11-year-old breaks Cal. college record as its youngest graduate
- Athena Elling received associate degree from Irvine Valley College
- Her brother was six months older when he graduated last year
- Athena now plans to get another associate degree
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(NewsNation) — It’s a case of sibling rivalry that every parent might wish for. Athena Elling, an 11-year-old, has become the youngest person to earn an associate degree from Irvine Valley College in southern California.
She beat the previous record holder by six months: Her brother, Tycho, who got his degree last year.
“I chased him all the way into calculus,” Athena told NewsNation’s “Cuomo.”
While her brother is now a junior at UC Irvine, Athena says he wants to continue at Irvine Valley College and get another associate degree.
‘Maybe in theater, or music, or psychology,” she said.
“Athena’s always been hungry and competitive,” said Christina Chow, Athena’s mother.
“As soon as she (Athena) knew she was getting her associate’s, she asked me to figure out if they would waive the credit limit, since she’s also a high school student,” Chow said.
When she isn’t pursuing degrees, Athena is busy with Tai Kwan-do and her pets: two chinchillas, nine chickens and four goldfish.
