RTL Today - Perfect score in exams: Knowledge matters, but fantasy drives progress, says Luxembourg's top student

Tina Gira completed her studies at Lycée du Nord Wiltz with a perfect score and intends to pursue work in a municipality rather than continue formal studies.

Our colleagues from RTL.lu met Tina Gira, a former student at Lycée du Nord Wiltz. The 19-year-old appeared slightly nervous, yet smiled quietly at the camera. She completed her final exams with the highest possible grade – an achievement she still finds hard to believe herself.

"I am incredibly proud, but I had never expected it", Gira states.

It was never her aim to score a full 60 across all subjects, as she explains: "I only wanted to do as well as I possibly could."

Choosing the G section had been easy, because it gave her the opportunity to keep her options open: "I am interested in many subjects. The G section enabled me to combine everything: mathematics, geography, history, economics… That was the right choice".

With discipline and a lot of talent

However, what are the chances of achieving the highest grades in so many subjects? The answer seems easy for Gira:

"I am lucky because I am good at learning information by heart. Over the course of the whole year I studied frequently and I prepared myself. When the final exams came, I only had to revise."

To study or not to study

Gira has a clear plan for what she wants to achieve after high school – passing the municipal exam in December.

"I can see myself in a municipality, in an association or an administration. I like being in contact with people and taking care of organisational tasks."

Her decision not to study is a discussed topic, yet her parents are supporting her to do whatever makes her happy.

Music, books, and royal houses

The 19-year-old practises music; she used to play the transverse flute and is now teaching herself guitar. In addition, she writes her own novels and reads around 150 books a year.

"It helps me to shut off my brain and simultaneously gives me ideas for my own stories." At present, she mostly writes romance novels.

"I write in German, because it's the best language for me to express myself. One day I want to publish some of my work, but without pressure."

Another passion of hers are dynasties. Since Prince Harry's wedding, she has been following the European royal families closely. The accession to the throne in October in Luxembourg also caught her attention.

She excitedly exclaims: "I even saw Prince Guillaume once, here in our high school!"

Knowledge and fantasy do not exclude each other

The former student does not only value knowledge, she also values creativity and fantasy.

In response to the question whether fantasy or knowledge should prevail, she replies:

"Fantasy and knowledge go hand in hand. Without fantasy, no one would have invented an airplane. However, to build an airplane one needs knowledge. Both things are equally important to me."

Catch the full video report in Luxembourgish next week on RTL's Journal.