How Kids Can Change the World: The Inspiring Story of Heman Bekele

t just 15 years old, Heman Bekele from Annandale, Virginia, is proving that young people have the power to make a significant impact on the world.

Recently named Time Magazine’s 2024 Kid of the Year, Heman is on a mission to revolutionize skin cancer treatment with a groundbreaking innovation—an affordable, accessible soap that could change lives.

Heman’s journey began in the most humble of settings: his own home.

As a curious seven-year-old, he started experimenting with household chemicals, mixing dish soap and laundry detergent to create what he called his "potions." These early experiments, which he hid under his bed to observe changes, laid the foundation for what would become a life-changing invention.

“It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life,” Heman told Time. And that’s exactly what he set out to do.

His innovative soap, designed to deliver medication for treating skin cancers like melanoma, is still in the testing phase, but its potential has already captured the attention of scientists and innovators alike.

In 2023, Heman was recognized as America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education, winning a $25,000 cash prize for his work.

His mentor, Deborah Isabelle, describes him as “kind, intelligent, focused, inspiring, and energetic.”

She believes that Heman’s work will inspire other young people to realize that science can make a positive difference in the world.

In 2023, Heman entered the 3M challenge with a video pitch for his skin-cancer soap idea and won, earning a $25,000 prize. However, he needed a professional lab to advance his research.

The opportunity came in February at a networking event hosted by the Melanoma Research Alliance in Washington, D.C., where he met Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins.

Impressed by Heman's passion, Rebecca invited him to work in his Baltimore lab.

For nearly half a year, Heman and Rebecca have been conducting basic research on mice, preparing to test the imiquimod-infused soap against melanoma.

Though Heman acknowledges there's a long road ahead, including patenting and FDA approval, he's making the most of his time.

At just 25, when most are still completing their medical education, Heman is already presenting his work to large audiences, including an 8,000-strong crowd at Boston's Tsongas Center in June.

Heman’s recognition as Time’s Kid of the Year highlights a powerful message: kids have the ability to change the world.

Whether through science, kindness, or creativity, young people like Heman are showing us that age is no barrier to making a meaningful impact.

This story is a reminder to all of us, especially parents and educators, to nurture the innate curiosity and creativity in our children.

The world is filled with challenges that need fresh perspectives, and who better to offer those than the young minds that see things in ways we might never have imagined?

Key Factors That Helped Heman Bekele Achieve Success

1. Parental Support

• Early Encouragement: Heman's parents played a crucial role in fostering his curiosity. From a young age, they supported his interest in science, even when it involved potentially dangerous experiments. After an incident where he nearly started a fire, they monitored his activities more closely, ensuring his safety while still encouraging his passion for discovery.
• Cultural and Educational Values: Heman's parents, who emigrated from Ethiopia, instilled in him a strong love of learning and a commitment to pursuing his goals. Their sacrifices in moving to an unfamiliar country emphasized the importance of education and provided a foundation for his achievements.

2. Opportunity to Present Ideas

• 3M Young Scientist Challenge: Heman's breakthrough came when he entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge in 2023. This opportunity allowed him to present his idea for a skin-cancer-treating soap, ultimately winning him the competition and a $25,000 prize. This platform provided Heman with the visibility and resources he needed to take his idea to the next level.
• Networking Events: Attending the Melanoma Research Alliance event in Washington, D.C., provided Heman with the chance to meet key figures like Vito Rebecca, who would later become his mentor and principal investigator.

3. Mentorship

• Guidance from Experts: After winning the 3M challenge, Heman received mentorship from Deborah Isabelle, a 3M mentor, who provided invaluable support and guidance. She helped him navigate challenges, such as when his soap-making experiments didn’t go as planned. Her encouragement and advice were critical in helping him learn from his mistakes and refine his approach.
• Professional Lab Access: Meeting Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist at Johns Hopkins, was a turning point for Heman. Rebecca offered him access to a professional lab where he could conduct advanced research, something Heman couldn’t have achieved on his own at such a young age.

4. Solving Problems That Affect People

• Addressing Skin Cancer: Heman’s idea to create a soap that could treat and prevent skin cancer stemmed from his desire to make cancer treatment more accessible and affordable. By focusing on a global issue that affects millions, his project had the potential to make a significant impact, which likely contributed to the support and recognition he received.

5. Curiosity and Research

• Early Experiments: Heman’s journey began with a simple curiosity about chemical reactions. His early experiments with household chemicals, though unsupervised, were a testament to his natural inclination toward science and discovery.
• Research and Innovation: Heman’s idea to use imiquimod, a drug known to fight skin cancer, and combine it with a lipid-based nanoparticle in soap, was the result of extensive research. His ability to think critically and apply his knowledge to develop an innovative solution was key to his success.

6. Independent Thinking and Hands-On Learning

• Self-Initiated Experiments: From a young age, Heman was independently conducting experiments, demonstrating a strong drive to learn through hands-on experiences. His willingness to explore and experiment on his own allowed him to develop the skills and knowledge needed to bring his idea to life.
• Balancing School and Research: Even as a high school student, Heman managed to balance his academic responsibilities with his research work at Johns Hopkins, showing a high degree of independence and time management. This ability to juggle multiple responsibilities is a critical skill in achieving success.

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As we reflect on Heman’s journey, let’s ask ourselves: what kind of world do we want to create for our kids? Are we encouraging them to think beyond the four walls of traditional education?

Are we supporting them in pursuing their passions, even when they deviate from societal norms?

Our children have the potential to shape the future, just like Heman. It’s up to us to give them the freedom, the tools, and the encouragement they need to explore, innovate, and ultimately, make the world a better place.