Formula for success: YSU STEM High School students speak about path to victory

Referring to the students' achievements at the 6th International Applied Biology Olympiad, YSU Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Elina Asriyan said each medal has much greater significance than an individual achievement.

"Your achievement is not only your victory. It is the victory of your families, the school, the university and, why not, all of us," she said.

Asriyan emphasized that the school, which has a history of only three years, is already competing with educational institutions that have decades of experience, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the chosen path.

"When we were establishing the school, we dreamed not simply of a new educational institution, but of having students with curiosity, knowledge and the right values. Today, we see that this dream has become a reality much faster than we could have imagined," she said.

According to her, success in international competitions is also important in terms of personal growth. It helps young people reassess their abilities, gain confidence and develop a broader understanding of the world.

An olympiad that tests not only knowledge, but also research skills

Seda Marutyan, Head of the Olympiad Club, Doctor of Biological Sciences and Associate Professor at the YSU Chair of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, presented the specific features of the competition, emphasizing that it differs significantly from textbook-based knowledge assessment.

The participants passed several stages, from tests covering various fields of biology to the solution of applied problems. In the final stages, they were provided with various digital resources, including artificial intelligence tools, which they had to use to study the assigned problem, prepare a scientific presentation and defend it before an international jury.

According to Marutyan, the key to success in such competitions is not only knowledge, but also the ability to analyze information, select reliable sources, formulate one's own conclusions and present them with confidence.

She emphasized that such achievements allow students to focus more closely on developing their professional interests and using their time more effectively.

YSU STEM High School Director Aram Khachatryan said the students' success is one of the important results of the consistent work carried out by the school and the entire educational team.

"We strive to create an environment where students can not only gain knowledge, but also develop analytical thinking, research skills and self-confidence. These achievements on international platforms show that our students are ready to compete with the best and properly represent the school, the university and Armenia," he said.

According to Khachatryan, the most important achievement is not the medal itself, but the confidence young people gain in their own abilities.

"I am confident that these victories are the beginning of their future success," he said.

First major step toward student life

For Narek Ghazaryan, a 12th-grade student at YSU STEM High School who won a gold medal and the Grand Prix, the victory is not only a prize, but also an important achievement on the path toward future student life.

"I have always imagined what my student life should be like, and I wanted to have certain goals already achieved before reaching that stage. This medal is one of the important steps on that path. It makes me more confident," he said.

An opportunity to test knowledge

For Zhanna Hovsepyan, an 11th-grade student at YSU STEM High School and a silver medalist, the international olympiad was first and foremost an opportunity to test her abilities.

"Before that, I had never taken olympiads particularly seriously. However, when I learned about the international competition and the opportunities it offered, I decided to test my abilities. It was an opportunity both to assess my knowledge and to gain new experience," she said.

Zhanna is confident that the medal she received is not only an award, but also an important investment in her future professional development.

At the end of the meeting, the students received symbolic gifts in recognition of their achievements.