MOLINE, Ill. (KWQC) – A Moline student is proving that challenges don’t define potential — they can help shape it.
Eight-year-old Anakin Laffredi has a passion for science and a dream of helping others one day.
“I want to be a scientist,” he said. “Because in the future I want to build like robots, stuff, even medicine for cancer, because I want to help people and also create inventions to help people.”
He’s currently competing in a nationwide contest called “America’s Favorite Student,” with a chance to win $20,000 while also raising money for the Planetary Society.
If he wins, Anakin would get the opportunity to tour with Bill Nye the Science Guy.
But behind the competition is a journey shaped by challenges.
Anakin has ADHD and sensory processing disorder, also known as SPD, which can make learning and everyday situations more difficult.
“I usually feel okay, but when loud noises come in, I need headphones,” he said.
Despite those challenges, his love for learning continues to shine.
“We just stopped coding a while ago and we are in on where you are building robots now,” Anakin said.
His mother Amanda Laffredi said the key is understanding that every child learns differently.
“If they can’t get it one way, that doesn’t mean that they don’t know it or that they’re not going to be able to learn it,” she said. “They just need to learn a different way.”
She said this experience has already shown just how much her son is capable of.
“Even though he’s different, he is just, he’s capable of so much,” she said.
As for Anakin, he’s taking it one step at a time.
“It is very exciting and very worrying,” he said. “Cause you don’t know if you’re going to win or lose unless you can see into the future.”
The competition runs through the spring, with winners expected to be announced in June.
You can support Anakin by voting here.
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