Holiday Gifts for the Gifted: Part 2
Thiago Olson’s interest in science began with mixing things together in the kitchen (his mother thought he would be a cook), a simple chemistry set, and the ability to meet other science enthusiasts on the Internet. His friends now call the 17-year-old, “the mad scientist.” In the basement of his parents' home, Thiago spent more than 2 years and 1,000 hours to research and build a machine that, on a small scale, creates nuclear fusion.
I’ve been thinking more about gifts for the holidays that encourage lifelong skills—that chemistry set that Thiago received certainly helped him to develop his love of science.
There are many presents out there that are self-limiting and hold one’s interest for only a short time. There are also presents that can have a real impact on one’s life. We can give presents that support an interest that is already established or we can give a young person a present that may introduce him to something new and interesting. I surveyed family members and friends by posing the question: “What are your memories of your best holiday presents—ones that really got you interested in something that you continued to pursue?” The following is a synthesis of responses:
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Computer—played games, learned simple programming, figured out how computers work—this person went on to make computers his life work. He now builds and maintains computer systems for individuals, companies, and governments.
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Video camera—used to make very creative movies. Learned movie editing skills. Gained a lot of positive recognition from friends for this creative activity. Encouraged creativity in all aspects of life.
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A basic stereo—parents showed that they supported his love of music. His career became work in radio.
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Erector set—This mechanical building set taught him principals of mechanics and helped him to develop manual skills. Eventually this person became an orthopedic surgeon.
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Diary with a lock and key and lots of stationery and pencils and pens—learned to love to write. As a teenager, had pen pals all over the world, so he also learned a lot about geography and different cultures.
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A simple chemistry set with a rocket that could be launched with vinegar and soda, and also chemicals and directions for making invisible ink, fake blood, and other mixtures—Parents did not have much money and this was a sacrifice for them to purchase. Child was sensitive to this and appreciated it. This person went on to become a psychologist and high school counselor—always sensitive to the needs of others.
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An adult received a copy of Writer’s Market—It was a personal signal that she should take her writing seriously and has since published numerous articles and her second book is now at the printer's.
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Twenty-gallon fish tank—turned into a lifelong hobby.
Hopefully, when choosing presents this holiday season, you will consider ones that will help your young person develop a skill and encourage creativity. One never knows how this might translate into a lifelong endeavor.