While it takes most students four years to obtain a single degree, Jack Rico earned four degrees within two years with ease.
Picture obtaining a college degree at 13, and then multiply that by four – this is Jack Rico, a prodigious child from California.
Rico acquired four associate degrees from Fullerton College, and during his graduation ceremony, he stood out for being considerably younger than his fellow graduates, and for becoming the college’s youngest ever graduate.
Although child prodigies are present worldwide, many choose to wait until they reach college age before enrolling (and even then, they usually pursue a single degree). Thus, what sets Jack Rico apart as a college graduate at such a young age?
When Rico was still very young, his mother Ru Andrade recognized that he was far more advanced than his peers. By the time he reached the third grade, she had opted to homeschool him, having previously incentivized his learning with rewards such as when, at three years old, he expressed a desire to visit the White House for his birthday, to which Andrade responded that they would go if he could memorize the names of all U.S. presidents – which he achieved in a mere week, impressing her.
Ru Andrade’s exceptional teaching enabled Rico to acquire knowledge at a remarkable speed, ultimately allowing him to commence higher education prior to reaching puberty.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rico’s graduation day was impacted, but fortunately, Fullerton College managed to arrange a socially distanced ceremony.
Afterwards, Rico’s loved ones celebrated his accomplishment by driving past his house with notes on their vehicles and applauding him.
Rico’s education journey is far from over, as he will commence his studies at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in the fall.
Initially, Rico will be enrolled in history courses, and he has received a full scholarship to attend.
While he remains undecided on a major and his future career, Rico has expressed an interest in pursuing screenwriting as a potential profession.
Despite his interest in screenwriting, Rico’s earned degrees have equipped him with skills and knowledge that would enable him to work in a diverse array of fields if he finds screenwriting unfulfilling.
Rico’s degrees spanned history, human expression, social behavior, and social science, and he maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA in all of these disciplines.
Although Rico is undoubtedly talented, in certain ways, he is much like any other 13-year-old, as his preferred pastime is playing video games, and he and his sister annoy each other frequently.
Afterward, a report about Rico gained significant traction on YouTube, garnering widespread attention.
Within a fortnight, the tale has amassed over 435,000 views, as well as 15,000 likes and 2,000 comments, with individuals expressing sentiments like the following:
It remains to be seen whether Jack Rico will pursue screenwriting or a career in history, or if he will pursue other paths, as he has ample time and a variety of options. Additionally, his supportive mother will undoubtedly play a crucial role in his success.