Anais, Mirasur School student and top scorer in the 2025 university entrance exams in Pinto, looks back on her school years after winning the Grupo Egido Scholarship.

Anais Chander and Alejandra Quero, students at Mirasur School, earned the two highest scores in the PAU 2025 (university entrance exams) among all schools in Pinto, with marks exceeding 13.7 out of 14. Anais, in addition, achieved a 9.75 out of 10 in the general phase of the exams, which makes her the highest-scoring student in the town and the recipient of the Grupo Egido Scholarship, a €1,000 award that recognizes local talent and academic excellence in Pinto.

A brilliant student from the early years, Anais had received the Mirasur School Excellence Scholarship every year since 3rd of ESO (Year 9). Warm, reflective, and with a strong scientific vocation, she dreams of studying Mathematics and Physics at the Complutense University of Madrid — the degree program with the highest entrance requirement in the region. But above all, as she says herself, her goal is to build a life with purpose, do work she’s passionate about, and be happy.

How did you feel when you found out you’d been awarded the Grupo Egido Scholarship?

Very happy — I honestly didn’t expect it. I knew I’d done well on the PAU, but not that well. I didn’t know how others had done, so it came as a very joyful surprise.

The award ceremony was really beautiful. As soon as we arrived, they took us into a room and asked us a few questions. They even asked my family how they had experienced the whole process, which I didn’t expect and found really touching. They asked me about my future and what I aspire to do — I really appreciated that interest.

What have all these recognitions meant to you — the Grupo Egido Scholarship, the ceremony at Carlos III University…?

So much. I didn’t expect to get such a high score, especially because everything comes down to a few exams. But seeing my effort recognized in so many ways was such a relief and a joy. I didn’t even know there were so many awards! It all felt like one surprise after another.

What role has Mirasur played in your academic journey?

A total one. I’ve been here since I was little, so I can’t imagine my academic life without this school. My teachers shaped me as a student — they’ve had such an impact. I want to give special thanks to Gustavo, my tutor, who’s always supported me, and to Noelia, from whom I’ve learned so much. I also have very fond memories of Mara, Juan, Esther… and of Isabel and Elena, who were my first tutors in secondary school. I’m leaving with so much from each of them.

How did you experience the transition from Primary to Secondary School?

I liked it. It was a positive shift for me. I started forming new friendships and discovering what I liked. It was the beginning of a more independent stage, where you had to take on more responsibility. But for me, it felt like a natural evolution.

What do you cherish most from your time at school?

So many things. Of course, the academics — especially because I’ve seen how much I’ve grown, especially during Bachillerato (Sixth Form). But also the breaks, the trips, study sessions with my friends… even when we’d try to study but ended up just talking about the exam because we were all so nervous. Those moments stay with you.

And what has been the hardest — and the most rewarding — part of these years?

The hardest part was trusting that all the effort would be worth it. There were times I thought that no matter how much I tried, maybe I wouldn’t reach my goal. That’s really exhausting. But in the end, I did.
The most rewarding part has been seeing my own evolution. I’m not the same student I was two years ago — I feel more prepared, more confident.

What would you say to those about to start Bachillerato?

To work hard, but not compare themselves to others. High grades are great, but they don’t define your worth. You need to focus on yourself, be consistent, and study with a clear goal: to do what you love. That’s what kept me going when I felt tired.
And also: ask the teachers, make the most of them — they’re a huge help. Really understanding what you’re learning is key to not being afraid of the exams.

Why do you think it’s important to make the most of each stage of school?

Because each stage builds the next. You can’t handle Bachillerato well if you don’t have a solid foundation from ESO (lower secondary). And beyond academics, it’s about the fact that you spend many years here — I’ve spent 15. You need to live those years well. There are moments, teachers, and lessons that only come once, and if you make the most of them, they help you so much when the bigger challenges arrive.

What do you expect from your university years?

I hope to experience university to the fullest — not just academically, but as a complete life experience. I want to grow, to take advantage of every opportunity, to become a well-rounded person… and to feel like I’m truly on the path to doing what I love.

How do you see yourself in a few years?

I hope to be happy. I want a job I truly enjoy — something I’m passionate about. I want to feel like I’m doing something meaningful, that I’m good at what I do, and that I’ve built a life with purpose, based on my own decisions. That’s my biggest dream.