but also their deep, unbreakable bond as mother and daughter.

Cynthia’s journey to becoming a doctor was far from straightforward. Born in Kenyasi, Ghana, she emigrated to the United States at the age of two. Her dream of practicing medicine formed during a trip back to her homeland at the age of 17. While in Ghana, Cynthia encountered a mother with a sick child, desperately seeking help. Despite her best efforts, Cynthia, then only a teenager, could not do much to save the baby. This moment left a lasting impact on her, sparking her desire to become a physician and help close the gap between the “haves and have-nots.”

However, life presented Cynthia with unexpected challenges. At the age of 23, while pursuing her college education at Tulane University, she became pregnant with Jasmine. With limited resources and no support from Jasmine’s father, Cynthia had to put her medical aspirations on hold. Determined to provide for her child, she took on jobs as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and later became a Registered Nurse (RN). She further advanced her career by becoming a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) after earning a master’s degree in nursing.

But Cynthia’s dream of becoming a physician never faded. At the age of 43, she enrolled in the University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS) in St. Kitts, pursuing her lifelong goal of becoming a doctor. Meanwhile, her daughter Jasmine, inspired by her mother’s determination and exposure to healthcare, was attending Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Medicine to pursue her own career in medicine. Read more about the amazing mother and daughter here.

Back To Top