Phung-Hieu Diep, a remarkable 12-year-old prodigy, is set to graduate from Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, California, on May 22, 2026. His achievements are nothing short of extraordinary for someone of his age; he is graduating with an associate degree in mathematics and holds the honour of being the valedictorian of his class. With a perfect 4.0 GPA, Phung-Hieu’s academic journey is a testament to his dedication and intelligence.
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Reflecting on his college experience, Phung-Hieu shared his enthusiasm, stating, “I tell people that it’s been an amazing experience. College has allowed me to dive into math and other subjects.” His path to higher education began at a young age, demonstrating an early aptitude for mathematics. It all started in the third grade when he found himself ready to tackle pre-algebra while his peers were still learning basic multiplication.
Determined to challenge himself further, Phung-Hieu enrolled in a pre-calculus class at Berkeley Community College. At just ten years old, he made the significant decision to leave middle school and pursue full-time studies at the college level. Due to his age, Phung-Hieu had to attend six community colleges to create a suitable full-time course load, highlighting the unique obstacles that young scholars can face.
Looking ahead, Phung-Hieu has ambitious plans for his future. He aspires to attend the University of California, Berkeley, followed by medical school. His ultimate goal is to specialise in infectious diseases, a passion that stemmed from his research presentation on outbreaks in catfish aquaculture. “Because of my experience in outbreaks, I want to become an infectious disease physician,” he explained, highlighting his determination to make a meaningful impact in the medical field.
In a recent social media post, Evergreen Valley College celebrated Phung-Hieu’s exceptional achievements, stating, “Phung-Hieu Diep is an incredible EVC graduate. At 12 years old, he is earning a transfer degree in Mathematics and will walk with the rest of the Class of 2026 on Friday. He is also one of our valedictorians and plans to start another degree at EVC next year.” This recognition underscores the support he received from the institution throughout his academic journey.
Phung-Hieu’s story serves as an inspiration to students of all ages. It challenges traditional perceptions of education and highlights the potential that young learners can achieve when they are driven and supported. His determination and hard work exemplify the idea that age need not be a barrier to reaching one’s goals.
As Phung-Hieu prepares for graduation, the academic community and those who know his journey are eager to see where his talents will take him next. With aspirations that reach into the spheres of academia and healthcare, he is poised to make a significant contribution to society, particularly in addressing critical health issues.
In a world that often limits expectations based on age, Phung-Hieu Diep’s accomplishments remind us that talent can emerge at any stage of life, and with the right support and opportunities, even the youngest among us can blaze trails for future generations. As he steps into the next chapter of his academic career, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain fixed on this young scholar as he navigates the path to his future aspirations.