A boy who opened the door to international education with his own motivationAll Articles >>

Matěj Hladeček: A boy from Karlovy Vary who with his own motivation discovered a way to international education while studying at the 1st IT Gymnasium, a boarding school in Prague.

If you met Matěj in the hallway of the 1st IT Gymnasium, you might think it unlikely this inconspicuous, calm student is full of determination, independence and hard work.  Matěj comes from Karlovy Vary but decided for a boarding school in Prague, a big step out of his comfort zone.  This was just the beginning.

While students are getting used to life in a boarding school, Matěj threw himself into something even more challenging.  He started preparing for the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams all by himself – international exams at the level of American universities, which most of his peers don’t even think about.  Between school classes, evenings, and often late into the night, he studied materials that could easily have belonged in a first-year college course.

And Matěj did it.  Not because he is a “genius.” But because he wanted to.  His strongest trait demonstrated itself – discipline - which ultimately took him much further than he expected.

When Matěj later joined CTM, he quickly became a student noticed by CTM instructors.  Not only because he successfully passed AP Exams, but because he was able to think about things in depth, independently, and with a huge desire to learn more.  From there, it was just a step to an offer difficult to refuse – becoming a CTM instructor, helping other students master the material he himself had recently mastered.  And that he can present it in a clear, patient, and humane way is also proven by the students who like his approach.

Meanwhile, Matěj is working on his IT graduation thesis, which is far from a typical school project.  He has put several years of knowledge, practical experience and creativity into it – just like he does with everything.

It is fascinating to watch Matěj reflect on his success.  He rejects the label of “extraordinarily gifted”. According to him, the difference lies elsewhere. “There are no better or worse students – there are only those who want to and those who don’t.”  His story confirms the importance of discipline and determination, a shining example for others.

Matěj proves it does not matter where you come from.  A boarding school can be a beginning rather than a limitation.  A student who studies a subject on his own can go as far as eventually teaching others.

Matěj journey is an inspiration to all those who are looking for excuses, waiting until they become smarter, or hoping for the right moment.  Matěj proves the right moment is now - and that motivation is essential for opening doors.  Talent is not enough.”