“Even in high school, students and teachers were convinced he’d win a Nobel prize someday.”

So, Redditoru/ameliiaxasked, “What became of themost intelligent studentin your class?”

Here’s what people said these folks are up to now.

Three monks walking towards Angkor Wat temple at dawn

“Our valedictorian works for Tesla.

The salutatorian is now a Buddhist monk in Tibet.”

“He went to Yale and joined the ROTC.

Students seated in classroom facing away from viewer, with notebooks on desks and backpacks on the floor

After he graduated, he became an Army Ranger and served in Afghanistan.

When he left the army, he joined a seminary and became a priest.”

u/PM_Me_UrRightNipple

3.

A medical professional's gloved hand retrieving a sheet next to a rack of labeled test tubes

“The valedictorian went to Stanford and got a PhD in Mathematics.

He now works for the NSA (National Security Agency).

He tells everyone he’s an ‘analyst’ and offers no additional details.”

Adult and child playfully upside down indoors with toys scattered around

Im told he can be found at the local bar most nights…"

u/RebelliousRoomba

5.

“The smartest kid in my class ended up sharing a Nobel Prize in chemistry.”

“The guy in my class got a full ride to Harvard.

Tropical fruit stand with pineapples and bananas, beach and palm trees in the background

This was 25 years ago, and I still really can’t believe it happened.”

u/ameliiax

7.

No judgment, that’s just what happened."

Two hikers with backpacks walking on a mountain trail at sunrise

“The valedictorian at my school became a nun right after graduation.”

diamondprincessq

9.

Now he’s a sports writer and seems to be happier than ever."

Healthcare professional working on a computer in a hospital setting

u/CaptValentine

11.

He was always a bit of an odd duck and hated exercise or going outside.

I looked him up recently because I was wondering what became of some of my classmates.

Person in motion wearing scrubs

Now he is a professional guide who does mountaineering trips in the US.

“The smartest girl in my year was also one of the students who bullied me.

She’s now a respected cardiologist and is happily married with two children who are in private school.

Underwater view of a scuba diver exploring between two large rocks with sunlight piercing through the water from above

So she seems to have found her happy ever after.

I’m glad she’s happy, but I’m also admittedly jealous!”

“Went to Harvard for college and somewhere else for medical school.

Space shuttle launch with billowing smoke at liftoff from launchpad

She became a doctor, married another doctor, and had a kid.

u/redditapiblows

14.

“I was the valedictorian, and I’m currently finishing up medical school.

Person writing chemical formulas on a blackboard with chalk

I’m en route to becoming an ER doctor…and I’m depressed and regret it all.

Life isn’t all about grades.

I wish I had put more focus on my mental health.”

“She became a waitress in a pub in her university town.

u/MyLandIsMyLand89

16.

“I graduated at the top of my class.

But I don’t feel behind.

I feel extremely fortunate that I had the opportunity to chase my dreams and have fabulous adventures.

“He works for our state Supreme Court.

u/Hrekires

18.

“The smartest girl in my school now works for NASA.”

Supposedly he is doing well.

I think he retired early.”

Even in high school, students and teachers were convinced he’d win a Nobel prize someday.

And he may well do that.”