ROGERSVILLE — Kathleen Self, an 18-year-old from Rogersville, Tennessee, earned admission to Harvard University with a full scholarship. Her admission followed a period when she managed her family's farm during her father's Stage 3 cancer treatment.

Self grew up on the family farm, where she assisted with tasks such as raising sweet corn, hauling hay, and caring for cattle. In early 2025, Self's father received a diagnosis of Stage 3 cancer, and she assumed primary operational responsibilities. She coordinated workers, harvested crops, and handled sales for the farm.

During this time, Self also balanced her senior year of high school, processed college applications, and participated in extracurricular activities. Self said, "Last year we found out my dad had Stage 3 cancer, and that was a really big hit to all of us." She participated in marching band, concert band, and choir, and also joined the SARRS Vanderbilt program, which encourages rural students to consider highly selective universities.

Self learned of her Harvard admission while riding in a vehicle with her mother. She was also accepted to Berklee College of Music and visited East Tennessee State University for music auditions. Her father is currently in cancer remission. Self plans to attend a joint studies program between Harvard University and Berklee College of Music this fall, relocating to Cambridge, Massachusetts. She intends to explore interests in music, law, and education before declaring a college concentration. She said, "East Tennessee isn't known for Ivy League students. But I want to encourage anybody because it's possible for anybody. If you put your mind to it and it's something that you really want, I think it's possible for anybody."