Handling the Gifted and Talented

The line between failure and success, disappointment and fulfillment, has always been paper thin for specially gifted individuals. Owing to their unusual attributes, coupled with the fact that they usually do not have a reliable frame of reference especially where they are doing new things in new ways, self-destruction is a line they cross without their knowledge.

Michael Jackson was only ten years old when he hit global superstardom record he held until his death in 2009. Mike Tyson was barely out of his teens when he became the world heavyweight champion at only twenty a record he still holds. Alexander Pushkin, the famous Russian poet of the 18th century, was already a celebrated writer at twenty five. Ottlieb Daimler, the man who invented motor vehicles internal combustion engine in1886, could invent small metal gadgets when still in teens.

While all the above men were trailblazers in their respective fields and did things that had never been done before, they have a curious common streak throughout their life. Michael Jackson is widely known for his queer eccentricities and Mike Tyson for his utter lack of common sense especially when dealing with finances. Alexander Pushkin was a drunkard, dying at only 39 despite his glittering accomplishments. Gottlieb engineering genius was only matched by his shyness and hard drinking.

While it is not true that all specially gifted people are plagued by queer weaknesses, the above examples point to fundamental behavior streak peculiar to individuals of immense talents. Modern social science is today in agreement that gifted individuals are constantly in need of a supporting cast in their day to day lives. The same works true for immensely talented individuals amongst us, including the children. Dr. Govedi explains, "because of their stunning breakthrough in one field, the burden of frustrations in failing to succeed in other fields always take an exaggerated dimensions, knocking them completely out of whack. Here is where the supporting cast may be needed."

This may come in the form of parents, friends or even professional experts. The absence of support, especially for the young and gifted, leads to failure in the life of the talented individuals. Kenya today is full of men and women who went into international athletics circuit, conquered the world repeatedly, and then retired to destroy their lives with alcohol and other vices. Despite this wealth of knowledge in the field of physical endurance, some men and women are knocked over by soft wind, underlining the constant need for support for gifted individuals.

The majority, however, have received professional advice and support. Unlike some athletes of yesteryears who rose from grass to grace and then to grass again things have gone full circle today-thanks to professional advice and support.

This has not been replicated in other field, especially in academics where genius children continue to painfully labor with others in the same settings, leaving the home as the only place where the gifted can be shown direction and eventually fulfillment.