Simona Zajančauskaitė-Giedraitė: A persistent myth claims gifted children will ‘make it’ on their own? | Blind Spot #19

SUMMARY

About 2% of children in any society are exceptionally gifted — a country’s “gold reserve.” Yet many still believe these kids need no support. Simona Zajančauskaitė-Giedraitė, board member and alumna of the M. Rostropovich Charity and Support Foundation, explains why the opposite is true: gifted children often feel isolated, misunderstood, emotionally sensitive — and in greater need of mentorship, financial help, and community.

The foundation has supported gifted children in the arts for more than twenty years and helped establish the National Student Academy for gifted students in science. Simona recalls that her biggest turning point came not from competitions but from meeting other gifted children at a camp — musicians, mathematicians, physicists — which opened her world and showed her she wasn’t alone.

Talent isn’t just medals or diplomas. Simona says the key signs are consistency, curiosity, persistence — eyes that still shine even when things don’t work. Talent often exists in the regions, but opportunities are scarce, and one encouraging adult can change everything.

The foundation provides not only funding but also community, training, and stage experience — essential for growth. Simona gives back to her hometown, Rokiškis, by organising a classical music festival for 17 years with her sister.

Why should businesses support the 2%? Because they give back tenfold — not only as world-class artists but as future educators, creators, and leaders. They’re the ones who will grow the next generation of talent. Instead, current decisions like boosting everyone’s math grade except those who earned top marks send a painful message: the most gifted are once again left alone.