The Hastor Foundation is proud of every success achieved by its members and is pleased to present them. This month, we highlight the story of scholarship recipient Harun Memić, a seventeen-year-old student at the Second Gymnasium Sarajevo, who wins medals at prestigious mathematics competitions, volunteers, plays the piano, and proves through his achievements that hard work truly pays off.

While many of his peers are still searching for their interests, Harun has been diligently building a path to success for years. Mathematics entered Harun’s life six years ago and very quickly became much more than a school subject. For him, it represents a challenge, a way of thinking, and a space in which creativity comes fully to expression:

“Mathematics has always been interesting to me because, unlike other subjects, it presented a type of challenge that I could solve through creativity and different approaches. Although it can often seem difficult, the feeling of successfully solving a problem inspires me to continue practising and improving.”

His hard work and dedication have already brought impressive results. During five years of active competition, he achieved successes that place him among the most promising young mathematicians. Among his most significant achievements are the silver medal at the State Competition for Secondary School Students in 2026, silver at the Junior Balkan Mathematical Olympiad in 2024, the silver medal at the Balkan Mathematical Olympiad for Secondary School Students in 2026, and the bronze medal at the International Mathematical Olympiad in 2025.

However, Olympiads are not only a place to demonstrate knowledge for him. He sees particular value in meeting peers from different countries and cultures whom he gets to know through competitions:

“The best part of Olympiads is the opportunity to meet many other competitors from various countries, exchange experiences, and hear their perspectives on the world of mathematics.”

Although he admits that nervousness is always present, he has learned how to remain calm and focused when it matters most. He has received great support throughout his journey from his family, teachers, and friends, who motivated him to continue developing his potential.

Mathematics is not the only field in which Harun achieves success. He developed his love for music through primary music school, and he actively competed in international piano competitions, where he also won medals and notable results. In his free time, he plays the piano and studies the Italian language, demonstrating that interests can be diverse.

An important part of his life is also volunteering with the Hastor Foundation: “I have been part of the Hastor Foundation for two years, and for me it is a wonderful opportunity to participate in various volunteer activities, help the people around me, build connections, and exchange experiences with other members.”

His goal for the future is to study mathematics and, as he says, prove that mathematics is all around us and in everything we do.

“Do not give up on your dreams and follow what you are passionate about. Although it requires a lot of effort and hard work, in the end it pays off, because knowledge is power,” Harun tells young people.

Prepared by: Lamija Karađuz