16 May 2023 , 09:03
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A remarkable 17-year-old student is set to graduate high school with not one, not two, but three college degrees.
Tristan Andrade began taking college courses when he was in the sixth grade, and by the time he was in eighth grade, he had already enrolled in the Estrella Mountain Community College in Arizona as a dual-enrolment student.
Thanks to his hard work, dedication, and a unique opportunity to take both online and in-person college classes while completing his home-school high school curriculum, Tristan is set to receive his high school diploma alongside associate's degrees in artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics.
In an interview with Good Morning America, Tristan said, "It feels amazing. I've been working up to this moment my whole life, and it just means a lot to me because it marks the beginning of a new chapter of my journey."
Tristan's achievements have not come without support, and he credits his family and the staff at the college for their help along the way.
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Tristan is set to receive his high school diploma alongside associate's degrees in artificial intelligence, computer science, and mathematics (KPNX/)His father, Maynard Andrade, said in an interview with 12 News: "I'm just absolutely amazed that he was able to do all this in the time that most people haven't even graduated high school.
"They're just thinking about what colleges to go to or studying for SAT."
Now, Tristan is hoping to inspire others to follow in his footsteps, telling Good Morning America, "It is possible, and anyone can do it."
He recommends that students looking to dual-enrol make connections and learn from others as much as possible.
He is hoping to inspire others to follow in his footsteps (KPNX/Tristan)Tristan's next step is to enrol at Arizona State University in the fall, where he plans to major in artificial intelligence and computer science.
He intends to complete both his bachelor's and master's degrees in an accelerated 4 + 1 programme.
Ultimately, Tristan hopes to pursue a career as an AI engineer, a passion that he has had since he was a child.
To mark the occasion of his graduation, Tristan will sing the national anthem at the ceremony, an honour he also received last year.