PARADISE – A natural curiosity to learn and understand what we are made of, has led Hamzah Patel to new heights.
The Grade 12 Lincoln Heights Secondary pupil will be making his way to Georgia, a country at the the intersection of Europe and Asia, to participate in the annual International Chemistry Olympiad.
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“I took part in the first part of the selection process in 2015, when Grade 11s took part in a special olympiad to see who would go through to the international level,” he said.
Taking part in the initial round was the first step in achieving possible international glory.
“I passed the first round and in January, a selection test was conducted for the top four and I was one of those chosen. The test I wrote was matric and university standard chemistry, so I am very proud.”
Hamzah will be setting off to put his knowledge of chemistry to the test on July 22; an experience he is looking forward to.
“It is a thrilling and overwhelming feeling. I am excited, but yet nervous, as I will be going up against the top chemistry pupils in the world.”
In preparation for the upcoming event, Hamzah travels to Durban on a weekly basis to expand on his chemistry knowledge, learning from a professor from UKZN and a teacher from Star College.
While some might flinch at the thought of trying to solve intense chemical formulas, Hamzah is smitten with the subject, as it allows him to learn and discover how the world works on a chemical level and why certain things happen.
“I am hoping to get a gold, and as I would like to study chemical engineering after school, this is a huge step in achieving my future dreams.”
Hamzah said while he is thrilled about being able to compete in a subject he loves, none of it would have been possible without the support of the community and his school.
“When I found out that I had to pay R28 000, the community and my school raised the funds in a matter of 24 hours, and I would like to thank them for helping me to take advantage of the opportunity,” he concluded.
