For many students, math isn’t just about numbers, it’s a puzzle waiting to be solved. The thrill of finding the right answer, recognizing patterns and making sense of complex problems can turn math into a favorite subject.
For Habib Rahman, a Lawrenceville resident and 2012 graduate of Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC), that love of math is something he now shares with his son.
“I had amazing professors who really cared about students,” he said.
Although Rahman enjoyed his finance and business courses, it was two classes in U.S. history that left a lasting impression.
“They helped me truly understand America after I moved here to be closer to family,” he said.
A native of Bangladesh, Rahman earned his bachelor’s degree in finance in under four years while working full time. Today, he works in financial planning for a pharmaceutical company.
That appreciation for learning, and for math in particular, has been passed down to his son, Ayman, a seventh-grade student at Creekland Middle School.
“Math is interesting once you get into it,” Ayman said. “I’d like to be a neurosurgeon someday.”
This year marked Ayman’s third time participating in GGC’s Olifer Math Competition, held Saturday on the college’s campus.
For Josie Nunez, a GGC sophomore majoring in biology, volunteering at the event was an easy decision.
“I’m a people person, and I love working with kids,” she said. After graduating, she plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Caleb Polk, a freshman from Loganville studying systems and cybersecurity, also saw the competition as an opportunity to give back.
“I like seeing younger kids showing an interest in math and maybe a career in IT,” he said. “One thing I tell them is to study hard and review things before class.”
Now in its ninth year, the Olifer Math Competition gives students in grades 1–8 a chance not only to compete, but also to connect with others who share their enthusiasm for math. This year, there were 166 students from around Gwinnett County and the surrounding areas participating. The annual event honors GGC mathematics professor Dr. Andrei Olifer, who founded and organized the competition before his passing in 2019.
“This is for the kids and the community,” said Dr. Ekaterina Nathanson, associate professor of mathematics in GGC’s School of Science and Technology. “Parents are always looking for opportunities like this. We want to encourage students to pursue careers in math and science.”
Several math professors were also on hand before and after the competition, demonstrating how math and science play a role in everyday life.
For Habib Rahman, the lesson goes beyond winning.
“Win or lose, it’s about taking the initiative and being willing to learn,” he said.
View and download Olifer Math Competition gallery photos and b-roll.