Success story: Lynchburg teen already going for Master's of Science

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — We're told from a young age, that getting a college education will take you on a journey.

But for 19-year-old Ali Curcio, that journey started younger than most.

She already has a Bachelor's of Science and is currently going for a Master's of Science.

Ali's educational path started like everyone else, but in Kindergarten - they quickly noticed she wasn't like the rest of her peers.

"They realized I was ahead of all the other kids were in KG, and I needed a little more attention, I was getting bored," said Curcio.

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Because of this Ali skipped the 1st grade. From there she stayed a course through elementary school, but in the 8th grade.

"It was definitely getting to the point to where I was bored, so I would act out," said Curcio.

At that point that she and her parents knew that she needed more.

Her mom found a program for young and gifted kids at Mary Baldwin College.

"Mom was like - if you want to apply - do it. And I did it, kind of as a joke... I wasn't expecting much of it" laughed Curcio.

But at only 13 years old, Ali was accepted into Mary Baldwin.

She completed her Bachelors in Health Science at only 16 years old.

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She says it wasn't the academics that were challenging, but rather.

"You're 13, 14, 15 - you're going through all the developmental things, trying to figure out who you are, what you want to be and whatnot and trying to do that in a college environment is a bit difficult" explained Curcio.

After taking a year off and helping her parents open County Smoak BBQ on Timberlake Road where she currently helps run the store.

She is now back to school again. This time at U of L.

She originally wanted to go into Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology. Now, she says, she wants to give back and inspire the next generation as a middle school teacher.

"The kids that age are old enough that you can introduce more complex topics, but young enough to where they haven't lost that curiosity and natural passion for learning, and if you have a good teacher in MS that can re-spark that for you - it'll last," said Curcio, with a smile.