Alan Gariban received first in course for mathematics general 2, Picture: Monique Harmer
Maths whiz Alan Gariban is split between studying pharmacy or psychology next year but he’ll no doubt take plenty of confidence into whatever he chooses after starring in the HSC.
The HSC First in Course ceremony, held at the University of NSW in Kensington last Wednesday, recognised students who had achieved first or equal first place in an HSC course (out of 118 subjects).
Alan, 18, from St Mark’s Catholic College in Stanhope Gardens, was among them. He tied with nine others students for first in mathematics general 2.
“It’s very exciting. I know I was one of nine other students but it’s an honour to be among them,” he said. The Ponds resident said he received the call about a week prior to the ceremony letting him know he had finished top in a subject. “It was just a very exciting day,” he said. He said he wasn’t very good at maths but became more interested as he saw how it could be applied to real situations. The keen basketballer said he was looking forward to university next year.
“I am torn between doing pharmacy and psychology,” he said. “But I’m really looking forward to getting into uni and getting more into academia.”
However, his immediate goal was finding a job for the summer.
“I want to get a job but I have not really found one so I am just playing games all day,” he said with a laugh.
A total of 127 students, from 92 schools, were awarded for achieving first or equal first place in an HSC course. Alan was one of five students across The Hills who topped the state in a subject.
Michelle Yu from Baulkham Hills High School took first place in Japanese continuers; William Lifan Gong, also from Baulkham Hills High, topped the state in engineering studies and James Ruse Agricultural High students Raymond Li and Phillip Liang came first in mathematics extension 1 and 2 respectively.