The Math Olympian
by Richard Hoshino

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BETHANY MACDONALD HAS TRAINED SIX LONG YEARS FOR THIS MOMENT. SHE’LL TRY TO SOLVE FIVE QUESTIONS IN THREE HOURS, FOR ONE IMPROBABLE DREAM. THE DREAM OF REPRESENTING HER COUNTRY, AND BECOMING A MATH OLYMPIAN. As a small-town girl in Nova Scotia bullied for liking numbers more than boys, and lacking the encouragement of her unsupportive single mother who frowns at her daughter’s unrealistic ambition, Bethany’s road to the International Math Olympiad has been marked by numerous challenges. Through persistence, perseverance, and the support of innovative mentors who inspire her with a love of learning, Bethany confronts these challenges and develops the creativity and confidence to reach her potential. In training to become a world-champion “mathlete”, Bethany discovers the heart of mathematics – a subject that’s not about memorizing formulas, but rather about problem-solving and detecting patterns to uncover truth, as well as learning how to apply the deep and unexpected connections of mathematics to every aspect of her life, including athletics, spirituality, and environmental sustainability. As Bethany reflects on her long journey and envisions her exciting future, she realizes that she has shattered the misguided stereotype that only boys can excel in math, and discovers a sense of purpose that through mathematics, she can and she will make an extraordinary contribution to society.

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Richard Hoshino, a first-time novelist, teaches mathematics at Quest University Canada in Squamish, British Columbia. After completing his Ph.D. at Nova Scotia’s Dalhousie University, he worked for four years as a Research Scientist for the Government of Canada, using mathematics and statistics to improve the security and efficiency of the Canadian border. He later accepted a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the National Institute of Informatics in Tokyo, and helped the Japanese Professional Baseball League design a season schedule that cut travel costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Richard is a former Math Olympian, and won a silver medal for Canada at the 1996 International Mathematical Olympiad in Mumbai, India. To get in touch with Richard, please send him an e-mail at richard.hoshino@gmail.com or visit www.richardhoshino.com.

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Contributors

Author

Richard Hoshino

Portrait by

William Thompson

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