In an extraordinary achievement that few 13-year-olds can claim, Elijah Muhammad has emerged as a college graduate, capturing the attention of all who hear his remarkable story. With unwavering determination and a passion for learning, this exceptional young teen recently donned his cap and gown to receive an associate's degree in computer science and cybersecurity from Oklahoma City Community College.
In an interview with our esteemed KOKO-TV, Elijah proudly shared his impressive list of accomplishments, which include not only his college degree but also 10 IBM certifications and a Google IT certification. Not content with resting on his laurels, he is now setting his sights on pursuing a bachelor's degree at the esteemed Oklahoma State University.
Remarkably, Elijah owes his accelerated educational journey to his father's innovative homeschool program, aptly named Pro One Collegiate Academy. Elijah this program allowed him to delve into his passion for cybersecurity at an early age, propelling him toward higher education ahead of schedule.
Elijah's exceptional academic prowess was not lost on his fellow students during his time at the community college. In fact, some were taken aback, mistaking him for an adult in the classroom with a caregiver present. Setting the record straight, Elijah revealed, "I told them that I was actually in this class [at] my age -- they were surprised at first. They thought I would just be quiet in class. But when I asked questions and I was interacting with the class, they were more surprised."
Proudly watching her brother's achievements unfold, Shania Muhammad, Elijah's older sister, expressed her admiration for him, stating, "He is the smartest person I know. And regardless of if you're older or not, it's like I've never seen [anything] like him." Shania herself is no stranger to early success, having graduated from Langston University at the tender age of 15. She served as an inspiration to Elijah, providing guidance and support throughout his journey.
Drawing from her own experiences, Shania revealed, "I got two associate's degrees at 14 years old, and I kind of did the same process. That's why I just went on to do my bachelor's. I completed everything in two and a half years. So I was just kind of exploring and just having fun, but it turned out quite amazing."
While the siblings may engage in friendly competition, Elijah emphasizes the importance of unity and helping one another. He firmly believes in the power of collaboration and support, stating, "When someone else needs help, we're all there to help each other out."
Yet, amidst his rigorous studies, Elijah finds time to engage in other activities that bring him joy and balance. He's an avid swimmer and basketball enthusiast, reveling in the opportunity to pursue his passions beyond the realm of academia. Additionally, Elijah has embraced his role as a motivational speaker, eagerly sharing his story and uplifting others in their pursuit of personal goals.
Ever the beacon of inspiration, Elijah delivers a powerful message to those who aspire to achieve greatness. He said, "If you want to put your mind to making a 4.0, you can do it. If you want to put your mind to winning a state championship, you can do it. You just gotta put in the work that it takes to accomplish that."
Elijah Muhammad's awe-inspiring journey reminds us all that age should never be a barrier to pursuing our dreams. With passion, dedication, and unwavering support, you can stay inspired.
Watch his incredible achievement in this video below:
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(via Good Morning America)