From Top of the Class to… 18 Smartest Kids in Their Class & Where They Are Now

Ever wondered what happened to the smartest kid in your class? The one who aced every test, won every science fair, and seemed destined for greatness? Well, you’re not alone.

We’ve scoured the depths of Reddit to bring you some of the most intriguing, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories about the prodigies of yesteryears.

Buckle up, because these tales are as varied as they are fascinating.

1. Harvard Scholar with a Tragic End

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He was the epitome of academic excellence, earning a full scholarship to Harvard. His first summer internship was at Intel, a dream for any tech enthusiast.

But fate had other plans. Just a few weeks into his California adventure, he was killed by a drunk driver. The news shocked everyone who knew him, and the loss still resonates to this day.

2. Became a NASA Employee Then Vanished from Social Media

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This person was always ahead of the curve, so it’s no surprise that he ended up working for NASA. Interestingly, he deleted his Facebook account a while ago. Perhaps, in a world full of oversharing, the smartest among us knows the value of privacy.

3. A Rare Disease Got Him

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Undoubtedly, He was brilliant, but life threw him a curveball in the form of a rare stomach disease. His current condition is not promising, reminding us that even the brightest minds are not immune to the unpredictabilities of life.

4. Fell into Substance Abuse

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She was smart and promising but ended up marrying an abusive man. Eventually, she fell into the dark world of Fentanyl abuse. Her life took a turn for the worse, leading to a divorce and a struggle with addiction.

5. Twins Following the Same Path

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They were inseparable, both in school and in their career paths. Both earned their Ph. Ds and are now working as geneticists at the same university. It’s a rare and beautiful instance of sibling success in the same field.

6. An Actual Rocket Scientist

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Yes, you read that right. The smartest guy from one high school actually became a rocket scientist. It’s almost like a cliché come to life, but it’s a testament to the power of hard work and intelligence.

7. Particle Physicist Professor

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He recently accepted a full professorship at a major university in the United States. Specializing in particle physics, he’s not just smart, he’s contributing to our understanding of the universe.

8. Unexpected Turn to Crime

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One individual, shockingly, ended up in jail for murder. This came as a surprise to everyone who knew him, highlighting the unpredictability of life paths.

9. A Complete Disconnection

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A really popular and smart kid, who was also a close friend, left everyone and everything behind after graduation, including his family. He even changed his name. This information came to light when a friend spotted him in a group photo at an academic conference.

10. Tragic Loss of a Talented Mind

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Another bright one, who was incredibly talented and could play the piano upside down, tragically died from a brain tumor right after graduating high school.

11. Researching Psilocybin at Johns Hopkins

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One person ended up working at Johns Hopkins, conducting research with Psilocybin. This path showcases the diverse directions that intelligent individuals can take.

12. Tragic Accident After Experimenting with Acid

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The smartest kid, who never smoked a cigarette or drank alcohol in high school and maintained straight As received a full ride to a prestigious university. Tragically, as a freshman, he dropped acid, walked out in front of a car, and was killed.

13. Becoming a Molecular Biologist in Poland

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One person moved to Poland and became a Molecular Biologist, showcasing the global opportunities available to the highly intelligent.

14. Successful Tech Career and Unconventional Lifestyle

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One went to a big college, earned a degree in tech, and now makes six figures and owns a townhouse outside of Baltimore.

He lives mainly with his grandmother, smokes a lot of weed, and flies a girl from Colorado for companionship. Interestingly, the person sharing this story married his sister.

15. From High School Nerd to Wealthy Tech Expert

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This smart kid was programming games in high school, valedictorian, went to MIT, works for Apple, and owns a very expensive home in California. He also has a wife and four kids and seems to be very happy.

16. Disappearance into a Shadowy Government Job

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One person is said to have disappeared into a shadowy government job, leaving everyone wondering about his whereabouts and activities.

17. Tragic Drowning of a Promising Individual

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The smartest person one person knew tragically drowned right after graduation. This loss was deeply felt, as many wished to see the impact he would have made on the world.

18. From Best Friend to Ivy League Professor

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Although they drifted apart over time, this person’s best friend earned a Ph.D. at Harvard, studied science in Antarctica, and now teaches at an Ivy League university.

Why Kids Who Excel in School Can Either Be Successful or Fall into Tragedy

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Children who excel in school are often viewed as destined for success. However, life is unpredictable, and various factors can influence the trajectory of a person’s life, regardless of their academic achievements.

Pressure and Expectations

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High-achieving students often face immense pressure and expectations from their parents, teachers, and peers. This pressure can lead to stress, anxiety, and mental health issues, which can negatively impact their future success.1

Impact of Child Abuse

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Child abuse can profoundly impact a child’s academic achievement and future success. Abused children often face multiple barriers to school success, including school changes and mental health issues.2

Importance of Responsibility and Independence

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Encouraging children to be responsible and work independently are important qualities for school success. However, if children are not taught these qualities, they may struggle to succeed in school and later in life.3

The stories of these intellectual prodigies serve as a reminder that life is unpredictable. While some have soared to new heights, others have faced challenges that have nothing to do with intelligence.

It’s a humbling thought for all of us, no matter where we are on the spectrum of smarts.

More from Viral Chatter

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Are you curious about the wisdom that comes with age? Do you wonder what life lessons you might learn from those who have walked the path before you?

We’ll delve into a thread where Redditors aged 50+ share their insights on life. We also incorporate findings from various psychological and health studies to provide a well-rounded perspective.

Here are ten key takeaways that could enrich your life and positively impact your outlook.

7 Uncomfortable Truths About Life That Foster Wisdom and Self-Discovery

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Life is an amazing adventure, filled with times of happiness, tough hurdles, and chances to learn about ourselves.

These experiences offer precious lessons, helping us see life’s complexities better and showing us how to develop and find wisdom.

These lessons guide us toward becoming better, more enlightened individuals on our journey through life.

Sources

From Top of the Class to... 18 Smartest Kids in Their Class & Where They Are Now » sources 1 2
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  1. medium.com/better-families/want-successful-kids-dont-push-them-to-excel-in-school-6d8747b34626
  2. casaspeaks4kids.com/child-abuse-affects-academic-achievement/
  3. colorincolorado.org/article/twenty-ways-you-can-help-your-children-succeed-school
  4. reddit.com/r/AskReddit/comments/15dbzoq/what_happened_to_the_smartest_kid_in_your_class/

This article was produced and syndicated by Viral Chatter.

Martha A. Lavallie
Martha A. Lavallie
Author & Editor | + posts

Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.