11-Year-Old Osher Ahn-Clifford Enrolls at University of Waterloo

At just 11 years old, Osher Ahn-Clifford has made headlines as the youngest undergraduate student at the University of Waterloo. His remarkable journey through academia and his passion for advanced mathematics have set him apart, but he remains grounded in typical childhood activities.

Osher, who enjoys racing as Yoshi in Mario Kart and constructing elaborate buildings in Minecraft, balances his academic life with playful moments. He beatboxes with his eight-year-old sister, Anais, and shares laughs over fart jokes, just like many children his age. Despite his exceptional intelligence, Osher’s parents, Lori Ahn and Michael Clifford, strive to ensure he experiences a normal childhood, dropping him off and picking him up from school each day.

Sitting in a sunny spot on campus, Osher expressed his excitement about university life. “It feels great,” he said, reflecting on his experiences so far. His journey began in 2018 when he became the youngest member of Mensa, the high IQ society. Since then, he has pursued knowledge at his own pace, opting for homeschooling after Grade 1. This choice allowed him to delve into advanced math and coding, igniting a passion for problem-solving.

Osher’s academic path took a significant turn when he began taking first-year math courses before officially enrolling at Waterloo in 2023. His brief hiatus from formal education included internships at Shopify and Cohere, where he gained practical experience in his areas of interest. Despite his age, both companies welcomed him enthusiastically, providing him with valuable learning opportunities that he cherishes.

Notably, Osher’s parents have not pressured him regarding his intelligence. They intentionally focus on his happiness and personal interests rather than societal expectations. “Giftedness doesn’t define him,” Lori stated, emphasizing their desire for Osher to feel like any other child. Michael added that while outsiders may perceive Osher as mature due to his university status, they view him primarily as a kid.

Osher’s love for learning stems from a desire to explore topics without constraints. “I can’t imagine what life would be like if I wasn’t able to learn at my own pace,” he remarked. His enthusiasm for math and computer science is palpable; he relishes the satisfaction of solving complex problems and appreciates the capacity to create computer programs for himself and others.

The mentor-student relationship Osher shares with Robert Garbary, an associate professor at Waterloo, has played a crucial role in his development. Since they first connected when Osher was seven, Garbary has witnessed the boy’s exceptional mathematical prowess. “It was clear very quickly that this was the real deal,” Garbary recalled, impressed by Osher’s abilities.

As Osher continues his studies, he remains uncertain about his future. While he enjoys his internships and is keen on solving significant problems, he recognizes the unpredictability of life beyond university. For now, he embraces his childhood, relishing moments like running around with his sister in the grass and attending the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association’s carnival, where he looks forward to rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl.

In highlighting Osher’s story, his parents hope to shed light on the importance of nurturing individual interests without the weight of expectations. Their approach allows Osher to thrive academically while enjoying the wonders of childhood.