Dorothy Genius
At the age of 12, many of us were barely able to go to the shopping mall by ourselves, but Dorothy Jean (DJ) Tillman, hailing out of the southside of Chicago is living her best life. On Friday, July 13th, the preteen graduated from college earning her second bachelor’s degree from upstate New York’s Excelsior College.
As a child, DJ began picking up on math faster than children her own age. DJ’s mom, Jemelita said her daughter’s childcare provider, Ms. Mary was the first to notice how DJ picked up on things so quickly. Ms. Mary told her, “You got a special baby that you need to understand that this baby been here before.” DJ was completing double-digit math problems by the age of 3 or 4 years old, and her family was excited that she was eager about learning.
Her eagerness has tremendously paid off. After earning her Associates Degree, DJ has now earned her first Bachelor’s degree. Her plan now is to head to graduate school to obtain a Master’s Degree in Environmental Engineering – at the age of 12! The preteen said she chose Environmental Engineering because she’s excited about helping people. DJ explained, “With environmental engineering, it’s all about helping people, the environment, and that’s just what I love to do, that’s what makes me happy.”
Although DJ has accomplished more at the age of 12, than some millennials; she still makes time to be a child.“My child plays with bubbles, my child still loves to go on the swing so when the question comes up, is she nervous that she is going to miss high school, she’s not even in the high school mind frame,” her mother explained.
DJ’s plan is to take a couple of gap months prior to starting her masters program. It’s awesome to see this dynamic story and this brilliant little girl, coming straight out of the south side of Chicago.
Check out DJ’s full interview with Albany’s Fox 8 Live:
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