Overcoming Doubt: Amaia Ardhanareswari S. Wins Bronze at 2026 National Science Olympiad

JAKARTA, JurnalPost.com – Doubt once clouded Amaia Ardhanareswari S. when she had to decide which field to pursue for the 2026 National Science Olympiad (OSN). The student from SMAK TIRTAMARTA BPK PENABUR Pondok Indah was initially torn between Mathematics and Economics. However, her decision to try the Economics category ultimately led her to win a bronze medal at the national level.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for Amaia after months of selection and preparation. Behind the medal lies a long journey that demanded discipline, perseverance, and the ability to balance schoolwork with intensive competition training.

From the start, Amaia realized that competing at the national level would not be easy. She had to master material far more complex than her daily coursework while competing against other students with exceptional academic abilities.

Nevertheless, her doubts did not deter her. Amaia chose to keep learning and striving to develop her skills in Economics.

The principle of "Just Keep Trying" became a guiding mantra that helped her persevere throughout the preparation process and the competition itself.

From School Selection to Representing DKI Jakarta

Amaia’s journey to the 2026 OSN stage began with the school-level selection process. After passing several stages of tiered competition, she was eventually selected to join the DKI Jakarta contingent for the national round.

This opportunity brought new responsibilities. Amaia had to prepare herself to face the best students from across Indonesia.

During the preparation period, she underwent intensive coaching and completed numerous Economics practice problems of increasing difficulty.

Amidst her academic workload, Amaia worked to maintain consistent study habits. She had to divide her time between completing school assignments, attending classes, and deepening her knowledge of the Olympiad material.

Support from her school played a vital role in this process. Through the coaching and guidance provided, Amaia had the opportunity to hone her skills while mentally preparing for the national competition.

This long process was a unique experience for Amaia. She was not only required to understand economic concepts and problems but also to learn how to handle pressure, manage her time, and maintain focus when facing difficulties.

Heading to Malang for the National Round

In September 2026, Amaia traveled to Malang with the DKI Jakarta contingent to participate in the OSN final round.

There, she met participants from various provinces who had also navigated a rigorous selection process.

The competition at the national level presented different challenges. Every participant arrived with their best preparation and skills, requiring precision, deep subject knowledge, and composure to solve every problem.

For Amaia, the experience was an opportunity to test the results of the months of study she had undergone.

She tried to remain calm and focused throughout the series of competitions. The preparation she had done served as her foundation for facing the various challenges in the contest.

Ultimately, her hard work paid off when Amaia’s name was announced as one of the bronze medalists in the Economics category of the 2026 OSN.

Disbelief at Being Named a Medalist

The moment the winners were announced was one of the most memorable experiences for Amaia. After a long journey starting from the initial selection, she was finally able to stand on the awards stage and receive her bronze medal.

"It feels like a dream," Amaia said, describing her feelings after learning the competition results.

This brief remark reflected both her disbelief and the joy she felt. What began with hesitation over which field to choose ended in a national-level achievement.

Amaia’s achievement is also a source of pride for SMAK TIRTAMARTA BPK PENABUR Pondok Indah, which provided support throughout the Olympiad preparation process.

More than just an award, this success highlights the importance of having the courage to seize opportunities, even when one is not initially fully confident in their own abilities.

Amaia’s experience shows that academic achievement does not always start with absolute certainty. Sometimes, the path to success begins with a simple decision to try, to study consistently, and to not give up easily when facing obstacles.

For other students, Amaia’s journey serves as a reminder that doubt is not a reason to stop developing one's potential. With a willingness to learn, support from one's environment, and sustained effort, the opportunity to achieve remains open.