Narica Clarke is the personification of the Latin phrase " ad astra per aspera" which translates to "through hardships to the stars". She is undoubtedly a rising star. As an international student at Howard University Ms Clarke distinguished herself not only as a scholar but affirmed her position as an emerging leader, philanthropist and mentor as well.

Narica was a recipient of the Howard's Legacy Scholarship during her tenure at the school yet she managed to start her own charity in Jamaica 'Little Hands of Hope' that donated school supplies to her impoverished hometown in Kingston and worked as the Chief of Staff for the Howard University Student Association.

Through these works and countless others, Narica was named the Howard University Bisonette of the Year Award for 2016- the award reserved for the best all round female student as the university.

Amazingly though at just twenty three years old, this was not Narica's biggest accomplishment.

After her mother's business and sole source of family income was burned to the ground in a fire, the full time student worked tirelessly around the clock to contribute to her family's finances and more importantly their positive outlook on life.

Narica is fearless, hardworking and selfless. She is a true representation of Caribbean excellence. This fall when Narica enters the incoming First year class at the Howard University College of Medicine, she might be wearing the title, 'doctor in training' but she has certainly earned the title 'Caribbean leader in training'.