Justly believed to be this generation’s top inventor, American entrepreneur and inventor of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs has been called the one mind being revolutionizing the personal computer. However, according to Wired they have found the next Steve Jobs.
According to the technology publication, Paloma Noyola Bueno is believed to be the world’s next technological genius. And she is only 12-years-old. Bueno lives in Matamoros, a Mexican border town, with her mother and other family members who survive on selling scrap metal and food on the streets.
A student at a school located near the municipal waste dump, last year Bueno intelligence was discovered when she became one of the youngest of eight children to score a maximum of 921 on the Mexican version of the SATs. Considering that Bueno lives in a border city which was heavily in the midst of a turf between Mexican drug cartels her score was the best in the entire nation.
The nurturing of Bueno’s intelligence may be due in part to her teacher’s pedagogical methods. The article notes that Sergio Juárez Correa, aged 33, employs a different teaching method which utilizes a “minimally invasive education” which is a concept developed by Sugata Mitra.
A professor from Britian’s Newcastle University who teaches educational technology, Mitra’s method allows students to tap into their own curiosity and lets them self-educate in how to solve problems.
Using this method on his students, Correa noticed that his students’ scores in Spanish and Mathematics had risen significant with nine other students scoring an estimated 900 in a similar test Bueno took.
Due to the dire circumstances Bueno lives in, Bueno and other students face a lackluster potential to grow. In a school which lacks property facilities like running water, telephone access, and a normal presence of students dropping-out due the limits of the Mexican education system her success should be highly praised.
Bueno is just one of many students who are forced to live in an environment that could hinder their educational growth.
“If Paloma had the same opportunities or open doors as Steve Jobs, she probably would be a genius in this subject,” said Correa, imaging the possible future that could be easily attained for Bueno if she were permitted to certain access.
While she may not live in an ideal environment, there is nothing stopping Bueno. With a strong support network, the young genius recently went to Mexico City for a mental math competition and has earned media recognition in her home country earning her a national star status due to it.
The coverage that circulates around her hasn’t gotten to Bueno who is merely happy to be receiving an education and is, “very happy.”
The future is bright for Paloma Noyola Bueno who leaves us with wise advice, “If you want it, you can do it.”
Update:
- Continued work as a teacher: Paloma Noyola Bueno has continued to work as a teacher and has shared her innovative teaching methods with other educators. She has also worked to improve education in Mexico, advocating for better teacher training and increased resources for schools.
- Founded a non-profit organization: In 2016, Paloma Noyola Bueno founded the non-profit organization, LITOS, which stands for Learning and Innovation for Transforming Our Schools. The organization aims to provide training and resources to teachers in Mexico and other countries, helping them to improve their teaching practices and enhance the quality of education for their students.
- Participated in education initiatives: Paloma Noyola Bueno has been involved in various education initiatives, including the Global Education and Skills Forum and the World Innovation Summit for Education. She has also spoken at conferences and events around the world, sharing her experiences and insights into education.
- Received awards and recognition: In addition to winning the Global Teacher Prize in 2013, Paloma Noyola Bueno has received other awards and recognition for her work in education. In 2015, she was named one of the “50 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, and in 2017, she was included in Forbes’ list of “30 Under 30” in education.
Overall, Paloma Noyola Bueno has continued to make a significant impact in the field of education since winning the Global Teacher Prize. She has worked tirelessly to improve education in Mexico and beyond, and her innovative teaching methods have inspired many educators around the world.
Movie “Radical” (based on real life):
Premiered at Sundance in 2023, Radical is based on the true story of an inspirational middle school teacher played by Eugenio Derbez, who tries a radical new method to unlock their students’ curiosity, potential – and maybe even their genius.
The students include a budding genius, Jennifer Trejo who plays Paloma Noyola Bueno, who has been touted by Wired magazine as “The Next Steve Jobs” — and other kids who’ve been kicked around and just need a chance. “Radical” The movie takes place in school in Matamoros, Mexico,
Radical can be compared to Stand & Deliver, Dead Poet’s Society, and other films based on inspirational teachers that motivate students on to success.
