He has always been good with numbers. What was torture for some was interesting as well as fun for Nicolás Uzquiza, and gradually he became familiar with the formulas and the problems. The fact that his older brother and reference, Javier, is a graduate in mathematics and physics, encouraged this 18-year-old Brivies to discover a “fascinating” world. When he was still studying at the Juan Abascal school, he did his homework like the rest of his classmates; However, marked before and after attending the institute. Already at ESO, he participated in some of the Olympics organized by other centers in the province and found that he liked science. But it was in high school when “I became more involved in these matters,” says the young man.
In recent months, he has prepared himself as an Olympic athlete, not to compete in the 2024 Paris Games, but in the National Physics Olympics to be held on April 28 in Lugo. From Galicia he returned to his land with a bronze medal and was even more eager to obtain the highest qualifications at EBAU and enroll in degrees in mathematics and physics. The university didn’t choose it, but chose the one that would be closest to home, because the family is very fond of this young man.
The road has been tough, but not too tough, perhaps because he has preferred to forget to constantly think about the tests and not treat it as a competition, rather than as an act to promote science. Two examinations, one theory and the other practical, which lasted for about seven hours, could not be done due to his tenacity. However, nothing would have been the same without the unconditional support of Julio, Alicia and Ana María, his teachers of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at IES La Bureba, who supported him, coached him and advised him to go out. Because in addition to the Olympiad in which he has achieved great results, this year he has also participated in the local and regional math competition (also in 2022) and the chemistry competition, in which he has received an honorable mention.
Likewise, her parents have always been “there”, like her half, her reflection: her twin brother Daniel, with whom she shares absolutely everything, hobbies, friends and even a passion for science. shares. One of the foundational pillars that have achieved such good standing on the medalist is named Fernando, a professor at the University of Burgos, “who gave seminars to another participant and me for several weeks. We were able to practice and solve problems in the laboratory.” He used to go for two hours a day to do this. He helped us a lot and I am very grateful to him,” he declared.
For those future Olympians, Uzquiza recommends “calmness.” And for those who hate numbers, “Don’t stress and try to understand the concepts. Instead of presenting them as problems, do them as possible solutions.” Now, with Bach’s exams over and university entrance exams just around the corner, he just wants to concentrate, to do his best. Wants to get a good grade and enjoy his well-deserved end-of-year trip to Mallorca and summer. With a still uncertain future, Nicolas is clear that his life will always revolve around maths and physics. Will remain
