AB: I’d say the most important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t force yourself into things you don’t like. It’s also important to challenge yourself, but make sure you’re having fun with it too.
AB: Yes, I’m really excited, though a bit nervous. I’m looking forward to meeting new friends, discussing math, and exploring different areas of the subject. I haven’t decided what I want to focus on yet, but I’m keeping my options open. I love exploring new ideas and going deeper into mathematical structures. No matter how much you know, it’s just a tiny fraction of what’s out there, and that endless discovery is what excites me the most.
GTF: What do you think is the key to learning new topics in math?
AB: I like to understand the big picture first—where everything is leading—then backtrack and work out the details. There’s a lot of back and forth in my process, but it helps me understand the subject better. When I’m stuck during an Olympiad, I simplify things and try different variants of the problem. It’s about understanding the nature of the problem, not just getting the solution. Sometimes, reflecting on the solution is more important than solving it right away.
I think Olympiads have contributed a lot to my growth, both in math and in my personal maturity. They’ve changed the way I think about problems, and they’ve also shown me the importance of collaboration in math. The community aspect has been a big part of it too.
GTF: Do you have any other hobbies outside of math?
AB: Yes, I enjoy solving Sudoku variants, and recently, I started doing cryptic crosswords, though they’re really tricky! I also play chess, mostly online, but I’m not a serious player. Besides that, I like listening to music—The Beatles and Mozart are some of my favorites—and I enjoy reading comedies, especially P.G. Wodehouse.
