Some of the most useful advice at our BIG Talent Scholars welcome lunch in Bristol came from the scholars themselves. Third-year students encouraged those in their first year to enjoy the beautiful city, work hard, and explore internship opportunities available exclusively to BIG scholars.
Bristol was the first stop in a planned series of gatherings with our scholars at universities across the UK and France. At The Lido, a quirky restaurant and pool in Bristol's chic Clifton neighbourhood, I joined four of our scholars: Faruk (Mathematics and Computer Science), Dulguun (Engineering), Vova (Mathematics) and Jahovir (Physics). We were joined by two academics from the University of Bristol's School of Mathematics, Olly Johnson and Oleksiy Klurman, who is also closely involved with Ukraine's mathematics Olympiad team.
Our conversation ranged from academic research to practical questions about university life. Olly and Oleksiy discussed how artificial intelligence is affecting their work, particularly in number theory, and a recent staff seminar on Lean, a tool used to formalise mathematical proofs.
I was particularly impressed by the support Bristol's mathematics department provides. It was so clear that each Olympiad medallist is truly seen, valued and encouraged by the department. Their unique talents are recognised and encouraged to flourish, and this really came through in the enthusiasm with which they spoke to me about their interactions with professors.
Career planning came up too. The scholars compared experiences of volunteering and internships and discussed how opportunities differ across sectors. I encouraged the group, especially the third-years, to apply to GTF's one-to-one career coaching sessions. It's exciting to explore the different opportunities we can provide and learn which ones our scholars find most useful.
But the conversation wasn't all about mathematics or careers. We shared stories about favourite dishes from home and the experience of moving to the UK. The students spoke enthusiastically about Bristol, particularly its community, calm atmosphere, art and apparently excellent gelato. One scholar even took me on a tour of Banksy's work in the city centre.
What stayed with me most was hearing about the different personal, geographical and geopolitical challenges these scholars have overcome on their journeys to university. Their achievements are impressive, but equally striking is the joy and passion they bring to their studies. It was an enriching experience to be around that enthusiasm.
By the end of lunch, the scholars had organised their own WhatsApp group to stay in touch and build community. I can't wait to see what plans they make and to hear what they need from GTF to continue to shape and grow the BIG Bristol Experience. While we didn’t make it to the pool, it’s clear that the Scholars are diving into all the University — and city — of Bristol have to offer.
