by: Ray Edward Benagua,Zoey Epilepsia, and Juliane Eerin Mangaco Staffers, The Paulletin
Asking for something will not come in one piece. It will come in pieces you have to assemble. Just like houses, they were merely bricks before. For others, the house could symbolize a prospering job and an achieved dream. But for Niña Mary Gehriel Ramirez, a Grade 12 student from St. Paul University of Iloilo, the house resembles an achievement earned from the Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad (PhIMO).
The PhIMO event took place from September 20 to 23, 2024 at the EVM Convention Center in Quezon City, Philippines. This brought together participants from various countries, fostering an environment of international competition and collaboration. These students engaged in complex mathematical challenges, emphasizing the significance of mathematics on a global scale.
On the nights ahead of the competition, she was filled with doubt every tick of the clock. She found it difficult to sleep as the time of the competition was approaching. Amidst the anxiety she felt within her chest, there was a brick that came in the form of a coach, Earl John Morano- the one who mentored Niña for the event and guided her by providing materials to review. From his thoughts, these words stuck with her, “to not be motivated, but to be disciplined” — an opportunity to grow and think without limitations. Because of him, Niña was able to acquire critical thinking skills and infuse them during the competition, qualifying her for the elimination round.
Additionally, Earl John Morano was recognized as one of the best coaches during the event, highlighting the invaluable role that effective mentorship plays in preparing students for such competitions. His coaching likely contributed significantly to the students’ success. She did everything with the fleeting time. She goes through the reviewing materials, studying examples, and foremost the foundation, backtracking to the basics of mathematics.
Some bricks came in an unexpected form. May it be in hard clay or even mudded concrete requiring you to mold them into something useful to achieve the desired. Hard clay came in the form of hardships like formulas that had to be memorized.
Niña felt surreal competing against a world that involved diverse capabilities and backgrounds. A sea of enthusiastic faces knowing each one has a passion for learning. She felt the atmosphere of coldness in one room because her head was filled with thoughts, yet she dared to stand despite her fears.
Though the fear still lingered, she embraced each new opportunity, eager to seize the moment, for what was once her greatest fear had become her greatest strength. Because of what she went through, she can stand confident on her own feet in what the future holds.
When having a feeling of worry and self-doubt, serves as a ringing bell of wanting to develop and grow. Reminding herself that this is not the end is how Niña picks up herself. Doing it while being scared does not indicate you are weak, it is taking action regardless of it. Life will throw raw materials, hardships, the challenging encounters that can lead to transformation.
Events like the PhIMO are essential not only for individual student development but also for promoting mathematics as a critical discipline. They inspire students to excel and strengthen the mathematical community in their respective countries.