(From left) Saif Rahman, Wasique Hasan, Argho Roy, Haseen Hasnain, Ayesha Mehjuba Sinha and Naiyareen Fareeza Mayeen.

Anybody who watched Spelling Bee knows how intense the competition is. A participant needs to stay strong to go through all the rounds and become a finalist. I met all the participants and their families and couldn't be more impressed. Eloquence, determination and fighting spirit of the participants as well as the staunch and loyal support of the families just blew me away. In contrast, they are regular kids whose parents complain that they don't study enough. Let's meet the finalists of The Daily Star Spelling Bee Season 3 and see what sets them apart.

Saif Rahman, Grade 9, Regent College, Dhaka:
This is my second appearance in Spelling Bee; I was in the finals last year as well. I like the format, it is very engaging I think and I have made some great friends.
My second year has been better; I wasn't as nervous as my 1st year. The shooting wasn't stressful and it didn't interrupt my school schedule at all.
Football and video games are my hobbies.

Ayesha Mehjuba Sinha, Grade 10, Ideal School & College, Motijheel, Dhaka:
Spelling Bee for me has been mind-blowing so far and truthfully, I didn't get enough time to be nervous! After each shooting, I was so exhausted that all I could think about was home and bed.
I have many hobbies like reading and writing short stories. My favourite authors are Humayun Ahmed and Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

Argho Roy, Grade 9, Anandaniketan, Sylhet:
My School, Anandaniketan, is helping a lot. My teacher printed out the Spellato for me and all the teachers are encouraging me a lot. As I had to be in Dhaka often, I was allowed to miss tests and later take them so my studies weren't hampered at all.
The best part of Spelling Bee is the dream of becoming recognised nationwide and the knowledge you acquire through this journey.
During my free time I play video games or football.

Naiyareen Fareeza Mayeen, Grade 8, Sunbeams, Dhaka:
Last year I won a Golden Ticket from school but didn't go too far in the competition. This year I didn't even win that, so I started playing the online round and was selected. Due to exams and the heavy study load, I wasn't really planning to join this year's competition but my friends were insistent. My chemistry teacher watched my Quarter Final episode, called me up and congratulated me, which was very inspiring. I started studying every day for a few hours.
My favourite pastimes are reading and baking.

Haseen Hasnain, Grade 8, HURDCO International School, Dhaka:
To prepare for Spelling Bee I follow International Spelling Bees and watch all the episodes of past two seasons of Spelling Bee in Bangladesh. Dictionaries, I think, are the best friends for any speller.
During Divisional Rounds I wasn't very nervous; I had friends from school with me. During the shootings in the beginning, I was a little nervous with all the new people and the lights.
My family, especially my youngest brother, is my motivation. He makes sure I am not always on Facebook or on the phone. I really appreciate all his policing around.
I love reading books and Humayun Ahmed is my idol.

Wasique Hasan, Grade 9, Marie Curie School, Dhaka:
This, being my third time on Spelling bee, I wanted to make an impression and do something worthwhile. My mother pushes me to work harder and my father has immense belief in me; the combination makes me believe I can achieve anything!

Once in the Spell Hive I got my first word wrong and my Hive score was 10 due to that silly mistake. And I just lost my nerve from that point on, goofed up the rest of the rounds, and ended up with a total score of 10. This taught me to 'never lose motivation' and 'always be confident.'

I play cricket and table tennis a lot and I love books. My favourite author is Christopher Paolini.
Saif, Naiyareen, Aisha, Wasique, Haseen and Argho, each surprised me in their own ways. With the Grand Finale knocking on the door all I can do is eagerly wait, because each finalist is equally deserving of the title.