“You wake up on December 15, 2021, and quickly realize that you are invisible. The people around you can hear you talk, but nobody can see you. What would you do?”. Marija, having chosen to compose her creative essay on this prompt as part of her UWC application, took a different and an original approach. As I was reading it last November, I was amazed that instead of describing extravagant stories and hypothetical hyperboles, Marija described everyday life during the months after her invisibility. To her, there is far greater value in the infinite potential of small and everyday actions as the only way to far-reaching achievements. This is Marija’s essence – her life is all about those small (but consistent) choices.

This is the source of her success in mathematics – she tirelessly practices new questions and perfects her skills (combinatorics draws her the most). Consequently, Marija regularly competes, representing the country for years at a European and international level. The numerous titles she’s earned are also a natural consequence of her passion for mathematics – Marija enjoys solving challenging problems and applying logic and theorems. Once she explained the ubiquitous applicability of mathematical inversion in one of the interviews, I spent perhaps too much time in the next intervju asking her philosophical questions about mathematics. I do not regret this at all – I was pleased to hear the thought-out and mature answers: for example, Marija showed me why math is discovered and not invented.

I cannot run out of examples for how Marija manifests her maturity and consistency. From her lifestyle – she exercises every day and eats healthy – to her already 10-year attendance of an English language course, it is crystal-clear to me that via her stoic discpline and powerful yet controlled passion, she is living her potential. In case you thought Marija is neglecting her creative side, it is with utter amazement that I’d tell you about her skill in canvas painting with unusual materials like coffee! Indeed, a painting is worth a thousand words:

As a true mathematician and artist, Marija is capable of extracting great beauty from the simplest things. With a sheet of paper and a pencil, Marija is able to analyze geometrical relationships and prove a fundamental mathematical truth. With a bunch of coffee beans, she’s able to mix a few shades and skillfully craft a portrait. I thus hold great anticipation to witness all that Marija is able to do with the UWC experience and the brilliant community awaiting her in New Mexico.

Ilija, August 2022