‘He’s making history.’ Pennsylvania boy, 9, lives in Collegeville and goes to college

At age nine, most kids don’t know what they want to do when they grow up. Some may say teacher, firefighter or nurse.

But if you ask Aiden Wilkins of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, he’ll tell you he wants to be a Pediatric Neurosurgeon. In fact, he’ll also tell you he’s close to making that dream come true.

Wilkins is taking college courses at Ursinus College. And the college freshman says academics have always been easy for him.

“Ever since I was three, I’d watch an anatomy video and was always fascinated when I saw the brain,” he said.

In a neuroscience classroom filled with 18-to-20-year-olds, Aiden is studying and learning right next to them.

“The reason why I want to be a pediatric neurosurgeon is mainly because I like helping kids around my age,” the 9-year-old said. “It’s sad to see kids around my age with neuro-disabilities so I want to help them out.”

Three times a week, Aiden can be seen hitting the books at Ursinus College. The other days he’s taking virtual classes at Reach Cyber Charter School as a sophomore in high school.

At age 9, Ayden is the youngest student in the school’s history. His mother, Veronica Wilkins, is extremely proud.

“It’s exciting because he’s making history and you know he feels great. I think it’s so important to be seen and heard,” Veronica said.

She said she knew her son was gifted the moment he was able to speak. “He was reading signs and corrected people’s sentences…writing algebraic equations.”

Three years ago, he passed the gifted test administered by his high school. About a year ago, Aiden made it clear he wanted a new challenge.

His mother did research and landed on Ursinus College for its courses and its proximity to their home.

When asked how proud she is of her son, Veronica said, “I’m extremely proud of Aiden because it’s all him. It’s all organic. I’m just behind the scenes and he goes for what he wants.”

Aiden wants everyone to know anything is possible. “What I really want people to know is that from my story all you have to do is put in work to do whatever you want.”