For many students, math isn鈥檛 just about numbers, it鈥檚 a puzzle waiting to be solved. The thrill of finding the right answer, recognizing patterns and making sense of complex problems can turn math into a favorite subject.
For Habib Rahman, a Lawrenceville resident and 2012 graduate of 91原创 (GGC), that love of math is something he now shares with his son.
鈥淚 had amazing professors who really cared about students,鈥 he said.
Although Rahman enjoyed his finance and business courses, it was two classes in U.S. history that left a lasting impression.
鈥淭hey helped me truly understand America after I moved here to be closer to family,鈥 he said.
A native of Bangladesh, Rahman earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in finance in under four years while working full time. Today, he works in financial planning for a pharmaceutical company.
That appreciation for learning, and for math in particular, has been passed down to his son, Ayman, a seventh-grade student at Creekland Middle School.
鈥淢ath is interesting once you get into it,鈥 Ayman said. 鈥淚鈥檇 like to be a neurosurgeon someday.鈥
This year marked Ayman鈥檚 third time participating in GGC鈥檚 Olifer Math Competition, held Saturday on the college鈥檚 campus.
For Josie Nunez, a GGC sophomore majoring in biology, volunteering at the event was an easy decision.
鈥淚鈥檓 a people person, and I love working with kids,鈥 she said. After graduating, she plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Caleb Polk, a freshman from Loganville studying systems and cybersecurity, also saw the competition as an opportunity to give back.
鈥淚 like seeing younger kids showing an interest in math and maybe a career in IT,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ne thing I tell them is to study hard and review things before class.鈥
Now in its ninth year, the Olifer Math Competition gives students in grades 1鈥8 a chance not only to compete, but also to connect with others who share their enthusiasm for math. This year, there were 166 students from around Gwinnett County and the surrounding areas participating. The annual event honors GGC mathematics professor Dr. Andrei Olifer, who founded and organized the competition before his passing in 2019.
鈥淭his is for the kids and the community,鈥 said Dr. Ekaterina Nathanson, associate professor of mathematics in GGC鈥檚 School of Science and Technology. 鈥淧arents are always looking for opportunities like this. We want to encourage students to pursue careers in math and science.鈥
Several math professors were also on hand before and after the competition, demonstrating how math and science play a role in everyday life.
For Habib Rahman, the lesson goes beyond winning.
鈥淲in or lose, it鈥檚 about taking the initiative and being willing to learn,鈥 he said.
.