Imagine a kindergartener who devours documentaries, tackles complex topics like airplane mechanics, and leaves even his parents scratching their heads with questions about the fastest shark species. Meet Jacob Young, a brilliant 5-year-old from Monument, Colorado, who just aced his way into Mensa, the world’s exclusive high-IQ society!
This whiz kid isn’t your typical five-year-old. While other children might be content with basic shapes and colors, Jacob’s mind craves knowledge. His fascination goes beyond “what” and delves into the intricate “how” and “why.” Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, airplanes, deep space, and the secrets of the Titanic spark his imagination.
Jacob’s parents, Renee, a former data analyst, and Joshua, an intelligence officer with the Space Force, recognize the exceptional spark in their son. Seeing him devour documentaries and hold conversations that rival high school discussions, they knew they had to nurture his extraordinary mind.
“He watches documentaries with us. He loves the History Channel,” Renee Young told KKTV. “The conversations are like what you might have in a high school or college class, but it’s with our five-year-old at the dinner table.”
Enter Mensa. With guidance from his teachers and a doctor specializing in giftedness, Jacob embarked on an intellectual odyssey. He tackled the Mensa qualification test, a rigorous assessment designed for adults, and emerged victorious! Scoring in the top 1%, Jacob earned his rightful place among the brightest minds on the planet.
“The doctor who did the testing for Jacob said, ‘you might start looking for organizations and I’ll send you recommendations; there are magnet schools, groups, and there’s Mensa and this might be a great fit to help him meet with like-minded peers, challenge him outside the school setting,’” Young said.
This is a story not just about exceptional intelligence, but about fostering a child’s passion for learning. Jacob’s journey is an inspiration to us all. It reminds us that with the right support and environment, a curious mind can truly soar.