During my final year of high school, I participated in the CusMiBio Biotechnology Competition organized by the University of Milan. I placed 2nd and won a scholarship covering my entire university tuition (yes, you have to flex a little sometimes ☺️).
Why I participated and what I learned
I have always been passionate about biology and biotechnology. Two years prior to the CusMiBio contest, I participated in the International Biology Olympiad, but I was really disappointed with my result (3rd place regionally, but I knew I could do MUCH better). My nerves and emotions simply got the better of me.
I was sure I could have achieved more, but I didn't get a second chance right away. That’s because the following year, I left the traditional Italian school system to become an independent student, and due to administrative rules, I wasn't eligible to enter the Olympiad again.
I was truly disappointed about missing out on the national competition, BUT... it turned out to be a necessary and valuable lesson. The CusMiBio competition offered me a second chance to test and demonstrate my knowledge under pressure. And it was absolutely worth it.
