NEED TO KNOW
- A 9-year-old in Pennsylvania is taking classes in neuroscience at Ursinus College
- Aiden Wilkins of Montgomery County first began showing signs that he was unusually gifted at just 2 years old
- Aiden says he ultimately wants to become a pediatric neurosurgeon
A 9-year-old prodigy in Pennsylvania is trading in recess for college lectures.
Aiden Wilkins of Montgomery County — who is already a high school sophomore — has begun taking courses at nearby Ursinus College. And while university classes may be new for Aiden, he’s always displayed an unusual talent for academics. His mother initially noticed his abilities when he could read traffic signs at just 2 years old.
“I could just read them when most kids at my age, at like 2, could barely even speak,” Aiden told local news outlet 6 ABC, adding, “I just grasped it so fast.”
“Then, a few years later, I took a gifted test. Turns out I was gifted,” he continued.
Aiden is currently enrolled in a local charter school, but is taking classes in neuroscience several days a week at Ursinus to supplement his studies and help prepare him for his ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.
“Ever since I was 3, I’d watch an anatomy video and was always fascinated when I saw the brain,” he told local news outlet NBC 10 Philadelphia.
As to why he wants to work with children specifically?
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“The reason why I want to be a pediatric neurosurgeon is mainly because I like helping kids around my age. It’s sad to see kids around my age with neurodisabilities, so I want to help them out,” he told NBC 10.
Aiden’s mom, Veronica Wilkins, said she is extremely proud of her son — who is the youngest person to ever enroll at the college — but noted that she’s most pleased with the fact that he feels appreciated for his authentic self.
“It’s exciting because he’s making history, and you know he feels great. I think it’s so important to be seen and heard,” she told NBC 10.
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“I’m extremely proud of Aiden because it’s all him. It’s all organic. I’m just behind the scenes, and he goes for what he wants,” she added.
In an email to PEOPLE, Kelly Sorensen, associate provost for academic affairs at Ursinus College, recalled that Aiden first showed up at the school in March “in a snazzy suit and tie, curious and eager to talk about glial cells and neuroplasticity — and even Shakespeare.”
She added, “We’re delighted to be a part of Aiden’s journey, which is as exceptional as he is. The challenge is to keep his hungry mind well-fed.”
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