Most Baldwin sophomores take Geometry or Algebra 2, but Annjal Parajuli is taking AP Calculus AB, one of the highest-level math classes that is offered at the school.

His journey to that class started at the end of fifth grade, when he scored well enough on multiple math tests to advance multiple grades in the subject.

“At the end of that year, I did the fifth-grade, the sixth-grade, and the seventh-grade math tests,” Parajuli said. “Basically, I placed high enough on all of those that in sixth grade that I started taking eighth-grade math.”

After this school year, there will be only a single math course available for him: AP Calculus BC.

When Parajuli took AP Statistics last year as a freshman, he made an impression on math teacher Mark Jacobs.

“He picks things up very, very quickly,” Jacobs said. “He always wants to go into more detail, more debate, more ‘why’? His want for knowledge is very impressive.”

His sister, junior Annjila Parajuli, said that she has noticed his ability and passion for math since he was in elementary school.

“He’s super passionate about math. It’s not because my parents forced him to do it or anything like that. I remember in elementary school, in like 4th grade, every day at the bus stop while we were waiting for the bus, he would just sing the Pi song for fun,” Annjila said.

She has seen him grow academically through the time that they have been in school.

“My brother’s always been good at math. Even in elementary school, he would always be doing more than what he needed to do,” Annjila said. “His teachers would always talk about how he’s exceeding their expectations. He’s been on the advanced math track, literally since elementary school.”

One of his good friends, sophomore Dominic Maracic, notes Parajuli’s aptitude for math.

“He knows so much about math that it makes me question how he found the time to learn it all,” Maracic said. “At this point, though, I’ve become used to it.”

Parajuli takes many advanced classes at CCAC and is enrolled in an early college program in software development at Carnegie Mellon University.

“It’s the same rigor as the regular courses,” Parajuli said. “You’re given an overpriced textbook, you have to read it, get the facts, and do the work.”

But he isn’t deterred by the hard work, as he likes the challenge.

“It’s not a slog for me to do the assignments, because I do enjoy coding, so it’s very enjoyable,” Parajuli said.

His coding skills are apparent to many people, including his sister.

“Instead of just playing video games, he would actually make the code for the games, so he could understand how the game works,” Annjila said. “That’s when I knew he was smart. He just liked to code and not just stuff for classes or for any kind of grade.”

But Parajuli’s academic interests range far beyond just math. He is also taking AP World History, Honors Chemistry, Honors English, and Honors Spanish this year. In the spring semester, he will be joining the Purbalite staff.

He is also active in several clubs and holds leadership positions, including the Student Council, the Chess Club, the Psychology Club, and the Civics Bowl.

“With the Civics Bowl last year, I was actually proud of what happened there,” Parajuli said. “Last year, it came back from being the America Bowl, which is with Mr. Hoffman, but since he left, it was up to the kids to bring back this amazing event.”

Gifted teacher Kathleen Deemer said Parajuli organized the Civics Bowl, “a competition for elementary and middle school students, about the government of the United States, Pennsylvania, and our local government.”.

Deemer also sponsors the Chess Club, where Parajuli uses his skills to help others.

“He always reaches out to help people. In the Chess Club, he teaches other people how to play chess,” Deemer said. “He also balances his time quite well and shows other students how to do that.”

Annjila Parajuli notes her brother is always willing to lend a hand.

“I think my brother is actually really helpful,” Anjilla said. “If somebody comes up to him and asks him for help or if they’re confused about a topic, he takes the time to actually teach them. He doesn’t make people feel bad about not understanding.”

Parajuli also works at the nonprofit Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh, tutoring elementary school students. He meets kids from Lutz Elementary, Whitehall Elementary, and McAnnulty Elementary at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to help them with their studies.

Parajuli uses the tutoring time efficiently: Even if the kids are done with their work, he gives them “academic engagement time” in which he motivates them to keep learning.

“It’s definitely a challenge to balance work while being a full-time student, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Annjal said. “I really enjoy helping the kids out, but also interacting with them on a personal level.”

Regarding his future, Parajuli said he intends to pursue a career in the mathematics field.

“I love stats, so I definitely want to do something involving stats. You know, data science, something like that,” Parajuli said.

Parajuli also shared an old saying that he appreciates. “If you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room.”