VOA —
Bored of school? Why not go straight to college? You can. You can even get a scholarship and choose the major you want.
That was done by Killy Dinananti Permadi. Why did he choose to ‘jump’ that far?
“I like challenges. In the old school, there weren’t many challenges. They just want to stick to consistent values. So, I had to look for tutors from other places. I just wanted a real way to get challenged in school. That’s why I prefer it here.”
Camelia and her only child, Killy Dinanti, 12, who is currently studying at Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia (private doc).
Killy’s mother, Camelia, revealed that since the 2nd grade of elementary school, Killy kept complaining that he was bored at school. Moving cities and changing schools doesn’t solve the problem. In 6th grade, Killy complained more and more often, prompting Camelia to surf online, looking for solutions.
As a result, he received information that Mary Baldwin University in America, accepts students as early as 13 years old. Killy was 11 years old at that time. The campus asked Killy to take a number of tests, ranging from IQ to writing 8 essays and interviews. Killy was immediately accepted and received a scholarship even though he was only 11 years old. Camelia was told that Killy was the youngest student.
Every child’s condition is certainly different. However, to parents whose children complain of being bored at school, Camelia advises, “Just follow what you like. That is, whatever is of interest, then do it wholeheartedly, whatever it is. Then, do what must be done to strengthen his abilities.”
Killy plans to major in biochemical engineering. But he is open to other possibilities. This first semester, he took a chemistry course, something he enjoyed but didn’t have in elementary school.
Killy Dinanti Permadi, 12, in front of her Mary Baldwin University campus in Staunton, Virgina: “I’m happier here.” (private doc)
Rayta Amanadefi Pradata also experienced boredom at school. He looked for a solution and received information that he could go straight to college in America even though he had not graduated from high school.
Rayta’s mother, Nur Laili, revealed that since grade 9 Rayta had stated that she wanted to go straight to college. Rayta even looked for a suitable campus herself. He tried to restrain the wishes of his only child under the pretext of tuition fees. However, when Rayta was accepted to study in America on a scholarship, she could no longer stop herself.
“I also have to be consistent. Yesterday I said it was only because of tuition problems. Now that you have been accepted and have received a scholarship, that’s it. Just support,” said Nur Laili.
At the age of 14, Rayta left the 10th grade of high school in Tangerang to study two majors: physics and mathematics, at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, in the suburbs of Boston. At the age of 16, he was recorded as the youngest graduate of 2023, with the title summa cum laude.
He humbly stated that he was nothing special. He even revealed that he was not the youngest graduate of the campus.
“Last year, someone aged 15 had left (graduated),” said Rayta.
Rayta was then accepted as an intern at the American National Space Agency (NASA).
Rayta (far right) with NASA researchers in front of the NASA office in Maryland. (private doc)
At the age of 17, Rayta was registered as a doctoral student at the University of Delaware majoring in space physics. He hopes to graduate in less than four years. After that, continue to postdoctoral work at a different campus. The ultimate goal?
“Research in space. That’s science. Astronomer,” he said.
Rayta’s mentor at NASA, Dr. Gang Kai Poh believes that all students can go straight to college if they pass a series of tests that include psychological maturity.
This lecturer in the physics and astronomy department at the Catholic University of America stated, “In my opinion, age should not be a determinant of whether someone goes to college or not. It really depends on each individual. If they are ready to go to college, to take on the challenge of college, or a higher level of college, I would say go for it.”
Dr. Gang Kai Poh (far right), astronomy physics lecturer and NASA researcher, Rayta’s mentor: “Age should not be a determining factor for someone to go to college.” Rayta on his right. (private doc)
Killy and Rayta’s message for students in Indonesia who want to go straight to college is, “Don’t give up. Do the best. Make sure you practice every day because college and university are not the same as middle school or elementary school, so it’s better to practice. If you know what subject you will take (the major you will choose), you might be able to watch videos about that subject, try practicing questions in that subject. I don’t mean to say that you have to force yourself to do this all the time, you still need to spend time with friends and family, but at least try to practice.”
After graduating from elementary school, Killy went straight to college. He has to walk from his apartment to campus and do his own housework. (private doc)
“Look for opportunities. Not the other way around, waiting for opportunities to come). Now the internet is widespread. It can be used for learning too. It can open your horizons too. So, make full use of it. Just do what’s best for you (make full use of the internet. Just do what best),” said Rayta.
Rayta added, don’t doubt your own abilities just because you have limited English. According to him, it can be improved as we go along.
So, bored of school? Want to jump straight into college? Can. (ka/ab)