… her 13-year-old brother gets doctoral degree qualifying exams.
In a remarkable achievement, 11-year-old Athena Elling has become the youngest graduate at Irvine Valley College in California, surpassing the record previously set by her brother, Tycho Elling, who graduated from the same college at age 11 in May 2023. Athena, driven by a competitive spirit and a desire to have “bragging rights at dinner,” enrolled in courses at the community college just weeks after her brother’s graduation.
Athena and Tycho began their educational journey by taking high school-level courses early and then adding community college classes through a dual-enrollment program. Tycho, now 13, has recently taken his final doctoral degree qualifying exams, showcasing the siblings’ exceptional academic abilities.
On Thursday, May 30, 2024, Athena walked across the stage in an oversized blue gown, graduating cum laude with an associate’s degree in liberal arts. During the commencement, college president John Hernandez acknowledged Athena’s record-breaking achievement, confirming her status as the youngest graduate in the school’s history.
The siblings’ educational path began when Tycho, at age 9, had exhausted all the high school-level math classes offered by his charter school. His teachers suggested he take math classes at Irvine Valley College, which he did while being home-schooled. Athena followed in her brother’s footsteps, enrolling in a few classes at the college in the summer of 2022 at age 9.
Despite their academic prowess, their parents, Christina Chow and her husband, emphasized that there was no pressure on the children to proceed with college classes. They encouraged Athena and Tycho to explore their interests and take their studies seriously.
Athena, a self-described extrovert, enjoyed in-person learning and quickly adapted to the college environment. Although she initially tried to keep a low profile among her older classmates, she soon found common ground through discussions about classic films in her college film class. She also gained exposure to a diverse network of people, helping her break out of her bubble.
Outside of school, Athena maintains a typical childhood, participating in various activities such as dancing, acting, music, and taekwondo. She enjoys visiting theme parks and spending time with friends her age.
The siblings’ competitive nature extends beyond academics, with Athena striving to outperform her brother in various aspects of life. She takes pride in receiving better grades and filling up her notebooks faster than Tycho.
As Tycho pursues a bachelor’s degree in math at the University of California at Irvine, Athena continues her studies at Irvine Valley College, aiming to earn associate’s degrees in psychology, theater, and music. Due to age restrictions, Athena will likely take an unconventional path, obtaining her GED years from now when she turns 18.
Athena’s ultimate goal is to be admitted to a more competitive four-year college than her brother, with her sights set on an Ivy League school. She believes that if she achieves this, she will be “indestructible.”
The Elling siblings’ remarkable achievements serve as an inspiration to students of all ages, demonstrating that with dedication, passion, and family support, one can accomplish extraordinary feats at a young age.
Credit: The Washington Post
