On Being a Mathlete in the New Normal

At the start of the year, the Mathematics Trainers’ Guild (MTG) announced the top placers in the 2020 Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) held on October 3, 2020. Jerome Austin Te, of 7-Rizal, was hailed as the Top Junior Contestants in the 23rd Philippine Mathematical Olympiad (PMO) Qualifying Stage. This was the first time that the PMO is giving this award to a contestant from Grades 7, 8, and 9.

Jerome has joined various Math competitions here and abroad that increased his confidence and developed his determination, dedication, and his Mathematical skills. Here, he shares how he was able to succeed despite the challenges of the now normal.

 

Teacher (T): What is your experience like in joining competitions in the new normal?

Jerome (J): Unlike before when we have to travel abroad for an international contest, competitions in the new normal are done electronically using various platforms. This means we have to be technologically adept to be able to join the contests. Computers have to be set up well at home. Two devices are usually used: 1) one with a camera placed at least 1meter away so the proctor can see our table and everything we are doing; 2) a laptop from where we answer the questions. This is quite challenging because we need to have a stable internet connection. During the first few months of this new normal, I experienced losing all my answers at the last minute due to internet fluctuation. I was distressed, of course, but I’ve learned to adjust to this new set-up.

T: What has been your motivation for continuously joining contests and achieving your goals? What has helped you perform the way you do?

J: My motivation for joining contests is that it draws out the best in me. I’m able to develop my God-given potential through my exposure to various contests. I get advanced learning and gain from the experiences after each contest. Winning in competitions has increased my confidence and broadened my horizon. It’s my stepping stone to a better future, especially when scholarships are awarded. In a contest, we are subjected to

pressure. Just like diamonds, we can only shine after we have withstood the pressure. I can say that I’ve become a stronger person because of those contests. I’ve met also many new friends along the way.

I draw strength from the Lord each time I join contests. I would pray for God’s wisdom to sustain me. By His grace and power, I am able to perform the way I do. Praise God!

T:  What challenges did you experience in training / joining competitions in the new normal?

J: As I’ve mentioned, unreliable internet connection could be very frustrating. On several occasions, I lost all my answers after clicking the “submit” button, because “the server stopped responding.” One time, the Math Trainers’ Guild selected me to represent the Philippines in the Canadian Math Gray Contest, but I wasn’t able to open the online paper at the appointed time because I wasn’t given the code, so I ended up not being

able to participate. Training and preparation for contests have also become more challenging. We are not

able to meet face-to-face with our trainers. Oftentimes, we have to train by ourselves in the new normal. If we have questions, no one is around to help us understand. I often do my own research to find answers to my questions, and pray for enlightenment from God.

T: What is a message of encouragement you would like to share with your fellow students?

J: I encourage my fellow students to continue to run with perseverance the race set out before each of us. Rely on God for the power to run the extra mile on the highway to excellence. Never give up when the going gets tough, for the potential to achieve something great lies within each of them. Just work hard, pray, and the Lord will be near to help them achieve their goals.

Jerome has shown that with perseverance, willingness to try new things, and a strong faith in the Lord, one can continue to pursue excellence even in unprecedented times.