By creating so many illusory images of physical perfection, whether on store aisles or storefront ads, magazine covers or TV shows, we speak more to the profit margins of companies than the self-esteem of today's girls.

There’s no committee that says, ‘This is the type of person who can change the world – and you can’t.’ Realizing that anyone can do it is the first step. The next step is figuring out how you’re going to do it.

It seems we’re not only uninformed about our present, we’re ignorant of our past.

I wouldn’t call myself a geek, but I do sometimes teach Mommy and Daddy stuff about computers. And I do watch TV, but only informative programmes like the news and documentaries.

There are lots of different interpretations of the word ‘prodigy.’ My own is of someone who is talented and tries to help other children. So in that respect I could be called one, although I don’t think I’ll go off the rails.

My family joke that I’m really a very senior person who accidentally happens to be 11.

If I had my way, I’d end all wars and poverty. We should all be more aware of what’s going on in the world around us and less ignorant.

By creating so many illusory images of physical perfection, whether on store aisles or storefronts ads, magazine covers or TV show, we speak more to the profit margins of companies than the self-esteem of today’s girls.

Students read for tests and because their parents ask them to, but I think it’s very important to tell children that you can read for fun, too, and to understand human spirit. It builds empathy.

The point of my work is to make it clear that all youth can make ‘big miracles’ happen.