IMC is a world-class mathematics competition that is regularly held every year. This competition exists to test participants' ability from various parts of the world to analyze and solve math-based problems.

Indonesia sent the 11 best students who won the 2020 National Mathematics and Natural Sciences Competition (KNMIPA) as representatives at IMC 2021. One of them was Akeyla. "I always felt that IMC questions were quite difficult to answer, but this made me feel more challenged and wanted to prove my math skills to people," said Akeyla.

Akeyla admitted that he was not too surprised by the results of the 2021 IMC. Preparatory guidance from the National Achievement Center (Puspresnas) had helped Akeyla in answering the competition questions.

"Even though I have predicted how many scores will be obtained, there is still satisfaction after hearing the announcement of victory," said Akeyla.

Akeyla claimed to have been in the world of the math olympiad since elementary school (SD). His first victory—to be the third place—in a math competition led him to other opportunities.

"When I was in elementary school, I participated in the International Math and Science Olympiad (IMSO) selection until the final selection. Thanks to this, The government sent me to Hong Kong to take part in a math competition even though, unfortunately, I didn't win," explained Akeyla.

Akeyla is still eager to test his math skills. This is evident from his progress in participating in prestigious mathematics competitions during high school. Akeyla had participated in the National Science Olympiad (OSN) and the International Teenager Mathematics Olympiad (ITMO) when he was in junior high. He won silver and bronze medals.

"I also attended OSN in high school (SMA) and got a gold medal, although unfortunately, I haven't had the opportunity to take part in the international Olympics," recalls Akeyla.

His misfortune in pocketing the international level olympiad during high school motivates Akeyla to participate in IMC 2021. Apart from showing her achievements, she wants herself to be able to travel for free abroad. Therefore, Akeyla began to study independently in the first semester. For example, by doing practice questions or teaching high school math olympiads.

In closing, Akeyla left a message to be careful in making decisions and always find out the impact of good, bad, and what must be sacrificed in doing something. Given that human life has a very limited time.

"Keep pursuing your goals and prioritizing them before other activities. Make careful planning by setting a career as one of the big goals to be achieved," concluded Akeyla.

Reporter: Zahra Annisa Fitri (Region and City Planning, 2019)
Translator: Billy Akbar Prabowo