Amazing Member Highlight: Eugenie de Silva

At fifteen years old, Eugenie de Silva has already accomplished more than many will in their lifetime. At seven years old, she won the award for the John Hopkins University state test for verbal and mathematic talent in the state of Virginia. She began high school at nine and then graduated at eleven with a college preparatory high school diploma from the University of Missouri High School. At eleven, she began her undergraduate degree at American Military University (AMU). And in 2013, at the age of fourteen, Eugenie graduated from the AMU with a Bachelor’s degree in Intelligence Analysis with a 4.0 GPA. During her undergraduate studies she started master’s level courses and also became a member of Golden Key during this time. In May of 2014, she graduated from AMU with a Master’s in Intelligence Studies with a concentration in Intelligence Studies with a 4.0 GPA – Summa Cum Laude. At fifteen, she is now finishing her thesis for her second Master’s at Harvard University in Legal Studies and has begun a Ph.D. program in Politics at the University of Leicester in England.
Eugenie is truly an amazing individual and we’re proud to call her a Golden Key member. We had the opportunity to ask Eugenie some questions about her life and accomplishments.
As someone who is already pursuing a PhD program at your young age, why is education so important to you?
Education is the key to future. Actually, having a degree is useless if one cannot effectively apply the learned knowledge to positively impact one’s community and even the world. The field of intelligence is that which is largely covert, yet it acts as the backbone of the protection of the national security of the country. Therefore, being educated helps me to develop a broad knowledge that I can apply to help the U.S. in the intelligence discipline.
What drives you to accomplish so much?
I have a passion for intelligence and law enforcement. I do everything with the goal of becoming the U.S. Secretary of Defense and working for the nation to help hard-working citizens and protect individuals from threats that are posed by state and non-state actors.
What are your goals for the future?
My goal is to be the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and then work for the United Nations. I also hope to open my own law firm to help individuals at this level. I also will be initiating novel educational programs for those who may not have completed high school or are seeking ways in which to further their education and knowledge.
I heard that you wrote a book, “Don’t Like School? Don’t Go.” Can you tell us more about it?
This book is planned to be published before the end of this year. The book will discuss my own experiences, the good and the bad, and will provide readers with specific ways in which to improve their own lives to be successful. The book is primarily written for teenagers and young adults, but the advice can be applied to any individual regardless of age. I hope to inspire the youth of today, since they will certainly be the leaders of tomorrow.
How do your goals and values align with Golden Key’s mission?
My goals and values certainly align with the Golden Key’s mission, since I have always been focused on my academics and I am tirelessly working to provide service to the U.S. My goal is to work as a public leader in the U.S. who will consistently take into consideration the actual needs of citizens and make their interests a priority in all that I do. My goal is also to promote education and academic excellence amongst individuals of all backgrounds. Anything is possible and I strive to make that my main point when I speak with individuals on a daily basis in academic and social contexts.
Why did you choose to join Golden Key?
It is always wonderful to be a part of an international honor society that promotes and upholds high standards in an academic forum. Being a member of the Golden Key is also a great way to meet others who are focused on their education and strive to do well in all their endeavors.
Is there anything you would like fellow Golden Key members to know about you? Anything else you would like to add?
I would like to add that while many have expressed their comments that I have not had a normal childhood, I can ease their minds by saying that they do not need to worry since I definitely have had a regular social upbringing. Furthermore, I want to make known that I truly have a desire to help the U.S. and will continue to work to play a role in the protection of this nation.
Our congratulations go out to Eugenie for all of her amazing accomplishments that inspire us so much!