From Shinuhayr to Olympia: A Story of Curiosity, Discipline, and Possibility
- SED Team
- 6 hours ago
- 3 min read
Read Summary
This is the story of Meri Hayrapetyan, a student from Shinuhayr Secondary School, who became one of the finalists representing Armenia at the International Economics Olympiad in 2025. Meri built her own study path — learning independently, seeking resources, and later finding mentorship online. Her journey demonstrates the power of curiosity, discipline, and purpose, and highlights that educational opportunity should not depend on geography. Meri’s success reflects the mission of the School for Economic Decisions — to ensure that every student in Armenia has access to economic thinking and the chance to grow through it.
In August 2025, Armenia participated at the International Economics Olympiad in Olympia, Greece. Among the finalists was Meri, a student from Shinuhayr Secondary School, a rural community in the Syunik region. Her journey to the international stage is not only a personal achievement — it reflects what becomes possible when curiosity meets discipline, even in environments where resources are limited.
This is a story about education driven by initiative, about access shaped not by geography, and about the potential that exists in every school across Armenia.
Discovering Economics Beyond the Classroom
For Meri, economics was not a subject taught at school. Her first exposure came through the Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad, an annual event that brings schools across Armenia together to explore economic thinking.
The Olympiad revealed how economics connects to daily life — to household choices, community development, and national policy.
“I realized that economics explains how decisions are made. Not just in governments, but in families and everyday situations,” Meri shared.
This realization became the foundation for a deeper academic pursuit.
Learning Independently: Building a Structure Where None Existed
Preparing for a national and international Olympiad without formal coursework required Meri to create her own learning path. She developed a daily study schedule — focusing on theory, problem-solving, and revision.
She began with "Common Sense Economics" book to establish core concepts, then advanced to N. Gregory Mankiw’s Principles of Economics, which became her primary guide for micro and macroeconomics. She supplemented her learning with Khan Academy and online lectures to reinforce understanding and practice.
When complex topics emerged, she sought additional guidance:
“In the last month, I worked with an online mentor who helped me clarify the more difficult sections. It made my preparation more confident and structured.”
Her approach reflects a key skill in both academia and life — recognizing when support is needed and actively seeking it.
Overcoming Challenges with Purpose
Without a set curriculum or a classroom structure, motivation was often the hardest part.
“There were moments when staying consistent was difficult. But I reminded myself why I started.”
Her driving purpose was clear: to challenge herself, to represent her community, and to demonstrate that students in rural regions have the capacity to excel at the highest levels. This purpose became the framework that supported her discipline.
Competing at the International Level
The International Economics Olympiad challenges students in three areas: theoretical knowledge, data analysis, and business case problem-solving.
For Meri, data analysis required the most concentration — interpreting graphs and statistical information under time pressure.
“It pushed me to think more analytically and respond quickly. It was challenging, but it strengthened my problem-solving ability.”
Her background in mathematics and her structured study routine played a central role in her success.
Why This Story Matters
Meri’s achievement is significant not because it is unusual — but because it is possible. Her journey illustrates that
Talent exists in every school
Curiosity is a powerful catalyst for learning
Access to knowledge can be created, even when resources are limited
It also highlights the purpose of the School for Economic Decisions and the Tatevatsi Economics Olympiad: To expand economic education across Armenia, to empower students to think critically and build real-world understanding, and to ensure that opportunity does not depend on location.
A Pathway for Others
Meri’s journey continues — but her example already encourages others in her school and beyond. It reinforces a message we believe deeply at SED: Economics is not only a subject — it is a lens for understanding the world and that lens belongs in every classroom.