High Potential + Zero Opportunity = A Tragic Waste
By Michelle Malay Carter on April 22, 2009
On a similar note as my post, Cognitive Surplus Gone Bad at San Diego State, it turns out the surviving teenage Somali pirate was?not just a flunky, he was the ring leader.?
According to the AP and the Fort Worth Star Telegram, “Abdiwali Abdiqadir Muse grew up destitute in Somalia, the oldest of 12 children and the product of a violent, lawless nation where his parents scraped together a few dollars a day selling milk and tending to a small herd of camels, cows and goats.”
“He eventually joined a gang of pirates who laid siege to an American cargo ship and took the captain hostage before three of them were killed by Navy snipers. Muse survived but was stabbed in the hand with a knife, telling a crew member after the attack that it was always his dream to come to America.”
The 18 year-old has?made it to America, charged with piracy, conspiracy, and brandishing and firing a gun during a conspiracy.
Cognitive Trajectory Appears Early
I’ve contended that high potential shows itself at a young age.? My children could tell me in kindergarten who the “smartest” kid in class was.? They are pretty matter of fact about it.? Research shows that those on a high potential cognitive trajectory will continue on a steeper cognitive development slope than most throughout their lives.? Interestingly, we think once we hit adulthood, all differences are nullified and?anybody can be anything with a little training and determination.
Although this philosophy is used as encouragement and liberation, I think it leaves many feeling frustrated and inadequate and others prideful and judgmental, but I digress.
A Mother Knows
Back to the?AP story, “The details of Muse?s life are murky, with his parents in Somalia insisting that he was tricked into getting involved in piracy. His mother said he was “wise beyond his years” ? a child who ignored other boys his age who tried to tease him and got lost in books instead.”
I’m OK.? You’re OK.? Let’s fix the system.
What has your experience been?
Filed Under High Potential, Personal Observation, Talent Management
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