Have you ever met someone who makes you question the limits of human potential? For the past few months, I’ve had the honor of spending time with a carpet cleaner named Vaughn Smith. You’re not going to believe me when I tell you what he can do. wapo.st/3uSgjn7
When Vaughn was a child, his mother noticed that he wasn’t quite connecting with other kids in the right way. She took him to get tested. A psychologist told her her son was just incredibly smart.
@mjcontrera If he's actually fluent in 24 languages why doesn't he work as a translator instead of a carpet cleaner? The state department would kill for someone who's fluent in every language on the Indian subcontinent, or like, every dialect of Arabic or Farsi spoken in the middle east.
@mjcontrera What a wonderful story, Jessica. It’s one of those rare gems I can’t stop thinking about or talking about. I have a feeling your story will open his world in ways greater than he imagined. Please keep us posted on his journey.
@mjcontrera @meganmesserly This was an amazing and touching read. Can we all hope for everyone to learn at least a second language. What a door that would open in this world. Autism is common in my family and Vaughn’s life story feels so familiar. Thank you for your wonderful work on this @mjcontrera
@mjcontrera @sarahellison Can't tell you how much I loved this story. Kudos to you and WaPo. Old-school, proper long-form journalism. Thanks for a great read.