Amazing 13-Year-Old Boy Finishes College With 4 Associate Degrees In California School

Jack Rico began studying at the public community college when he was just 11 years old. After only two years, he was able to finish four associate degrees, KABC-TV reported. The young graduate has reportedly been accepted on a full scholarship at the University of Nevada.

For The Love Of Learning

In an interview with KABC-TV, an ABC owned-and-operated TV, Rico said he would like to pursue a degree in history but added that he is not rushing and is taking things one step at a time. He told the station he is only 13 and would like to see what other options he has. “I’m still trying to figure it out, but I just want to focus on learning right now. That’s what I love to do,” Rico reiterated.

The young graduate, in a separate interview with CNN, revealed he liked learning new stuff and also loves knowing more about the world as well as the different things he could study. Since traditional graduation ceremonies are not allowed during the coronavirus pandemic, a special drive-thru celebration is being planned for the 13-year-old Tuesday in the city of La Mirada.

A Typical Kid

When Rico is not busy with his books, he plays video games just like what typical kids do and would also engage in petty arguments with his older sister, according to KABC-TV. The young graduate is anything but average, however, as he is smart beyond his age.

Ru Andrade, the mother of Rico, told KABC she knew her son was very special ever since he was a young boy. She revealed that when the prodigy was about to turn four years old, she asked him what he would like for his birthday. While other young boys his age may have asked for a trip to Disneyland or some toys, Rico told his mother he wanted to see the White House.

Rico’s mother told him that is a big trip for a three-year-old and in a jest added that if he could memorize all the presidents, they would go. One week later, the whiz kid came up to his mom and told her he already memorized not only all the US presidents but also the vice presidents so they could go. That was when she realized her son is smarter than her.

The First In Fullerton College’s History

Fullerton College officials told CNN that Rico’s feat is the first in the school’s 107-year-old history. They said majoring in one study is hard enough, but the teen earned four associate degrees in human expression, history, social science, and social behavior, all the while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.

According to Fullerton College President Greg Schulz, the school has around 21,000 other students from various walks of life and background. Rico, however, always sticks out from the crowd because of his young age and baby-faced appearance. “Jack is wise beyond his years, and I'm so pleased that he found a home and place to excel at Fullerton College,” Schulz said.