Paris-Lapazelle Moore is like many other incoming MSU freshmen trying to savor the summer by going to the movies.

But Moore can't drive to the theater by herself or even purchase her own ticket for some movies because, unlike her other classmates, she's only 14 years old.

Moore will begin classes this fall as one of the youngest students ever admitted to MSU. She is also a recipient of the $6,000 Henry T. Ewald Foundation scholarship.

Paris' mother, Freda Moore, said Paris moved quickly through elementary and high school when schoolwork was no longer challenging.

"She brought it to my attention that she was bored. That was the initial stage of when it was known that she was ahead," her mother said. "We had her tested, and we talked about moving her up a grade and how that would challenge her.

"In a matter of a couple months, she went from fourth to eighth grade."

After completing elementary school at Presentaton Our Lady of Victory School in Detroit, the then-10-year-old attended Bishop Borgess High School in Redford, Mich. Paris switched to Westside Christian Academy High School in Detroit shortly afterward.

Paris said she was drawn to MSU because of its veterinary program.

Because she is not allowed to live in the dorms until she is 16 years old, Paris and her mother moved from Northville to East Lansing shortly after she graduated in the spring. But Paris, who frequently paused during the phone interview to consult with her mother, said she wouldn't live in the dorms even if she could.

"I'm just more comfortable at home," she said. "I lived in a dorm room when I was in the orientation and the MAGIC (Maximizing Academic Growth in College) program - it's just not my style."

Paris said she isn't intimidated by the college experience because she attended orientation and the MAGIC program, a pre-college program designed to provide information to new students.

"I'm used to programs and seminars that tell you what to expect; I've been around the campus, so I'm basically already getting used it," she said. "I have to observe first and then just relax and get used to it."

Director of Admissions Pam Horne said Paris' age was not a factor in her admittance.

"She certainly has proven herself academically successful and she was qualified for admissions," she said. "She has particular career interests that mesh well with the opportunities offered at MSU."

Although Paris is an accelerated learner, some question whether her academic development has affected her socially.

Anne Soderman, professor and acting chairwoman for the Department of Family & Child Ecology, said she hopes Paris is fully developing like any other 14-year-old.

"A lot of times with accelerated learners, people are only concerned with the cognitive," she said. "But there is a whole individual here with many components and they are all important with developing socially - these are very important years to be connected with an age-related group."

Soderman said she recalled years ago seeing a 12-year-old MSU student in a store during lunch time.

"I remember going into the Union store, and he was in there and spending his lunch money on a load of candy," she said with a laugh. "His choices were more of a 12-year-old's than an 18-year-old's."

Moore said her daughter will handle this new situation like she has in the past.

"She'll handle it exactly how she handled it as a 10-year-old in high school: maturely, educationally and intensely," she said. "She wants to be a vet and acquire her Ph.D. She knows what she has to do to obtain it."

Paris said having classmates who participate in adult activities, such as drinking and attending parties, will not influence her.

Jenny McCampbell, director of the office of Gifted and Talented Education, said future success of accelerated learners depend on the individual.

"There are very few (children) that have accelerated as fast as her," she said. "There is a lot of literature on accelerated learners, and depending on the individual, it can work just fine."

Paris said when new people hear of her accomplishments, they attach an unwanted stereotype to her.

"Generally people have a stereotype about kids who moved up like at my level," she said. "They think they are stuck up or really smart and have a big ego. And I'm not like that; I'm just normal."

When classes begin, Paris said she will not be taking electives and is uncertain whether she will join any extracurricular activities.

"Basically college to me is higher education and exploring; I may have a different description once I'm done but not now," she said. "I just want to take it as it comes."