CREST Achiever - Nakul Syam

What's one or two achievements that you are proud of?
The achievement that I am proud of is that I had got an International Award for UCMAS Abacus competition. Also, I got the second runner-up position in the competition held in Delhi.

Who is your ideal and why?
My ideal is Abdul Kalam, India's Missile Man. He has been my inspiration from a very young age. He had done so many contributions for India in the field of Space. He always had ideas that were always relevant in the present age and this inspired me and he became my ideal.

Which public figure (sportsperson, actor, etc.) inspires you the most?
Sachin Tendulkar has been my inspiration in sports. He was always down to earth every time he scored a century. His attitude of simplicity is commendable. He also had a very skilled mind and knew how to deal with each ball and in which direction to get maximum results. All these things made him my hero in sports.

Who or what keeps you motivated?
Both my mother and father keep me motivated. My mother always helps in studies. She is the main support I get. My father always encourages me to learn new things and to always practice what I had learnt.

Have you thought of your career line? What do you want to become and why?
I want to become a Cosmologist. From an early age, I had decided to become a cosmologist because I had developed a keen interest towards space and the universe.

Your favourite memory that you would like to share?
A memory I would like to share was when I had received an award for abacus when I was in Maldives. I had competed in the regional abacus competition conducted by UCMAS and I had already got the first position in my level. Then they called the Grand Champions who are the best kids in the entire competition. I had always wanted the First Grand Champion position. When it was about be announced, I got so tensed. After a moment, my name was called and I was awarded as the First Grand Champion. I was so happy.

What is your secret of making friends?
My secret of making friends is nothing so special. I always try to mingle with them and try as much as I can to stay out of arguments. I also support my friends and never let them down.

What are your hobbies? How do you keep a balance between your hobbies and studies?
My hobbies are reading, dancing, singing and drawing. I always manage my timetable and some how find time to do my hobbies. I also try to finish my work fast so that I can dance or draw.

Which is your favourite sport? When did you start practicing and why?
My favourite sport is cricket. I had started practising it when I was about 5 years old. My father always told me to watch cricket matches and some how I kind of got interested in it and started to play.

What do you love to do the most in your free time?
I love to dance and draw in my leisure time.

What are your study tips for getting better grades in school examinations?
There aren't much study tips for getting better grades. All you need to do is to pay attention and concentration to the concept you are doing and to have determination.

How do you prepare for Olympiads?
First of all, I cover all the topics in the syllabus. I go on revising them and then start to refer from other books having the same syllabus and then do as many exercises I can.

How has appearing for Olympiad exams helped your studies?
Appearing for Olympiads have helped my studies in different ways. It has exposed my mind and abilities in different ways of thinking. It has also helped me by giving me confidence in my weak areas by getting chances to write other Olympiads every time and thus improving my studies.

Do you have any advice or tips for students who are interested in appearing for Olympiads?
My only advice is to have determination to pursue your goal and always be well-prepared for any exam you have the opportunity to write.

Name : Nakul Syam

School : St. Thomas Residential School

Class : 6

CREST Achievers