At 20 years, Miguel Ángel Hernández Lora achieved what no other university student Dominican had achieved before: representing the country in the International Mathematics Competition (BMI) and get a Honor mentioncompeting against students from prestigious universities around the world.
His love for numbers began from an early age. “I have felt a lot Passion for mathematics“He said.
With only 11 years, he began to compete in Mathematics Olympics And, since then, he has not stopped reaping achievements, putting the Dominican flag in Central American, Ibero -American and World Competitions at the secondary level.
Thanks to a scholarship granted by a AFPMiguel, who resides in Sabana Lost, Santo Domingo Norte municipality, studies his first year of the Degree in Mathematics with concentration in statistics and actuarial sciences in the Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (Intec).
In 2021, Miguel became the second Dominican In obtaining a medal in the Central American and Caribbean Mathematics Olympicsmade in ColombiaI achieve that he prompted him to continue the path that was drawn as a child.
“Continue the path that I have drawn since childhood, highlight the talent and academic and scientific potential of the Dominican Youth In the international sphere, and be a pioneer that open the way for other students and other Dominican universities to also be motivated and continue to get involved in these scenarios in the coming years, “he said.
Today, your participation in the BMI —The first of a Dominican herein university competition– Mark a before and after for the country, and open the doors to those students who want to follow Miguel’s path.
Obtained this recognition after overcoming contestants from recognized universities such as Eth Zürich (Swiss), Rwth Aachen (Germany) and the St. Petersburg State University (Russia).
The way to BMI
Get to the BMI It was not easy. Miguel began to prepare for competition Four months in advance, taking advantage of every free moment to study.
“At first I began to solve some exam problems of previous years. Then, when I went on vacation from the university, I began to prepare more intensely, dedicating it around 10 hours a day“
Despite having barely completed your first year of careercompeted in front of students of up to fourth year of university, masters and even doctorates.
“My biggest challenge was to face an environment with individuals who possessed significantly more advanced mathematical formation and mathematical formation,” said Miguel. However, its effort, dedication and talent They led him to overcome those competitors of prestigious international universities.
“I had to try to defend myself on my own”
But behind his achievement there were also challenges. In conversation with Free newspaperMiguel pointed out that traveled only to competitionwithout a teacher to accompany and represent him during the exam review, an important process in which, as he said, other countries had doctors in mathematics for Defend each point.
“I had to try defend me on my ownwith no one to represent me, and it is not the same because the time of this review process is limited, and they give priority to students who have teachers. Then, that put me at a disadvantage, “he said.
The 2025 edition of the BMI It was carried out in Blagoevgragra, Bulgariawhere he brought together 434 university students from high -prestigious international institutions.
“I felt very excited”
Upon receiving the Honor mention of the BMIthe emotion did not fit in my chest: “I felt very excited because I knew I had achieved something very important,” he described.
With humility, Miguel celebrates this Honor mention Like one personal victory and for the country. Its purpose is to continue competing and growing. “My goal is always to overcome myself constantly, and my aspiration is to compete again and get an even greater prize.”
He also highlighted the fundamental role that his parents have had in his life. “They have always been very present and have supported me in everything. They motivate me To move on, pursue my goals and never give up despite the problems. In this process they were great emotional support, and I thank you very much. “
Request more support
Despite the difficulties he faced in the competition for not having a representative by his side, the young man Dominican expressed his Thanks for recognition Obtained and requested help for the future.
“I don’t want to say this in the form of complaint, because I am very grateful to my sponsors and I value the support I received, which was enough. What I mean is that I more support is needed“
His call is clear: more Institutional supportpublic and private, for students like him to continue participating and standing out in international scenarios.
“That they continue to support me to continue participating in this and other competitions, both to me and my colleagues who could not go with me because of the lack of money. I think there are many talented young people that we are already leaving the name of our country, and to continue doing it with even greater impact we need the necessary support and conditions, “he said.
Its history is a testimony that talent Dominican It has no borders. Only more are needed opportunities to shine.
The BMI
The International Mathematics Competition For University Students (BMI) is an annual competence aimed at university students around the world, focused on solving high -level problems in areas such as algebra, analysis, geometry, combinatorial and numbers theory.
Since its inception in 1994, competition is carried out in Bulgaria, organized by University College London (UCL) and the American University in Bulgaria (AUB).
For two days, participants face Advanced mathematical problemswith solutions that must be rigorous and detailed, at the level of scientific publications. The BMI grants Gold, silver, bronze medals and honor mentions, according to the score obtained.
Universities such as Harvard, Cambridge, Mit, Oxford, Moscow State University and Eth Zürich They participate regularly.
