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Gregory R. Smith

Biography

At the age of 13, Gregory Smith already has a career as a motivational speaker and as a world-recognized advocate for children and peace. He is a two-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize and has appeared on numerous television shows, including 60 Minutes, Oprah, Letterman, and all the major network morning news shows. And he has met with presidents, Nobel Peace Prize laureates, religious leaders, and educators, including Bill Clinton, Mikhail Gorbachev, and Desmond Tutu.

But while Gregory's life has been, and will continue to be, devoted to these world-wide causes, he has another great passion: math. Greg writes, "Science is the gateway to the mysteries of our universe, and mathematics acts as the beacon to light its path. With every new course I take, I learn more and more of how this connection takes place." However, math is not an end, but a means to an end, as Greg explains: "As the connection is rapidly being made between the biological sciences, macro and micro, chemistry and the physical sciences, it is becoming very apparent that this connection is facilitated by mathematics and that only through mathematics will this connection be realized to its fullest potential. This is the reasoning behind my interest in mathematics."

Greg recognizes the limitations of his youth, and that it will be a long time before he enters a particular career choice. He writes, "I am keeping my study, and my options very broad so that following the completion of my first doctorate . . . I will have the ability to choose from a wide range of career opportunities. Mathematical research, biomedical applications, and international political initiatives are all part of my ultimate plans."

As he goes on to graduate school, Greg will continue to work for peace and for the welfare of children. He is the founder and president of International Youth Advocates, which collects educational supplies, clothing, and toys and works with non-governmental organizations and government and business leaders to enhance and protect the rights and well being of children. He is the youth spokesperson for World Centers of Compassion for Children, a non-profit group formed by Nobel Peace Laureate Betty Williams to create a strong political voice for children in areas of stress due to war, hunger, or social, economic, or political upheaval and to respond to their needs. And he is the youth ambassador for the Christian Children's Fund, which provides assistance to approximately 2.5 million children worldwide, regardless of race, religion, or gender.

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