12-year-old Girl to Become Youngest University Graduate in Canada’s History

Cursory: Anthaea, a 12-year-old child prodigy, is set to become the youngest person to graduate from a Canadian university, with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical science from the University of Ottawa. Anthaea began her academic journey at the age of nine, and her remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional abilities and determination. Anthaea’s research focused on the correlation between cerebellum activity and handedness. She plans to pursue postgraduate education and continue her research.

Anthaea-Grace Patricia Dennis is far from being an ordinary 12-year-old. She possesses an extraordinary talent that sets her apart—she is a child prodigy on the verge of accomplishing an unprecedented feat in Canada.

On the upcoming Saturday, Patricia Dennis will proudly stride across the stage at the University of Ottawa, becoming the youngest individual ever to graduate from a Canadian university, having earned her bachelor’s degree in biomedical science. Remarkably, she embarked on this academic journey at the tender age of nine, while her peers were occupied with games during recess.

With such a remarkable achievement at hand, one can only wonder about the emotions coursing through this exceptional young mind as she approaches this momentous day.

“I’m going to be proud. I’m going to hope I don’t fall off the stage,” Patricia Dennis said in an interview. “I’m going to be happy for myself too, not just for other people. I am proud of myself for getting to this point, despite all the hurdles and blocks that there have been for a person like me.”

Perhaps no one will be more proud or excited than her biggest supporter, her mom Johanna Dennis.

Dennis, the proud mother of Patricia, became aware of her daughter’s exceptional abilities at a remarkably young age, around two-and-a-half years old. Since then, their bond has grown stronger as they navigate the extraordinary journey together.

As a single mother, Dennis herself pursued an academic career, ultimately becoming a law professor, and she has played a pivotal role in shaping her daughter’s education.

“I feel like part of why I’m going to the convocation and walking across the stage is for her own benefit to say, ‘Thank you for being there for me.’ I think that’s really the main purpose of the graduation in the first place,” said Patricia Dennis.

“She’s always there for me whenever I need her to be there.”

However, embarking on a university program at such a young age has presented Patricia Dennis with a unique set of challenges. People often hold preconceived notions and expectations about how she should appear, speak, and behave based solely on her age. These assumptions have required her to navigate and address others’ perceptions and stereotypes with resilience and determination.

“My advice for people who are also young, gifted, smart, talented — don’t let other people’s expectations bring you down,” she said. “That’s been a major obstacle for me everywhere I go.”

She also wants to inspire other intelligent and ambitious children.

“I’m very motivated by the fact that I can be the first (to do) something. You know, being able to show other young, gifted and talented people that something like this is possible, that you can get through these roadblocks, has always been something that I’ve always wanted to do,” she said.

One of the most memorable achievements during her university journey was completing a comprehensive 40-page thesis.

Her research focused on examining the correlation between functional activity in the cerebellum, responsible for coordinating balance and movement, and handedness.

The findings of her paper revealed significant differences in the connectivity between the brain and hand for individuals who are right-handed compared to those who are left-handed.

After researching the topic for around a year, Patricia Dennis presented her findings at the Ottawa-Carleton Institute of Biology Symposium.“I can now call myself a researcher,” she said. “There are people showing interest in what I’m doing, and I feel like the master of the cerebellum.”

When she’s not immersed in the realm of brain research and writing, Patricia Dennis showcases her exceptional talent as a skilled violinist.

Her passion for music harmoniously coexists with her love for her cat companions and indulging in family time by indulging in TV show marathons.

Following a well-deserved summer break from her studies, Patricia Dennis is now pursuing postgraduate education. Among her top choices are McGill University, the University of Toronto, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. Her ambition is to continue her research on functional activity in the cerebellum, further delving into this fascinating field.

“I’ll probably pick it back up when I have my own lab, and I can get people to also do it with me, because I’ll be in charge,” she said.

ALLSCHOOL TEAM