From Zero to Hero: Why love at first sight may be exaggerated when it comes to maths

Sometimes, the most inspiring stories come from the journeys we least expect. This is the story of Zhanna, our CFO at Rullion, and her daughter’s unexpected path to discovering a love for mathematics.

A Tough Start

Eight years ago, during their first Mathematical Olympiad, Zhanna’s twins, a daughter and son, both seven, faced different outcomes. Her son did great, snagging a silver medal. But her daughter? She scored zero. At first, it didn’t bother her much; she wasn’t a fan of maths anyway. But seeing her brother’s success and feeling left out made her rethink. That zero wasn’t an end; it was just the start.

A Change of Heart

Something shifted for Zhanna’s daughter after that day. She decided to give maths another shot, not just half-heartedly, but with all the effort she could muster. Day by day, what was once a battle turned into a passion. She went from zero to hero, not just overcoming her challenges but excelling, eventually scoring #1 in her age group across Ukraine and winning the President of Ukraine scholarship. Now, she’s off to represent her country at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad in Georgia.

She went from zero to hero, not just overcoming her challenges but excelling, eventually scoring #1 in her age group across Ukraine and winning the President of Ukraine scholarship.

Why This Matters

Zhanna’s story isn’t just a feel-good tale about overcoming odds; it’s a beacon for the importance of STEM education. It shows us that sometimes, talent isn’t obvious; it needs a chance to shine. Zhanna’s daughter found her calling in the numbers and equations she once dreaded. This transformation underlines why we should encourage all children, especially girls who often underestimate their potential in STEM fields, to dive into subjects like maths. It’s not just about solving problems; it’s about unlocking the doors to their future.

STEM subjects, especially maths, are crucial. It is essential we continue to support the promotion of girls and women in STEM, including engineering, and the push for gender diversity in the workforce, as read in our blog. They teach us not just to calculate, but to think critically, solve problems, and innovate. And who knows? The next great discovery could come from a child who once thought they didn’t like maths.