Alumni Spotlight: Aaron Chernin
“I believe that one great math teacher can change a child's life, and I am determined to help my students find their love for math in the same way that RSM helped me.”
Read MoreLetter from an RSM-Bellevue Alumni
"RSM has been more than just a school – it has been a second home, a training ground, and a compass guiding me on my mathematical journey."
Eren Egilmez was a student at RSM-Bellevue for 10 years. He is about to graduate from high school and pursue a degree in Industrial Engineering. He intends to use his skills to develop engineering solutions to global problems in order to improve the quality of life for communities worldwide.
Read this letter that Eren wrote about his experience with RSM:
"When I came home from school in first grade, I ran to my mom and complained that the math at school was too easy and boring – I wanted to learn 'real math.' That’s when my mom signed me up for the Russian School of Mathematics. Through RSM, math became more than numbers and formulas – it became a lens through which I view and understand the world. From the moment I entered the classroom, I was taught to look beyond the solution and grasp the reasoning, symbols, and structure that bring each problem to life.
By proving geometry theorems, I transformed from someone who simply knew how to use them to someone who understood why they worked. By the time I reached high school, I had not only built a strong foundation in mathematics but also developed a belief: every question is solvable unless proven otherwise. Over 10 years at RSM, I encountered thousands of problems, each one an opportunity to apply the techniques my teachers had given me. Thanks to their patience, support, and belief in my potential, I learned to persevere – even when faced with problems that felt impossible.
More than anything, RSM has taught me the balance between abstraction and precision in mathematics. While I have the freedom to approach problems in my own way, the logic of math ensures I arrive at the same solution. This structured creativity has shaped how I think – and ultimately helped me decide what I want to pursue as a major.
In the summer after my sophomore year, my principal – and former teacher – Mrs. D (Darena Gateva) offered me a position as a tutor and office assistant. I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that had supported me throughout my life.
Looking back, RSM has been more than just a school – it has been a second home, a training ground, and a compass guiding me on my mathematical journey. It taught me to think critically, solve problems creatively, and trust in my ability to grow. I will always be grateful for the patience of my teachers, the rigor of the curriculum, and the confidence RSM helped me build – both as a student and as a person. Wherever my journey takes me, I know I’ll carry with me the discipline, joy, and purpose that RSM instilled in me – not just as a student of math, but as a lifelong learner."
Thank you Eren! We are so proud of your accomplishments and we wish you the best of luck as you start your next chapter in college!
