It still feels astonishing to me that not so long ago, I was staying up all night studying and practicing machine learning, and the very next moment I found myself representing Bangladesh at the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). The transition was surreal, almost unbelievable.
Arriving in Beijing felt like stepping into a dream. The campus was vibrant, and the warmth of the volunteers, teachers, and organizers made the experience truly unforgettable. Everything about the competition was smooth, fair, and impeccably organized, allowing us to focus on giving our best without worry.
One of the highlights was the sports night, where I played football with participants from different countries. It wasn’t just a game, it was where friendships were born. We laughed, cheered, and celebrated together, and though our team even won a match against another country, the real victory was in the memories we created.
Time flew by so quickly during the Olympiad, but one moment that seemed to stretch forever was climbing the Great Wall of China. The final push to the 20th tower was exhausting, yet every step was worth it. Standing at the top, looking over the endless mountains, I witnessed one of the most breathtaking views of my life.
And then came the moment I will cherish forever—seeing my name on the big screen as a bronze medal winner. That instant was priceless, because it wasn’t just about me—it was about bringing something back for my country. All the sleepless nights, all the hours of practice, all the struggles—suddenly, everything felt worth it.
All praise to Allah for guiding me through this journey, for the chance to travel safely, to compete with dignity, and to make my country proud. This experience will always remain a treasure in my heart, a story I will carry and share for the rest of my life.