In a truly extraordinary achievement, a remarkable Arizona teenager is preparing to graduate this spring not only with his high school diploma but also with not one, but three college degrees.
Meet Tristan Andrade, a young prodigy who embarked on his college journey while still in sixth grade, taking online courses that paved the way for his impressive academic accomplishments.
By eighth grade, Tristan joined Estrella Mountain Community College's concurrent enrollment program, which allowed him to pursue college classes both online and in person while completing his homeschool high school curriculum. The 17-year-old shared with "Good Morning America," "It would save me years of time and money and really helped me pursue my interests faster." Tristan's determination and drive are evident in his pursuit of knowledge.
Rey Rivera, the president of Estrella Mountain Community College, expressed his pride in Tristan's remarkable accomplishments, highlighting that while the college has approximately 1,500 students participating in their early college programs, including concurrent enrollment, Tristan's story is truly unique. Rivera stated, "We're extremely proud of Tristan. I've heard of cases where students have certainly completed an associate's degree while in high school. It's just the number—having three associate's degrees—that's not really common."
Tristan's academic journey culminates next Friday when he graduates with associate's degrees in artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics. Among his areas of study, Tristan particularly gravitates towards artificial intelligence, as it aligns with his passion and future career aspirations. He remarked, "AI is definitely my favorite because it's my passion and it's the field that I hope to go into."
While Tristan has already achieved a great deal, he remains hungry for more accomplishments. He views graduation as a significant milestone, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life's journey. This fall, Tristan will be attending Arizona State University, where he plans to major in artificial intelligence and computer science. In an accelerated 4 + 1 program, he aims to obtain both his bachelor's and master's degrees.
For young students aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Tristan offers a strong recommendation to take high school and college courses concurrently. This approach allows them to get a head start, save time, and minimize expenses. He emphasizes the importance of building connections and learning from others, acknowledging the invaluable real-world experiences his classmates have shared with him. Tristan believes that these connections and experiences have shaped his growth and development immensely.
As we celebrate Tristan Andrade's outstanding achievements, we are inspired by his dedication, perseverance, and thirst for knowledge. His story serves as a testament to the boundless potential of young minds and the power of seizing educational opportunities. Stay tuned to "Good Morning America" for more uplifting stories of triumph and inspiration.
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