NATCHEZ — To many students, summer presents an opportunity to relax and unwind.

To Zharia Barnes, 14, this summer presented an opportunity to get ahead in her schoolwork.

The rising freshman finished her summer classes early at the Natchez Early College Academy. She’ll be attending school there when the year officially begins on Aug. 10.

“It was nice to get ahead and have a feel for the work I’ll be doing next year,” Barnes said.

Barnes took physical education and a health class. She studied hard for the quizzes and made sure to take notes so she could use them on the test.

“You have to be consistent with doing your work,” Barnes said.

At home, she managed to get schoolwork in, even while watching her 11-year-old twin brothers, Kamron Barnes and Kyron Barnes.

“They help me study sometimes,” Barnes said. “They’re good study partners.”

Kesha Campbell is the principal of Natchez Early College Academy, where Barnes took summer classes. Students at the Academy are given the option to take college courses as they progress.

“At graduation, they can have up to 28 college credits,” Campbell said.

Because Barnes started early, it will lead to more opportunities later on.

“This gives her an opportunity to take more college courses in the 11th and 12th grades,” Campbell said.

Barnes’ parents are Kiwanis Barnes and Ron Barnes. Barnes said her mother liked the idea of her getting credit for her classes.

“It was a nice challenge,” Barnes said.

Beyond a challenge, the two classes Barnes took this summer have a tie to Barnes’ plans for the future.

While Barnes enjoys reading, writing, poetry and dance, Barnes is thinking about a career helping people.

One option for Barnes is to become a doctor. Her interest in the field of medicine comes from her interest in studying anatomy, and she’s considering getting into the surgical side of medicine.

But she’s also considering a career as a therapist. Her friends often tell her she’s good at solving problems.

“I want to help people with problems who need helping,” Barnes said.

Barnes’ plans for her freshman year are just as big as her plans for the future. She wants to try out for the cheerleading squad, throw shot put and discus on the track team, in addition to possibly playing drums for the band.

“I feel like it’s going to be a very good year for all of us,” Barnes said.