West Muhammad, a 14-year-old African American student from Baltimore, has become the youngest freshman ever to attend Coppin State University in Maryland. While other kids his age are entering their first year of high school, West is already roaming around Coppin State’s campus, beginning his college experience.
According to WBAL-TV, West had a childhood dream of attending college and experiencing campus life, inspired by television and literature. “I’ve always wanted to go to college and be on campus, have that experience,” he told me.
West had not anticipated beginning his studies in cybersecurity engineering at such an early age, particularly on a full scholarship. “I was a little nervous because it felt surreal at times,” he told me. “People would ask me how I got here, and I started to realize how rare this was.”
Indeed, West’s journey is unique—not only is he the youngest freshman in Coppin State history, but he has always excelled academically. His mother taught him to read when he was three years old, and by the age of four, he had started first grade. He attended private schools, was homeschooled, and then entered public schools, always outperforming his colleagues.
Even though he is still the youngest in his circles, a position he is used to from his school days, West is not letting it slow him down. He is thriving in his studies, receiving great grades and garnering the respect of his professors and peers.
For West, the goal isn’t just about making history. “It’s about setting an example for other young people, whether they’re 13, 14, or 15,” he explained. “If they want to go to college or start a business, I hope I can show them that anything is possible.”