WHIZKID SET TO CREATE WORLD RECORD
For 12-year-old Shailendra Verma, born to a daily wage labourer father and an illiterate mother, life certainly starts early. The lad is all poised to become the world's youngest computer undergraduate, as he has secured admission to the Bachelor of Computer Application (BCA) course at Lucknow University (LU).
Ref. FROM PUJAA AWASTTHI DH NEWS SERVICE
While this is a great accomplishment, and should be applauded, I wonder about the social development of such a person. Even though passing exams indicate that this 12-year old is intellectually ready for college, is he mentally ready to be in classes with 20 year olds?
This has always been something I questioned... because a kid is academically mature does not mean he is socially or psychologically mature for an 'older' environment. Maybe some at home or private tuition should take place til he is at least 16-17 and can deal with the issues of that period of life. However, maybe the university has already made 'special' preparations for him.