Student Spotlight

We sat down with Steffi to discover more about her passions, interests, influences and what she is most looking forward to about the course.

Steffi is a kind, passionate, committed and ambitious individual who at the start of the year decided to further pursue her interest in computer science and physics (just a couple of her many passions!) and applied to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) summer camps ay the Licoln Laboratory, School of Engineering. Steffi will now be part of the 2024 cohort working alongside online MIT professors during the spring in preparation for MIT Lab during the summer holidays.  Her curriculum includes: Quantum Software Development, Autonomous RACECAR, Autonomous Cognitive Assistant, Medlytics, BWSI Python Core and Version Control: Git & Github.

"When I received my acceptance letter, everyone was so happy! I was extremely happy because I had worked for this for more than a year, and everything was finally coming together! It was a proud moment for me and my parents. I am so excited to get started! I like all my subjects at College, but my heart has a special place for Computer Science, Business, Physical Education, and Physics. My parents have a small company dedicated to IT solutions. I see how passionate they are about what they do, and it just got me so interested. Also, my teacher Parisa Nejad, she is an amazing teacher, tutor, and person. She believes in me, in the possibilities that lie ahead, and overall, it is my favorite subject. The whole idea of making society progress in so many ways through all this knowledge really makes me want to be a part of it." Said Steffi.

She is most looking forward to expanding her knowledge and learning more about the sciences.  Having experienced great results in recent Physics Olympiads at OIC, Steffi has learned to seek out new opportunities and realised her strengths, taking a more strategic and mature approach to her decision making.

Steffi joined OIC last September and is passionate about her education.  She is currently enrolled on our increasingly popular fast-track one year GCSE programme that is designed to prepare students for the challenges of A Levels.

She explained, “I am keen to continue my studies here at OIC and progress to A Levels.  I really enjoy being here (at OIC), everyone is so friendly, and the tutors are super supportive.  My teacher Toby Blundell, has been an example to follow and (I) just hope to continue getting better. OIC has been the pinnacle in my education and the reason why I have found passion and support in so many subjects."

In addition to her academic endeavours, Steffi has achieved notable success in sports.  She has previously secured two medals for Great Britain in the World Championships in Modern Biathle (bronze) and Triathle (silver), as well as a gold medal in Dubai, representing Great Britain in Epee Fencing! All incredible achievements for such a young person.  Most recently Steffi has been invited by Pentathlon GB to be part of the cohort of athletes in the Talent Pathway to be trained for the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028 -which we cannot wait hear all about!

Finally, we couldn't let Steffi go without asking her, "What advice would you give to your younger self?"

"Everything in life requires dedication, commitment and perseverance so do not quit so easy when things get harder, keep going to reach your goals."

Good luck Steffi, we are right behind you!