30/09/2024

'I understand what it means to be an Olympian,' says medalist Davi Pereira.

Study, dedication, and a medal. After earning an honorable mention in the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools), 15-year-old Davi Wéverton Pereira da Silva finally won the silver medal in 2022. The relationship of the teenager from Coruripe, a city in the interior of Alagoas with just under 60,000 inhabitants, with mathematics changed after the Olympiad.

“OBMEP introduced me to the world of Olympic mathematics. The competition provided me with experiences and sensations; it became more than just a test where I study to get a good score, but an environment where I can test my limits, test my knowledge, and reap the rewards of my effort. Today, I don't take the test just to win a medal, certificate, or scholarship. It's something that, over all these years, I've learned to enjoy.”

Leinna Pereira, the student's mother, realizes that OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) was fundamental in awakening Davi's interest in school activities. "His grades improved, his love of learning grew. He began to see OBMEP as a path with open doors to the future."

Davi, a 9th-grade student at Liege Gama Rocha Municipal School, began his journey with the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) three years ago, in the Fridays grade of elementary school. He has received two honorable mentions and a silver medal. And this year he has already qualified for the Mondays phase of the OBMEP.

Davi explained that the award came after a process of adapting to the exam's content. Initial difficulties understanding the mathematics covered by the OBMEP almost made him give up on participating. "With time and studying the material, gaining experience, I see now that if I had given up it would have been a great opportunity lost, thrown away." Now, the recognition is a source of great pride.

“The silver medal meant more than just a victory; it brought me a feeling of satisfaction and recognition. I was able to perceive and understand my value, I realized that I can go far with this. This medal changed my mindset; I was able to understand what it truly means to be an Olympian.”

The good performance in the Olympiad earned the opportunity to participate in the Intensive Training Center, NuTi. The program is offered within the ecosystem of the New Supplementary Education (NES), of which IMPA is a partner.

For Davi, participating in NuTi involves a lot of effort and determination. The nearest center to the program is in Maceió, the state capital, two hours away from Coruripe. Every Saturday, Davi wakes up at 5 am and goes to the study center using transportation provided by the municipal education department. “It was there that I gained a greater sense of responsibility. And I came into contact with people who have the same mindset as me regarding the Olympiad. I felt even more included in the OBMEP experience.”

Another project that Davi participates in is the Olympic Mathematics Laboratory, an initiative of the Liege Gama School, also since 2013. In total, 82 students from the Mondays to the 9th grade participate in the program.

Professor Antônio Fernandes, coordinator of the project, explains that the Laboratory emerged as an attempt to make mathematics more attractive and help students overcome potential difficulties in mathematics. The focus on the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) has also been part of the project from the beginning. "The school has always taken great pride in participating in the Olympic competitions. So, the OBMEP was the gateway to fulfilling this requirement."

The school's principal, Alexandrina Gouveia, understands that attention to the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) was essential to overcome difficulties in the general study of mathematics. “We noticed significant improvements when we expanded the space for teaching OBMEP. The result was invaluable for our students, who played important roles in the competition, not only because of the medals we won, but also in the development of the subject as a whole. The school became a reference point in OBMEP, leaving the entire community satisfied.”

Antônio Fernandes, Davi Wéverton Pereira e Alexandrina Gouveia

The preparatory course uses Davi as an example of dedication and inspiration for the other students at the school. "With great skill, we highlight Davi as a benchmark in the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools). I am happy to be able to contribute directly to my students and know that they can go far beyond the walls of the institution," said the project coordinator.

The school principal added that the student is also an inspiration in other school activities. "Davi is passionate about mathematics and excels in all subjects, being a standout student in all projects developed by the school."

Davi's future career is still uncertain, but he's considering studying fields involving mathematics, such as Computer Engineering or Civil Engineering. Until then, the OBMEP (Brazilian Mathematical Olympiad for Public Schools) remains part of the young man's plans. "I intend to continue participating in the Olympiad. I remain focused, striving and giving a little more of myself each day to achieve what, for me, is worth much more than any recognition: this is proof of my effort and dedication."