Wanna feel inadequate? or What have you done with your life?

[mactastic]

Link (http://www.cnn.com/2003/EDUCATION/08/25/sprj.sch.wonder.kid.ap/index.html)

Sho Yano's mother hands him his lunch for school in a brown paper bag -- a turkey sandwich and cookies included.

"You don't need any bones today? No bones?" Kyung Yano asks her quiet, spectacle-wearing 12-year-old, who shakes his head "no" as they head out their apartment door. She wants to make sure he isn't supposed to take his samples of spinal bones and a human skull to class, where he's learning about human anatomy.

It's the kind of morning many young students and their parents experience -- except for one thing. Sho isn't in junior high. He's a first-year medical school student at the University of Chicago, where he's the youngest ever to attend one of the university's professional schools.

If he weren't also getting his Ph.D. along with his medical degree -- thus, pushing his age at graduation to 19 or 20 -- he'd also be on course to become the youngest person to graduate from any medical school. According to Guinness World Records, a 17-year-old graduated from medical school in New York in 1995.

But Sho is utterly uninterested in setting records. He also shuns the labels often used to describe him -- "prodigy" and "little genius" among them.

Yes, he has an IQ over 200. And yes, he graduated in three years from Chicago's Loyola University, summa cum laude. But for him, going to school is about learning as much as he can.

"And there's a lot of stuff to know," he says, as he thumbs through one of his extra-thick medical books.

[XnavxeMiyyep]

What have I done with my life? Well, so far, I've enjoyed it and had fun.:D I take some advanced classes, but I wouldn't want to dedicate my life entirely to education.

[Mr. Anderson]

Pretty amazing - its good to see that he's trying to do something and I'm not sure if I'd want the pressure that he must feel at times.

But its people like him who have a better chance at making a difference by seeing things in different ways and coming up with unique solutions to problems.

I wish him the best of luck! :D

D

[themadchemist]

yeah, I heard about this a few months ago. Saw it in 'Trib.

This is truly amazing. I started college at 15, which is early, but this is incredible. This kid is brilliant.

But the guy who is the youngest to snag an MD, an Indian, got arrested in India for beating his wife. even served some time. So I hope our young MD/PhD friend will turn out better.

There are certainly many, many unbelievable opportunities not only for him, but for the research projects he chooses to advance and the patients who come to him for help.

[Giaguara]

Wow. :)

[wdlove]

An amazing story and I know that his parents must be proud. His parents need to be there for him ans be supportive. It is a blessing and a curse. I wish him well in his studies. Hopefully he will discover something that will be beneficial to mankind. At times a genius mind can be a social retard, no common sense. Or even worse to be like John Nash and suffer from schizophrenia.

[Les Kern]

Freak.
Of course I say that because I'm a freakin' dumbass. I wish him well.

[arn]

that's nice and all... and it's an amazing accomplishment, sure....

but seriously, this kid is going to be screwed up socially.

He can't have any friends... his "peers" are 22-30 years old.

I'm anti-grade-skipping. :) In this case, obviously there probably wasn't much choice since he's so advanced... but still - I think school is more about learning social skills and interactions as it is learning book-stuff.

arn

[tazo]

I read that article in the Seattle times the other day, and although its great the kid will be president at 15, ;) , I think the Times trying to cover up what is a prodigy, by saying oh "he gets into fights with his sister sometimes.."

the kid is not normal, I dont understand why a writer would try to convey such a sense.

200 IQ? Lets just all remember that IQ doesnt always make someone smart. That is to say, for this world.

-tazo

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by arn
that's nice and all... and it's an amazing accomplishment, sure....

but seriously, this kid is going to be screwed up socially.

He can't have any friends... his "peers" are 22-30 years old.

I'm anti-grade-skipping. :) In this case, obviously there probably wasn't much choice since he's so advanced... but still - I think school is more about learning social skills and interactions as it is learning book-stuff.

arn

There is definitely a balance to be stricken. This kid is an anomaly, no doubt.

But in general, for students who are not being challenged, a little grade skipping is quite all right. I skipped two grades, and I think that that's a comfortable number, because it doesn't throw you completely out of the loop as far as social interaction goes.

Despite my age, I have many friends, most of whom are 2 or 3 years older than me. I'm involved in leadership stuff, etc., and nobody seems to really think that my age is a big deal.

If grade-skipping occurs early on and the person has time to mature (and starts out BEING adequately mature), grade skipping can be a way to help a person grow both intellectually AND socially. I feel more comfortable, in general, interacting with people a few years older than me.

The problem with not skipping grades is that one can grow tired of institutionalized learning (and learning in general) because it gets boring. If you're already a whiz at the level where you should be, what's the motivation to strive to do well? That leads to carelessness and apathy, and students who DON'T skip grades when they probably should often end up falling right at average instead of way above as you would expect.

Like I said, there needs to be a balance. I felt that two grades (skipped during elementary school, mind you), were enough for me. For others it might be more or less.

This kid is definitely going to have problems socially because the difference is way too great to cope. But for someone with an intellect and drive like his, it might be a good thing.

Anyway, the way I see it, by the time you hit 27 or 28, you'll be working with a broad age-range of people, and age won't matter as much. He'll find a nice Chinese lab assistant, get married, have kids, win a few Nobels, cure a few diseases, and live a pretty, well, normal life. :D

[wdlove]

It will be important for him to take some classes with his peers. He should have time to just be a kid. Planned activities with his peers!

[Moxiemike]

That's all well and good-- but I wouldn't change a thing about my life.

I had a nice upbringing without TV, learned computers early on. Read a lot of GREAT literature. Learned to play bass at age 10, photography at 14, have been to Europe several times, was lucky to attend both a traditional university (for psychology) and a non-tradtional tech school (for graphic design), work at many unique places, start my own business which is fairly sucessful, live in some unique places, play in great bands (including a band that second-staged at lilith fair long ago where I met jewel and sarah mclachlan amongst others).

Since then, I've been helping market iStockPro.com, in the process selling many shots, worked at a club as their designer and house photographer, started a new band with some fantastic musicians and people, learned digital recording, am prepping a single to be released on iTMS among other things, own a great Mac system that allows me to do everything I was with my photography, music and design, drive around in a series of great cars, have a series of fun relationships with beautiful women who have taught me lots about life and love, learned alot about human relationships, interactions, philosophy, art, music, theatre, comedy, performance, etc etc etc.

And now, this new band (omolara) seems to be going somewhere, my photography keeps getting better, i feel more confortable every day, i've met a fantastic new girl who is very sweet, kind and fun.

Add to that my fantastic style, my ability to party and be open minded with people of all sorts.... i dunno. I just feel so much more well-adjusted and learned than some kid who is being pushed on a narrow track at age 12. :)

And I keep growing everyday. I don't condone the kid... but i wouldn't trade him for sure.

It's one thing to be a spectator, and I know so so so many who have all of these great ideas but lack confidence and the verve to make them reality.

I'm a PARTICIPANT. I live life. I don't whine about my job, I don't whine about women, the lack of a social scene, how my friends do too many drugs.

I live life. I experience it. Even when watching stuff, I try to immerse myself in it. It's a great philosophy for life and allows me to have fun all the time, doing whatever. :)

hehe. I know some people who could take a cue from me.... but they're more interested in holding grudges than living.

People are fascinating. :)

[themadchemist]

Moxiemike--

I noticed a few subtle plugs in your post, am I right? :D

But seriously, it sounds like you've got a great life, but don't necessarily assume that it is superior to this kid's situation.

He'll definitely have struggles, but he'll get his life experience down the line.

Just because he's growing up fast, it doesn't mean that he won't have the same time (hopefully) to live and to learn, and hopefully to teach others.

I imagine he does have a participant life style. He might not have in the sense of going out to clubs or having a girlfriend or what not, but such things might not be important to him. Doing DNA research at 10, that's participant. Having the opportunity to do more research, groundbreaking even, will be participant. And helping people as a medical doctor, that will be very participant.

His experiences may be different from others' and may occur at a different time, but he'll have his chance to love and lose and to rejoice and despair. Just wait until his hormones kick in.

The only thing one would have to worry about is that a person like this may do things in extremes. I mean, when he hits puberty, what if he REALLY hits puberty? Quits school, marries some random girl, etc. It's his life, of course, and he should enjoy it, but making a few bad decisions like that could have a devastating effect.

The point is, his real worry should be getting too big for his britches, as they would say down South. His great deal of intellectual knowledge should not make him believe that he does not need to consider the advice of those with a great deal of life experience.

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by themadchemist
Moxiemike--

I noticed a few subtle plugs in your post, am I right? :D

But seriously, it sounds like you've got a great life, but don't necessarily assume that it is superior to this kid's situation.

He'll definitely have struggles, but he'll get his life experience down the line.

Just because he's growing up fast, it doesn't mean that he won't have the same time (hopefully) to live and to learn, and hopefully to teach others.

I imagine he does have a participant life style. He might not have in the sense of going out to clubs or having a girlfriend or what not, but such things might not be important to him. Doing DNA research at 10, that's participant. Having the opportunity to do more research, groundbreaking even, will be participant. And helping people as a medical doctor, that will be very participant.

His experiences may be different from others' and may occur at a different time, but he'll have his chance to love and lose and to rejoice and despair. Just wait until his hormones kick in.

The only thing one would have to worry about is that a person like this may do things in extremes. I mean, when he hits puberty, what if he REALLY hits puberty? Quits school, marries some random girl, etc. It's his life, of course, and he should enjoy it, but making a few bad decisions like that could have a devastating effect.

The point is, his real worry should be getting too big for his britches, as they would say down South. His great deal of intellectual knowledge should not make him believe that he does not need to consider the advice of those with a great deal of life experience.

I didn't mean to suggest that he's not a participant-- doing what he's doing is, in essence, a participant based lifestyle. It's narrow in focus, which is just a different path.

I was more referring to a lot of people :D I run into who are afraid to live life and blame all their fears and lack of confidence on others.

And about him "being too big for his britches" you're exactly right. Along with all of the stuff i've done, i've learned how to mess up royally and admit it.

I've learned that humility is often the best policy. As much as i've done, and i'm VERY proud of my accomplishments, i'm also very aware that there is much to learn.

And that even though I think i'm VERY good at the things I do, I realize there are a million people who are better and a million who are worse. :)

I like your comment about the kid making some bad decisions. It's true. and I think that it remains to be seen if he could react to a bad decision or a some sort of roadblock-- is his education teaching him that? So yea. It's all a toss-up.

But I surely wouldn't wanna be in his shoes. :) But that's just me.

and yes, lots of shamless plugs. I am in marketing and design after all. ;)

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by Moxiemike
I didn't mean to suggest that he's not a participant-- doing what he's doing is, in essence, a participant based lifestyle. It's narrow in focus, which is just a different path.

I was more referring to a lot of people :D I run into who are afraid to live life and blame all their fears and lack of confidence on others.

And about him "being too big for his britches" you're exactly right. Along with all of the stuff i've done, i've learned how to mess up royally and admit it.

I've learned that humility is often the best policy. As much as i've done, and i'm VERY proud of my accomplishments, i'm also very aware that there is much to learn.

And that even though I think i'm VERY good at the things I do, I realize there are a million people who are better and a million who are worse. :)

I like your comment about the kid making some bad decisions. It's true. and I think that it remains to be seen if he could react to a bad decision or a some sort of roadblock-- is his education teaching him that? So yea. It's all a toss-up.

But I surely wouldn't wanna be in his shoes. :) But that's just me.

and yes, lots of shamless plugs. I am in marketing and design after all. ;)

I'm with you. I don't think I'd want to be in his shoes, to tell you the truth. I'm happy where I am, and though I want to follow a similar educational path to what he is doing, I think I'll be all right finishing a little bit (7 years) later. ;)

And shameless plugs are good. My dad is a marketing prof, so I'm used to not looking down on them, but praising them.

[MacAztec]

Thats cool and all, but that is also very weird. It would suck to not really have fun and easy classes. When I was twelve, I enjoyed going to junior high because it was a breeze, and it was easy.

Highschool is the same, only its better socially :)

That would just suck, what the hell is he going to do for the next 60 years of his life? Most people that go to college get out at 22-26+ years old, then go and find a job and a partner.

But getting out at 19....bleh

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by themadchemist
I'm with you. I don't think I'd want to be in his shoes, to tell you the truth. I'm happy where I am, and though I want to follow a similar educational path to what he is doing, I think I'll be all right finishing a little bit (7 years) later. ;)

And shameless plugs are good. My dad is a marketing prof, so I'm used to not looking down on them, but praising them.

Exactly. The thing to remember is life isn't so much of a sprint as it is a jog!

I'd rather see the scenery and get to the finish line with memories than to race to the finish and not have lived. ;)

And yes... the plugs are good. EVERYONE should check out iStockpro.com

Amazing photos from a group of highly talented photographers.

I'm honored to be a member-- they just won't accept anyone, you have to have a lot of skill and creativity, as well as techical knowledge. It feels good to know that others feel the same way about my work—especially people with the eye to know good work from crappy work. :)

[tazo]

http://boycottbuymusic.com

sorry everyone else was doing it.... :D ;)

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by wdlove
It will be important for him to take some classes with his peers. He should have time to just be a kid. Planned activities with his peers!

His peers are med-school-aged students. I am sure that he would feel bored interacting with his far-less-mature fellow 12-year-olds, even embarrassed to be associated with them.

No, his vast intellectual superiority to those of his age probably comes with a considerably greater level of maturity. And if that is the case, his true peers are those who share his level of mental maturity.

It is most unfortunate, but in his case, he has no true peers. Those who he would spend time with because physical capability, legal limitations, and age-connected interests would have it, are simply unsatisfactory because of their maturity. Those on his level intellectually and maturity-wise have vastly different interests, physical capabilities, and legal limitations, which prevent them from full association with him. In short, he's too smart for some, and too young for others.

[Doctor Q]

We could use iBookin's 2 cents in this discussion.

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by Doctor Q
We could use iBookin's 2 cents in this discussion.

has he skipped grades, too?

[wdlove]

I know that iBookin is taking college classes while in High School!

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by wdlove
I know that iBookin is taking college classes while in High School!

awesome!I didn't know that he was taking college classes, but you're right, iBookin would definitely have a great perspective on this whole matter.

[Doctor Q]

Well, I'm a Junior (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=29440)

[AppleMatt]

It's interesting, quite an achievement, but I agree with arn, I think there are serious social issues to consider.

Those aside, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the physical side over the mental. At 12 he is far from fully developed, he has yet to even hit puberty. The brain undergoes a bigger change (both physically regarding sizes and densities of certain areas and neurochemicals) during puberty than any other time in life. It's also a lot of mental pressure, not just succeeding but also facing the realities of modern medicine. Has he any clinical experience or did they just "throw him in"?

I've never skipped years (they don't really do that in the UK), but I am doing an extra degree alongside medicine, it adds a year to my course but it adds three more letters after my name :cool:.

AppleMatt

[ibookin']

Originally posted by wdlove
I know that iBookin is taking college classes while in High School!

http://www.calstatela.edu/academic/eep

This is the program I'm in. It allows students as young as 11 to leave high school, middle school, etc. to enter college. I myself entered when I was 13 (almost 14), skipping 5 grades.

I didn't like junior high. Most of the teachers were not very good, and I wasn't very into the whole social scene. The high school I went to wasn't a bad one per se, but there were a lot of things that bugged me about it. I won't bore you with them, but suffice it to say that the year I spent there (7th grade) was not too enjoyable.

My opinion is that acceleration is not for everyone. To go to college at a young age, you need a certain level of maturity and an ability to interact with people who may be twice or even three times your age along with academic skill. I think that if you have all that you should go for it if you feel it is the best thing for you.

Part of our admission process is that prospective students spend one quarter (CSLA is on the quarter system) at the program to try it out. They take two classes, and must recieve at least a B in each one to gain entrance, as well as be selected by an admissions committee, with input for regular EEP students. This process is meant to determine which students have the qualities necessary to go to college very young.

I really enjoy the program and think it to be much better (at least for me) than junior high.

By the way, I have a friend who used to post on these boards as Mercury who is also in the program. Maybe he'd like to offer his opinion as well?

[Durandal7]

Originally posted by themadchemist
His peers are med-school-aged students. I am sure that he would feel bored interacting with his far-less-mature fellow 12-year-olds, even embarrassed to be associated with them.


Well, when I was a 12-year old I couldn't stand the immaturity of my peers and I am not exactly high up on the maturity scale either. In fact, it was a problem through most of my school years that I could stand virtually no one due to rampant immaturity and general stupidity. Needless to say I ended up being a very anti-social loner.

[judith]

Originally posted by wdlove
It will be important for him to take some classes with his peers. He should have time to just be a kid. Planned activities with his peers!

Planned? Gee, that sounds like some spontainious fun just waiting to happen!

As so many have expressed concerns about how these children will miss-out on obtaining social skills, I just want to offer some insight here about social adaptation, as the parent of Autistic children.
I am disgusted with the imposition of socially-oriented garbage upon my children in the classroom.
Some children don't fit the cookie-cutter, and no amount of someone's feeling like they need to, in order to be 'normal kids' will make them.
I don't feel that a lack of desire or concern with social functions is at all abnormal either. To NOT be "in" socially doesn't hinder one's ability to communicate, to behave in a socially acceptable manner, to function in the work place, etc.

Peers are rarely people our exact age. Think about this: where else but in public school are you ever situated in a large group of other people exactly your same age? (prisons closely resemble)
As adults, our peers come from all walks of life, represent many generations and ideals.
Socially, behaviorally, we have to manage a few basic skills. We must stay within the law, and in the workplace we must peaceably co-exist with a full spectrum of co-workers of varying gender, race, beliefs - you name it. As long as we are able to do so, we are able to function on a basic level.
That is really, basically all we need to learn in order to function in society. (whether or not this is learned in school is another arguement entirely)
Outside of our profession, WE choose who we form closer friendships with (peers), usually by having similar interests with those individuals. None of this is anything at all similar to the institutionalzed setting of schools.
Children are often forced to socialize with people we as adults would choose not to. For example, I choose not socialize with drug dealers. They exist. I exist. We don't frequent the same social events, and I have few occassions to become acquainted with one. At work, I may sit right next to a person I may not wish to know any better. As long as he does his job functions, and I do mine, neither of us has a problem working with the other. Outside of the workplace tho, I have a choice about who I socialize with and to what extent. Children often do not. If they are seated next to a 'butthead' in class, that may not cause problems during classtime (work), but outside of the classroom, they don't call it a day and go thier seperate ways like co-workers, they also must socially interact with this individual. Something adults have the freedom NOT to do.
It seems normal to me then, that there would be a lot of children who are not 'happily adjusting' to this setting for whatever reason. Add the issue of above average intelligence to the mix, and it just complicates matters, as these children have NO challenging, or stimulating conversation amongst thier "peers". They are already without a doubt out of place in this setting! So why then try to force them into it? What is to be gained socially? Do they need to know who's with whom, or who has the new ride, or what's hip? No. Does the lack of all the social hype and gossip hinder thier development? I don't think so. Detrimental to thier health in any way, shape, or form? NO. How then does this socialization in which they would otherwise miss out prove valuable?


How the institutionalization we mandate is perceived as normal or conducive to learning and individual development bewilders me...

Some kids don't fit the mold, they may not be average, but rather than abnormal, I'll continue to consider them exceptional.

[ejb190]

When I was in college, we had a 16th birthday party for one of the guys in the marching band. I think he was a sophomore by this point. He was really intelligent and quite mature, but he was still 16. And it really showed from time to time. But we did not expect him to act like a 21 year old all the time. And I think therein is the problem. Don't expect a 12 year old to act like his 30 year old "peers" all the time. Sure there are times where he needs to demonstrate high degrees of maturity, just don't expect it all the time...

[Mr. Anderson]

Originally posted by judith
Some kids don't fit the mold, they may not be average, but rather than abnormal, I'll continue to consider them exceptional.

There will always be exceptions to the rule - in all aspects of development, social, mental, physical, etc. Its not black and white, but what I think is at issue here is possibly losing your childhood if you develop too fast.

Sure, exceptional kids have different perspectives on things, but if they're developing more rapidly/differently, what's to say that that's not right for them.

I think it comes down to what they're comfortable with and can handle.

I wouldn't want to have given up my innocence as a kid, no worries, no responsibilities ;) But eventually you have to become an adult, in this case, he's had to deal with it much sooner than most and had less time to develop as a *normal* child might. Parents and other adults can add too much pressure/expectations on a child, it happens to regular kids as well. Is that good or bad for him, it remains to be seen.

D

[wdlove]

I agree with many others the this needs to be handled on a case by case basis. That is in the best interest of the child is paramount. The child should initiate his/her interest. Parents that push a child can be damaging to the child psychologically!

[themadchemist]

Originally posted by AppleMatt
It's interesting, quite an achievement, but I agree with arn, I think there are serious social issues to consider.

Those aside, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the physical side over the mental. At 12 he is far from fully developed, he has yet to even hit puberty. The brain undergoes a bigger change (both physically regarding sizes and densities of certain areas and neurochemicals) during puberty than any other time in life. It's also a lot of mental pressure, not just succeeding but also facing the realities of modern medicine. Has he any clinical experience or did they just "throw him in"?

I've never skipped years (they don't really do that in the UK), but I am doing an extra degree alongside medicine, it adds a year to my course but it adds three more letters after my name :cool:.

AppleMatt

You bring up an excellent point. The idea of facing a patient's mortality is a grave one, and one that is central to medical training. Is this kid ready for it?

I suspect that he will spend most of his professional career doing research, as most people who go for MD/PhD do. (I want to do this, but I still want to focus on practice, go figure)

But there's no way to get around the medical curriculum and the high-level of maturity (not just intellectual, but social) that goes along with this.

[quasinormal]

This is just rote based learning, right? Why bother? It is sad if you ask me. This child is bound is to have severe problems in the future. I met a bloke in his 40's who had an reported IQ of 220 once. He was socially and professionally dysfunctional, unhappy and very very isolated.

EDIT-
Yeah it those post linked at the bottom of posts. I checked my browsing history. It's the cookies' fault.

[rdowns]

He was socially and professionally dysfunctional, unhappy and very very isolated.


Kind of like replying to an 8 year old thread. :confused:

[iJohnHenry]

Kind of like replying to an 8 year old thread. :confused:

Must be quiet at work, between Christmas and New Years.

And that's saying a lot, for Sydney, AU. ;)

[millerj123]

This is just rote based learning, right? Why bother? It is sad if you ask me. This child is bound is to have severe problems in the future. I met a bloke in his 40's who had an reported IQ of 220 once. He was socially and professionally dysfunctional, unhappy and very very isolated.

Quasi, what were you looking for that dug this up?

[quasinormal]

Quasi, what were you looking for that dug this up?

I posted here. It was linked at the bottom. I'm tired.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1289949

[obeygiant]

Quasi, what were you looking for that dug this up?

Its a case of "similar threads" at the bottom of every thread.

[rdowns]

Its a case of "similar threads" at the bottom of every thread.

Another stellar feature added to the site. See also rating system. :rolleyes:

[d4rkc4sm]

wow, dont you seem like a dick now.

[einmusiker]

that's nice and all... and it's an amazing accomplishment, sure....

but seriously, this kid is going to be screwed up socially.

He can't have any friends... his "peers" are 22-30 years old.

I'm anti-grade-skipping. :) In this case, obviously there probably wasn't much choice since he's so advanced... but still - I think school is more about learning social skills and interactions as it is learning book-stuff.

arn

It's interesting, quite an achievement, but I agree with arn, I think there are serious social issues to consider.

Those aside, I'm surprised no-one has mentioned the physical side over the mental. At 12 he is far from fully developed, he has yet to even hit puberty. The brain undergoes a bigger change (both physically regarding sizes and densities of certain areas and neurochemicals) during puberty than any other time in life. It's also a lot of mental pressure, not just succeeding but also facing the realities of modern medicine. Has he any clinical experience or did they just "throw him in"?

I've never skipped years (they don't really do that in the UK), but I am doing an extra degree alongside medicine, it adds a year to my course but it adds three more letters after my name :cool:.

AppleMatt

I actually disagree. I mean I understand the concerns, but I have also taught at public high schools and Ivy league universities. The social maturity you discuss is really just a twisted sort of "dumbing down". The point being that people need to be people and act stupid and laugh and make human connections. But a genius like this comes along once in a long time and it would be foolish to not at least attempt to "allow" him to reach his fullest potential. If we forced him to be a little retarded at times and act like a "kid", it would be just as bad as forcing him to hit the books 24/7. He is doing this on his own volition and should be given the freedom to maximize his potential.

[iJohnHenry]

Another stellar feature added to the site. See also rating system. :rolleyes:

See also Quote Notifications. How do you turn that damn thing off?

I keep checking "Notification", thinking I might have a Visitor, but only see Quote ones.

[Thomas Veil]

See also Quote Notifications. How do you turn that damn thing off?

I keep checking "Notification", thinking I might have a Visitor, but only see Quote ones.User CP > Edit Options. Aaaaaaall the way down at the bottom. :D

[darkplanets]

It's not the purported intelligence of the person but what they do with it. Being book-smart only takes you so far; you need to be able to problem solve and work with the unexpected, not recant facts. Time will tell whether he can cross the threshold between theoretical situations and what-if's into actual applications of said science. Far too many bright people get hung up in the theoretical and forget the practical (in medicine and life sciences). Obviously if he were leaning towards a more theory driven field (ala math) he could shirk most of the hands-on.

[Mousse]

that's nice and all... and it's an amazing accomplishment, sure....

but seriously, this kid is going to be screwed up socially.

He can't have any friends... his "peers" are 22-30 years old.


Hopefully he won't end up another William James Sidis (http://www.sidis.net/Sperling.htm), poor chap.

Since he's studying medicine, here's hoping the kid discovers a cure for cancer... one that doesn't involve MJ, since da Gob'ment will never legalize it's use.

[Dagless]

That's quite an impressive kid! I hope he doesn't burn out. There was a kid at my school who had some mental health issues, he left secondary school two years early and went straight to college in Cambridge. He left all his friends and doesn't speak to anyone he used to know, I believe he's now a lecturer at Cambridge at 25 years old. I'm sort of underselling the problems he had just incase he's behind me but I wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

I'm happy with my achievements. I'm now running a successful business, getting award nominations and having my work published by 25.

There are those who have done better and even more who are much smarter, but I don't like to think I've done too bad with my head full of minimal brains.

[iJohnHenry]

User CP > Edit Options. Aaaaaaall the way down at the bottom. :D

Thomas, you are the Tank Engine.

I feel stunted in your presence. :o

Now go forth, and multiply. :D

[millerj123]

I posted here. It was linked at the bottom. I'm tired.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1289949

Dang, that's just funny. Well, I'm off to down-vote myself...

[Abstract]

An average life lived is underrated.