Talent Across Many Fields
Ignacy Kus is an extraordinary young man who, already in his second year of high school, boasts impressive academic achievements. This talented student, while still a sophomore, has become an Olympiad laureate in computer science, mathematics, and English language, securing a very high 13th place in the latter. However, behind these successes lies a fascinating story of passion, determination, and a vision for the future.
From an early age, Ignacy stood out among his peers. As he recalls, he achieved the best grades in all subjects already in primary school. He particularly excelled in mathematics and computer science, a talent noticed as early as kindergarten. This early interest in STEM fields has led to numerous successes in competitions, in which Ignacy has participated since the beginning of his educational journey.
A Passion for Games
However, Ignacy’s true passion lies in computer games. He is fascinated not only by playing them but also by game design and discussions about them. This love for games was born when Ignacy was just 5 years old and first played Minecraft. That experience changed his perspective on the world of games and continues to inspire him to create his own projects.
Ignacy doesn’t just dream of creating games; he has already begun turning those dreams into reality. He created his first games using Scratch, participating in computer science competitions. Currently, he is working on his own, more ambitious project. The young programmer sees immense potential in game development, not only as a form of entertainment but also as an educational tool and a way to develop diverse skills.
Interestingly, Ignacy has a very mature approach to his successes and failures. He considers representing Poland at the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics to be his greatest achievement to date. At the same time, he finds it difficult to pinpoint specific failures, as he claims he doesn’t dwell on setbacks, preferring to focus on what lies ahead.
Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of hits like the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring, is a major inspiration for Ignacy. The young programmer admires Miyazaki’s approach to game design and dreams of creating equally influential titles.
An Ambitious Future
Looking to the future, Ignacy has ambitious plans. He wants to study abroad, preferably in Europe or the USA, where the best universities for game development and programming are located. His decision to study abroad stems from a desire to gain the best possible education and to experience a different culture. For Ignacy, the curriculum is paramount, but he also values the opportunity to meet the next generation of game creators.
Ignacy has clearly defined values. The most important to him are equality, freedom, and happiness. These ideals translate into his vision for a better world – if he had the power to change reality, he would ensure a stable and happy life for every person.
The young genius also has valuable advice for other aspiring game developers. His most important message is:
Just do it.
Ignacy believes that the biggest problem for beginners is a reluctance to start the actual work on games. He asserts that after creating the first, even the simplest, project, one quickly understands how the work of a game developer functions.
Ignacy Kus is not just a talented programmer and Olympiad winner. He is a young man with passion, vision, and determination to change the world through technology and games. His story demonstrates that a combination of talent, hard work, and true passion can lead to extraordinary achievements, even at such a young age. His Olympiad successes and strong extracurricular profile provide an excellent foundation for applying to the world’s top universities. We will undoubtedly hear more about the successes of this exceptional young man.
Interview with Ignacy Kus
What has your education been like so far? Have you always been a top student?
Ignacy: In primary school, I achieved the best grades in all subjects. From kindergarten, I stood out in class with my mathematical and computer science skills. Since the beginning of my education, I have participated in and achieved success in competitions.
Besides academics, what are your passions and hobbies? How do you like to spend your free time?
Ignacy: My biggest passion is computer games. Whether it’s playing them, designing them, or discussing them. This art form has always fascinated me, and I dedicate my free time to it, wanting to link my future career with it.
What values are most important to you in life?
Ignacy: The most important values for me are equality, freedom, and happiness.
What has been your greatest success, and what has been your biggest failure? What did they teach you?
Ignacy: I believe my greatest success to date was representing Poland at the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics. No failures come to mind. I have no doubt that many have occurred in my life, but I believe it’s not good to dwell on one’s failures.
How do you envision yourself in 10 years – both personally and professionally?
Ignacy: I hope that in ten years, I will be able to work on what I love and what brings me financial satisfaction.
What would you change in the world if you had the power?
Ignacy: If I could change one thing in the world, I would ensure a stable, happy life for every person.
What sparked your interest in game development and programming? Do you remember the moment you decided you wanted to delve into this topic?
Ignacy: From the earliest years of my life, my father showed me computer games. I think I truly fell in love with them when I first played Minecraft at the age of 5. That game changed how I look at games, and it remains one of my favorites to this day. That particular game was my biggest inspiration; ever since playing it, I wanted to create something similar.
Do you already have any experience with creating games or applications?
Ignacy: Yes, I have experience with it, though it’s limited. I’ve created several games in Scratch for computer science competitions during my early years of schooling, and I’m currently working on another, my own, project.
In your opinion, what is the significance of game development in the context of education and the development of various skills?
Ignacy: I believe that game development allows for the development of many skills, from more abstract ones, such as imagining what another person will feel while playing a game, to more practical ones, like graphic design or programming.
How do you think technological advancements, such as virtual reality or artificial intelligence, might impact the development of the gaming industry?
Ignacy: I believe that technological progress has a positive impact on the development of the computer gaming industry because it allows for the creation of larger, more complex projects.
What practical applications of programming in everyday life do you find most fascinating or surprising?
Ignacy: Programming allows for almost limitless possibilities. In my field, computer game design, you can write a program that automatically saves work to the cloud at certain intervals. This is, of course, just one application. I believe that everyone will surely find some activity that could be made easier with programming.
Is there a famous programmer or game developer whose work particularly inspires you?
Ignacy: I consider Hidetaka Miyazaki, creator of games such as Demon’s Souls, Bloodborne, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Elden Ring, and the Dark Souls series, to be the game developer who inspires me the most. His works are among my favorites, and I greatly appreciate his approach to game design.
How do you assess the state of education in programming and game development in Polish schools? Do you think anything should change?
Ignacy: I believe that computer science classes in Poland are at an insufficient level. School computer science classes could significantly help the national computer industry, but in their current state, they function as a 45-minute break. Most students and teachers do not take the classes seriously.
What advice would you give to other young people who want to start their adventure with programming or game development?
Ignacy: My most important advice is and always will be, “Just do it.” The most common problem for aspiring game developers is a reluctance to start the actual work on games. After completing your first project, no matter how simple, you will quickly understand how the work of a game developer functions.
When did you decide you wanted to study abroad? What was the main factor that led you to consider this option?
Ignacy: I want to pursue the best possible education. Such opportunities aren’t available in Poland, so I want to go abroad. I also believe that the chance to experience a different culture is very valuable. I’ve wanted to study abroad for a long time. My parents were the ones who came up with the idea; they wanted my studies, and consequently my future career, to be the best possible.
If you are also considering studying abroad, check out the Ivy League university rankings and our guide to applying to MIT – one of the best technical universities in the world.
Do you have similar ambitions to Ignacy? The College Council team helps talented students navigate the application process for top universities in the USA and Europe – from strategy for building a candidate profile, through preparation for the SAT exam, to writing application essays. Prepare for the SAT with Prepclass.io – a platform created specially for Polish students.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Ignacy Kus?
Ignacy Kus is a talented second-year high school student, an Olympiad laureate in computer science, mathematics, and English language (13th place). He represented Poland at the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics. His passion is creating computer games – from simple Scratch projects to more ambitious original games. He plans to study abroad in programming and game design.
What are Ignacy Kus’s achievements in Olympiads?
Ignacy is a laureate of three Olympiads: computer science, mathematics, and English language (he took 13th place in the latter). He considers representing Poland at the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics to be his greatest achievement. These successes demonstrate the versatility of his talents and form a strong element of his profile as a candidate for international universities.
How to start your journey in computer game development?
According to Ignacy, the most important advice is: “Just do it.” The biggest obstacle for beginners is a reluctance to start the actual work. Game development fosters many skills – from programming and graphic design to the ability to empathize with the player’s perspective.
How to prepare for applications to international computer science universities?
Key elements include: participation in Olympiads and computer science competitions, undertaking personal programming projects, building a portfolio (e.g., created games or applications), and passing required exams (SAT, TOEFL/IELTS). It is advisable to seek professional consulting, which helps in applying to the world’s best technical universities.
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