Twelve-Year-Old to Choose between Two Colleges

July 15, 2016

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. campus /ˈkæm pəs/ (n.) – the grounds of a school
Example: Their campus is famous for producing various top-notchers.

2. prestigious /prɛˈstɪdʒ əs/ (adj.) – having high reputation
Example: He studied hard to earn the prestigious award.

3. initially /ɪˈnɪʃ əl lɪ/ (adv.) – in the beginning
Example: He initially thought he would fail the class.

4. enroll /ɛnˈroʊl/ (v.) – to register or enlist
Example: I was not allowed to enroll all my subjects this semester.

5. homeschool /ˈhoʊmˌskul/ (v.) – to teach one’s children at home instead of sending them to school
Example: I was homeschooled last year.

Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
At an early age, twelve-year-old Tanishq [ta-NISHK] Abraham was accepted to two University of California (UC) campuses—UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz.

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA and three community college degrees to his name, Abraham received a prestigious Regents scholarship from UC Santa Cruz and an acceptance from UC Davis campus. He plans to study biomedical engineering and wants to be a doctor and a medical researcher by the time he turns eighteen. In June, Abraham revealed on his Facebook page that he will enroll in UC Davis.

Abraham has always been eager to learn and discover things. According to his mother, Taji [ta-JEE], she and her husband, Bijou [bi-ZHOO], initially enrolled their son in a public school. However, by the time their son turned seven, they thought it was best for him to be homeschooled, since he was not being challenged in his public school. Being a fast learner, Abraham did not have any problems learning more advanced subjects.

Prior to being accepted to the two universities, he also took various courses at a community college in Sacramento. In 2015, Abraham received three associate's degrees in foreign language studies, math and physical science, and general science from American River College.

In the beginning, professors at the community college did not want to accept him in their classes because of his age. However, one professor agreed to let him attend class on one condition—Taji, a doctor of veterinary medicine, also had to take the class. As a result, Abraham and his mother became classmates.

When he is not involved in academic pursuits, Abraham is just like other kids his age. He likes to play video games and use Twitter, and believes that his interest in studying is not a reason for him to sacrifice his hobbies and other interests as a child.


Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

      If you were Abraham’s parent, would you let your son go to college at an early age?
      What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college at an early age?

Discussion B

      Do you think college prepares people well for the real world? Why or why not?
      Would you allow your child to give up college education for a career (e.g. sports)? Why or why not?

July 15, 2016