However, this incident did help me. I began to understand what vseros was, what I could get out of it, what it meant to me. And it wasn’t just the opportunity to go to university. The people there. The atmosphere. I learned so much, so much more than I expected. For me, vseros came with a sudden realization of how much I appreciate and cherish the success of those around me. When I witnessed a boy from my region receive his diploma after four years (participated since seventh grade!) of inability to get one, I no longer cared about how many points I lacked. Nothing mattered anymore - all I could think of was just how happy I was for him. And while of course I am always absolutely glad to see those close to me achieve something, never before had I experienced such a profound, pure, selfless feeling of joy for someone else, clapping until my hands were sore, clapping for him, my other teammates, and every single person there.
I became determined that one day, I would be up on that stage as well. Or at least metaphorically, as time came to show. I focused much more on English during my tenth grade, becoming acquainted with possible formats and topics, learning more about country studies (and falling in love with them). Then spring came. I was soon to depart for vseros yet again, and it was during this time that I discovered the magical and enchanting land of… Upwego. One of the things I adore about Upwego is the motivation it gives you. When there are certain tasks waiting for you, it is much easier to complete them, rather than when you are preparing on your own, thinking oh maybe today I won’t do anything, it’ll be fine, just this one day. I will always think of this and all the following courses that I partook in here with the utmost warmth, sincerity, and gratitude. Then the pandemic happened… Zakl cancelled… Nothing could be done, so after several annoyed rants I was fine and more certain than ever that I would make up for this lost opportunity the following year. And so it came... And off I went to Zelenogradsk. This time was entirely different. I walked into that exam room steady and composed. Knowing that I was settling for nothing less than a призёр, and harbouring fleeting thoughts of a победитель. And yes, being overly confident and certain of your success may lead to disappointment, but I took those chances! Spoiler – it ends well. I became a призёр, lacking 0,5 points for a winner, but those really are champagne problems, and we are all winners anyway, aren’t we?
For me, olympiads were predominantly connected with our beloved всероссийская олимпиада школьников (the source of children’s nightmares). While of course I partook in перечневые olympiads, (and successfully, mind you) they were always an addition to my journey, not the ultimate goal. However, in general they are a wonderful opportunity to test out your skills and get some cool points in terms of university, so don’t ignore them!
To sum up, in conclusion, all in all, kids, do participate in competitions of this kind (join our little witch coven). As someone for whom they have been both a source of unimaginable stress, despondency, and ecstatic glee, I wholeheartedly recommend it and bless you all in your future endeavours.
And just as much as I wish you luck and success, most importantly, I wish that you may be happy doing whatever you do. I hope it brings you great joy and never ceases to amaze you. I also wish that you don’t end up hating history or literature or poetry or any other beautiful thing about the language just because you have to study it in this format – those are fathomless, fascinating topics, and are to be enjoyed, not forced down one’s throat. My last bit of advice to you in the wise words of uncle Walt:
“The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?
Answer.
That you are here—that life exists and identity,
That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse.”
If anyone read up to this point, I do beg your pardon for this lengthy rambling, but I’ve written one olympiad too many (no more than 267,3 words or perish) so can you blame me? :) I have enjoyed writing this, as well as beginning a great many sentences with ‘and’, employing poor grammar, finally not having to worry about a particularly pedantic member of the jury who won’t cherish my artistic! and! dramatic! style!
My reminiscence of a so-called story has come to an end. Now it’s up to you to continue and go down in history! My best and warmest wishes to you all!
*cries*
