He was awarded at age 13, earned a master's degree at age 16 and entered Harvard at age 17: "Many confuse those who are gifted with the sick"

The life of Mexican Dafne Almazán does not have any intervals. He is moving at a frantic pace, even faster than his high abilities. At age 3, he already knew how to read. At age 6, he started elementary school online and completed it in one year. At age 10, he had already completed high school. When she was 13, she was already there: she had become the youngest qualified psychologist in the world.

But the milestones did not stop there. His adolescence became a new permanent student. At the age of 16, he had already completed his first master's degree at Tecnológico de Monterrey and at age 17 it was for his big goal: to enter Harvard. She did it and went to the registers as the youngest student to have been admitted in the last 100 years.

"When I applied, I did not even have the choice to do it because the miners were not allowed to follow the conventional procedure." In July of last year, I had to contact the director of the master's degree in mathematics for then It was several exams, both language and knowledge, the presentation of the program and interviews, thankfully I succeeded, "said Daphne in a telephone conversation with Infobae from Mexico.

– Why does a psychologist end up choosing education and, punctually, teaching mathematics?

-In Mexico, there is a very big problem in the field of mathematics. I think that happens in many other countries as well. The way it is taught does not excite children, they see it as a repetition, an absence of meaning. We must try to change this mode of perception: they find the subject amusing and interesting.

In addition to her studies, the CEDAT young woman, a school for gifted children who founded her father and brother. Like all her family, she has an IQ that places her at 2% of the world's population.

– At what time did your family realize that you were good at it?

My family noticed very quickly. When I was three years old, I learned to read and I did it alone, in a self-taught way. In early detection is one of the keys. My brothers also have gifts. Then, it was likely that I had it.

– Is there a genetic question then?

-There are several investigations that go in this direction. Most agree that the influence of parents is obvious. In the case of men, they need one of the two, father or mother, to be equally talented. In the case of girls, the father and mother should have a high IQ.

– Many gifted children have difficulties, especially to socialize with their peers, sometimes they do not even have good academic results. Did you have problems during your childhood?

-Fortunately I did not suffer during my childhood. My parents were always by my side and supported me. I have never felt rejection. But my brother was bullied from a young age, not only from his clbadmates, but even from teachers who thought he was trying to sabotage his clbades. Today, it is estimated that 80% of gifted children suffer from bullying.

-What usually happens with gifted children who are misdiagnosed?

-We have had cases of 5 year olds who say that they want to kill themselves. This is a very sensitive issue because it is very common to diagnose an attention deficit or even Asperger's syndrome. Many confuse him. Then the children end up thinking that they are sick and the parents, for lack of information, believe the same thing. In fact, they only need special coaching and education tailored to their abilities.

– Your parents have chosen to accelerate your basic education. Do you think that's the solution?

-I think the academic is important, let's see how to keep the child motivated, but the essential part is the emotional part. If there is no emotional stability, academic attempts are useless. In this, the family plays a fundamental role and also the friends. Therefore, it is sought that they have relationships with children sharing the same interests.

– Did you propose as a goal to break records, to be the youngest psychologist, to enter Harvard when you were a minor or did you go away naturally?

-I set goals, but I have never tried to finish before another. It was not a race that wanted to beat anyone. I thought "I want to finish this degree or master's degree as I could" and it was given naturally. Now, I also complete the studies by giving courses or doing research.

-With 17 years old, you already have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree and you work. You might think you do not have free time for other activities.

-This is to give priority, but there is time for everything. In fact, many activities outside of school and work. I like art very much: I take lessons in violin, piano and singing. I love languages: I polish French and Chinese. I also practice sport when I practice taekwondo. At times, I set priorities, but there is still room for free time.

-What is your future idea?

-I want to return to Mexico to put into practice everything I've learned. Beyond my studies at Harvard, I do not want my case to be a new brain drain. My idea is to go back and apply all the knowledge of my country. My first goal is education. There is a lot to do.