CREST Achiever - Ishan Joshi

What's one or two achievements that you are proud of?
Well, not much; because I believe there's still a long way to go, to be on something like that.
What is your biggest fear and how do you overcome it?
Many a times, I feel uncertain about future and even my potential or intelligence. I reassure myself by working hard on things, I want to achieve.
Who is your ideal and why?
My ideals are the people who care for me and work hard for me i.e. my mom, my family, my teacher, and many more. I really want to express my gratitude towards them.
Which public figure (sportsperson, actor, etc.) inspires you the most?
Michael Jackson - singer, dancer, philanthropist and many other things. Even though, he is quite different in his achievements to what I aspire to be. Still, I share a passion for music, also play some instruments and his music is a kind of 'escape from reality' for me; it just takes me away to another place where I'm free, all by myself.
Who or what keeps you motivated?
Honestly, I find all of such stuff quite unrelated. As I already told, there's a long path to travel on. And just this thought keeps me motivated. I am even aware that there is an ocean of things left to do, a lot of things yet to be achieved, and a big part of life yet to be experienced. It just makes me realize that I've not even done even a small fraction of things I want to.
Have you thought of your career line? What do you want to become and why?
Not much. My mind always keeps wavering whenever I think of it. But still, I've got some options in my mind; I think of a 'Theoretical Physicist', but that's just a dream, without actually knowing much about the profession; many a times, I see myself as an 'Astrophysicist', but again it's the same scenario. But, I'm sure whatever I'll do, it has got to be something around 'pure science' because I've always have had this approach towards science and I think I've also started walking on that path as I've developed some ideas and theories and even made research papers on them.
If there is one gift you would like to have, what would that be?
I'm satisfied with what I've been given by 'The Almighty'. And I always thank Him for giving me such a beautiful life. I just plan on to fulfill my dreams and use the 'God-given' qualities to their complete potential.
Your favourite memory that you would like to share?
Not yet. But I believe my life until now and even after many years, it will always be one good, beautiful memory in itself.
What's one thing about you that your friends don't know?
Nothing. There is not much in anyone of my freinds' life or even mine, at this point of time. And so, there are not many things which one can say 'miles-apart' with me and my freinds.
What is your secret of making friends?
Again, I find it quite unnecessary. I'm just an ordinary kid who leads an ordinary life. As it remains for the question, its again - nothing. It is just a natural process of human instincts, which leads you to your freinds.
What are your hobbies? How do you keep a balance between your hobbies and studies?
I've a lot of hobbies. Actually, I find it quite stupid to call things I love to do as 'hobbies'. Because, mostly, they are just the things which everyone would love to do if they find time or other such circumstances. But as for the question, I love to play music, listen to a lot of pop music, I play a lot of different instruments, as I already told. I also like to read books, which is quite common. I also like to play cricket and find it as my another hobby, but slowly this one's diminishing, because I don't find the time to play or even people to play with. It's very hard for me to balance my hobbies with studies. And there's a time, I always have to compromise one or the other. And as I'm going further and higher in studies, it's becoming more and more difficult for me to have a proper balance between both and I hate it when I've to compromise the thing I love the most because of some other things which I find quite unnecessary for me, but have to deal with them.
Which is your favourite sport? When did you start practicing and why?
I love cricket. In a way, I never started 'practicing' it. If you're an Indian and are not aware of cricket, then you just don't know your country. Actually, these two words just don't fit together in a sentence. I just love a lot of things about cricket. It's a very scientific and strategic sport unlike any other.
What do you love to do the most in your free time?
Everyone just do the things which they call 'hobbies'. And like them, I also play music, even compose music, read books or play cricket.
What are your study tips for getting better grades in school examinations?
Honestly, I would say 'School study' i.e. form grade 1 to 10, it's quite simple. You pay attention in your class, to what the teacher is teaching you, go home, reread all the things the teacher has taught you, read the textbooks properly and you can easily score good marks. The only reason why this unnecessary hype of studies is created, is because, a lot of students literally don't study anything and fail. Due to this, other students who are working hard, suffer and get severe restrictions from their parents and teachers. But this is not always the case, because, a lot of people are just not meant to do it, they are talented in some other field, but this hidden talent never comes out.
How do you prepare for Olympiads?
For Olympiads, I refer to many different books other than my school books. I practice different MCQs and also different mock tests. All in all, it gives me a thorough practice of the syllabus.
How has appearing for Olympiad exams helped your studies?
Preparing for Olympiads makes my school studies appear a lot easier. Also, it gives me the basic foundation for many different entrance exams in the future.
Do you have any advice or tips for students who are interested in appearing for Olympiads?
I feel that I'm just another student and should not quite judge any other student's capabilities or methods; or say what they should do or shouldn't. But just for their betterment, I would advice them to practice different books other than their school books, as I do. They should also more focus on the process i.e. what they learn. Exams are just like a game, sometimes it goes your way, sometimes it doesn't. But in the end, what matters the most is, what you've learned and how properly you've done it. If your method is right, if you aim for knowledge, then you'll definitely yield good results.
Name : Ishan Joshi
School : Zebar School For Children
Class : 9

CREST Achievers

70%