Transformational Learning in Action:
Brooklyn Tech Students at Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament
TransformatiVE Learning in Action: Brooklyn Tech Students at Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament
TransformatiVE Learning in Action: Brooklyn Tech Students at Harvard-MIT Mathematics Tournament
Expanding Access, Elevating Experience
With support from the Alumni Foundation's Ed Rothenberg '61 Fund and the students' own active fundraising efforts, the team was able to:
- Travel out of state for an international competition
- Collaborate in high-level team and individual rounds
- Attend lectures led by leading researchers
- Explore the MIT campus with Brooklyn Tech alumnus Ishan Nahian ’25/MIT ’29 and 2024 Milo Kessler ’21 Math Major Fellow
- For many, this was their first time traveling for an academic competition—and it left a lasting impact.
"Stepping onto that bus… felt like we were representing something bigger than ourselves."
Abdur Labik ’26
More Than a Competition
While HMMT challenged students academically, their reflections point to something deeper: growth, confidence, and connection.
Students described learning to persevere through difficult problems, collaborate under pressure, and step outside their comfort zones—whether presenting to strangers or tackling unfamiliar ideas.
“Math at its best is collaborative,” Abdur Labik ’26 reflected.
Asher Shmidov ’26 added, “HMMT was hands down my favorite math and non-math experience I’ve had in high school.”
Inspiration That Lasts
Beyond the competition, students attended advanced lectures and toured MIT, guided by Ishan Nahian ’25, gaining exposure to cutting-edge research and college life.
For many, the trip helped clarify future aspirations. “This was more than a competition—it was an event full of mathematical joy,” said Tony Wu ’26.
The Power of Mentorship and Support
Students also emphasized the role of the people who made the experience possible, especially their coach, Amy Lee, whose dedication and commitment guided the team through months of preparation.
From late-night practices to managing complex logistics, her leadership ensured students could fully engage in this experience.
As Xishen Chen ’26 shared, “This weekend was one of the best experiences I’ll ever have.”
Several of the participating Class of 2026 Math Team members were 2025 Milo Kessler ’21 Math Major Fellows, including Xishen Chen, Tina Jiang, Abdur Labik, Alexander Lipatov, Oscar Milledge, and Jason Shum. Other team members on the trip were Sonya Sagalovskiy and Asher Shmidov.
Invest in the Next Experience
Experiences like HMMT don’t happen by chance. They happen because a community chooses to invest in students. When you support the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation, you make it possible for students to:
- Travel beyond New York City and compete on national stages
- Learn directly from leaders in STEM fields
- Build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships
- See themselves in places—and futures—they may never have imagined
As Ethan Lu ’26 reflected, “It captured everything I would consider a fulfilling experience: community, exploration, and growth.”
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Your support ensures that the next generation of Brooklyn Tech students doesn’t just learn—they experience, explore, and excel.
Make a gift today to sustain and expand opportunities like HMMT—and help the next student step onto that bus, ready to discover what’s possible.
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