Tanishq Abraham wears a gown and a cap with a tassel. It is an important day. Tanishq is graduating from high school. It is also an unusual day. That’s because Tanishq is only 10 years old.
Tanishq’s parents knew early that he was gifted. At two years old, an IQ test confirmed what they suspected. Their son was a genius.
At four years old, Tanishq joined Mensa, an organization for highly intelligent people. He is one of the youngest ever to become a member.
When Tanishq got bored with “regular school,” his parents started homeschooling him. At age six, Tanishq took online high school and college courses. He made all A’s.
The Abrahams tried enrolling Tanishq in college. Several colleges denied enrollment because of his age.
American River College in California agreed to accept him. At first, Tanishq’s mother took classes with him. Other students thought his mother couldn’t find a babysitter. When Tanishq answered questions, took tests, and gave presentations, they realized the seven-year-old was the student.
Tanishq stays busy outside of school. He sings in a boys chorus and plays chess and soccer. As part of a non-school science project, Tanishq helped NASA discover two exploded stars. He’s spoken at numerous science and technology conferences.
What are Tanishq’s goals for the future? He’d like to become a scientist and President of the United States. He’d hopes to find a cure for cancer too.
Some people think going to college too early isn’t good for children. They want kids to be kids. Tanishq thinks college should happen when the student is ready—not at a certain age.
Aside from his amazing intellect, Tanishq Abraham seems to be a regular kid who’s not afraid to quote Toy Story during a college lecture: “As Buzz Lightyear says, ‘To infinity and beyond,’” remarks this gifted 10-year-old. “Let’s explore.”
