Hello I am Nikola, welcome to my website!
"Roots and Wings: My Journey Begins" - my background
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I was born on July 10th, 2008, in Belgrade, Serbia, as the first child of Marija and Branko. My birth was delivered by Dr. Ratko Peković, my grandfather and a pediatrician. At the time, my father was a professional water polo player, and my mother was still completing her university studies. Although my parents were living in Moscow, Russia, due to my father’s career, they decided it was best for me to be born in Serbia. Shortly after my birth, we returned to Moscow, and not long after, we moved again -from the cold Russian climate to the sunny beaches of Budva, Montenegro.
That is 1 year old me with my grandpas
3 year old me with my little sister
After a year of enjoying the warm weather in Montenegro, my family decided to move back to Russia, this time to the city of Ruza. It was there that I started kindergarten and welcomed a new member into my life ,my little sister, Nina, who was born on May 27th, 2011.
After spending two years in the cold climate of Ruza, my family moved to Almaty, Kazakhstan. It was here that I became fluent in both Russian and Serbian and began to discover my passions for math and swimming - interests that would later play a big role in my life. In Kazakhstan, I attended preschool and completed my first grade, where I achieved my first academic milestones: I was selected for a lyceum for gifted children and won several competitions in math and mental arithmetic. I also experienced my first successes in sports, earning medals in swimming races and soccer tournaments.
My family and I after my dad had finished a marathon
First day of 1st grade
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It was in Serbia that I truly began to explore my interests and achieve success. From grades 2 to 7, I attended Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School, where I excelled in math, physics, and chemistry competitions and was named “Student of the Generation” five years in a row. In 7th grade, I enrolled in the country’s top school, the Mathematical Grammar School, where I continued to pursue academic excellence. During my time in Serbia, I also discovered my passion for water polo and was selected for the 15u, 16u, and 17u national teams. Beyond academics and water polo, I explored acting, robotics, art, and other sports, including soccer and basketball. I started learning my third and fourth language during this time - English and French
First photo shows me holding some of my math and physics awards, second is me getting ready for a football game and third is the poster of a tv series I acted in
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After so many years in Serbia and all the changes we had experienced, the biggest one yet awaited me—my dad got a great job opportunity and my family decided to move to Canada, stepping into a completely new world. It has now been a little over a year since we arrived. Over the past two summers, I spent time in California with a host family, where I continued playing water polo.
Playing water polo in California
My Parents' Background
My father, Branko Peković, was born in Serbia in 1979. He had a professional water polo career spanning over 20 years, playing in multiple countries and representing the Serbian national team. He was a member of the 2008 Olympic team that won the bronze medal and earned numerous gold, silver, and bronze medals in European and World Championships. Today, he works as a coach and club manager.
My mother, Marija Peković, was born in Serbia in 1983. She studied economics at university and later pursued training to become a professional psychotherapist. She was previously the owner and director of a kindergarten, and today she works as a psychotherapist.
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Celebrating My Journey: A Showcase of Achievements
ACADEMICS
My passion for mathematics and STEM has been evident from an early age; I always knew I wanted to explore these subjects in depth. From 1st to 6th grade, I attended Vladislav Ribnikar Elementary School, consistently ranking among the top students. During this time, I actively participated in math and physics competitions, achieving notable accomplishments such as 3rd place at the Serbian National Mathematics Competition, 1st and 2nd place at the Belgrade Mathematics Competition, and recognition at the Serbian National Physics Competition. These early successes not only fueled my curiosity but also instilled in me a drive to challenge myself academically and explore complex problems independently.
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In 7th grade, I passed the highly competitive entrance exam to enroll in Serbia’s premier school, the Mathematical Grammar School. With only 40 students admitted nationwide each year, this exam is among the most selective in the country. Admission also required a high GPA and a strong record of achievements in academic competitions, all of which I had accomplished. Joining this prestigious institution marked a pivotal moment in my academic journey, allowing me to study alongside some of Serbia’s brightest young minds.
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At the Mathematical Grammar School, I continued to pursue my interests in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, consistently earning strong results in competitions. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, with over 700 medals earned by students in international Olympiads. Professors are selected not only for their expertise—many are graduates of world-leading universities such as Cambridge and Oxford—but also for their ability to inspire students to develop a genuine love of learning. During this time, I honed my problem-solving skills, strengthened my critical thinking, and deepened my understanding of complex concepts.
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Due to differences in the education systems between Serbia and Canada—where students in Serbia typically begin school one year later—I had to skip a grade upon moving to Canada. After completing Grade 9 in Serbia, I transitioned directly into Grade 11 at Gleneagle Secondary School in Vancouver. At the same time, I continued my studies online with the Mathematical Grammar School as a Grade 10 student. During that year, I successfully completed both Grade 10 online and Grade 11 in person.
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Currently, I am enrolled as a Grade 12 student at Gleneagle Secondary School and a Grade 11 student at the Mathematical Grammar School. While my Serbian school now serves more as an academic extension and extracurricular pursuit, Gleneagle is my primary institution, where I will graduate in June 2026. Balancing two demanding academic programs in two different countries has allowed me to develop exceptional discipline, adaptability, and time management skills.
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At the end of 8th grade, I passed another rigorous exam, allowing only 100 students to continue at the school. When my family moved to Canada at the end of 9th grade, I was determined to maintain my connection to the Mathematical Grammar School. Because online enrollment is unusual, I submitted a request to Serbia’s Minister of Education, which was approved thanks to my academic record and prior achievements.
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This year, while attending both the Mathematical Grammar School and my Canadian school simultaneously, I maintained a 4.36 GPA out of 5 at the Mathematical Grammar School and a 4.0 GPA at my Canadian school, earning a place on the Honor Roll. Balancing two rigorous academic systems strengthened my discipline, time management, and adaptability, enabling me to thrive in multiple educational environments.
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In addition to my academic pursuits, I speak four languages fluently—Serbian, English, French, and Russian—and I am currently learning Spanish. These experiences have shaped me into a student with a global perspective, a deep curiosity for learning, and a commitment to continual growth in academics.
ATHLETICS
My journey in the water began when I was just three years old, attending my first swimming lessons. My father, who had a long professional water polo career, often encouraged me to try the sport—but at that time, I was in love with swimming and couldn’t imagine changing anything about it.
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When my family and I returned to Serbia, I finally decided to give water polo a chance—and it was love at first sight. I joined Red Star Water Polo Club, the same club where my father began his career. Those early years laid the foundation for the athlete I am today. I learned the fundamentals, developed discipline, and discovered my passion for teamwork and competition.
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At fourteen, I transferred to Novi Beograd Water Polo Club, where I truly flourished as a player. Surrounded by exceptional coaches and dedicated teammates, I made great strides in my athletic development. During my time with Novi Beograd, I was selected to represent Serbia’s 15U, 16U, and 17U national teams—an achievement that once felt out of reach.
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After two and a half years with Novi Beograd, my family moved to Canada in 2024. Though it was difficult to leave my team behind, I joined Pacific Storm Water Polo Club in Vancouver. My first year there was unforgettable: I was the league’s top scorer, led in steals, earned a spot on the All-Star Team, and was named Most Valuable Offensive Player—all while playing in the 18U division as one of the youngest athletes on the roster.
This year, I am honored to serve as team captain, striving to lead by example and help my team achieve even greater success.
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Since competitive water polo is limited in Canada during the summer, I’ve spent the past two summers in Fresno, California, playing with a host family’s club team. Both years, I led the team in goals, steals, and assists, and in 2024, we earned second place at the Junior Olympics, one of the largest water polo tournaments in the United States. I was also recognized as the Offensive Player of the Season.
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Despite all the medals, trophies, and titles, my favorite memories come from the moments outside the pool—traveling with my teammates, sharing laughter in hotel hallways, and forming friendships that will last a lifetime. These experiences have shaped not only my athletic identity but also my character.
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Water polo has taught me resilience, leadership, and teamwork, and it remains an inseparable part of who I am. For all these reasons—and my deep love for the sport—I am committed to continuing my journey at the collegiate level, both in the water and beyond.
VOLUNTEER WORK
Beyond academics and athletics, I take great pride in my extracurricular activities—especially my volunteer work, which has become one of the most meaningful aspects of my life.
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My volunteer journey began in 7th grade, when my physics and chemistry teacher asked me to teach younger students preparing for competitions in these subjects. Through this experience, I discovered how much I enjoyed sharing my knowledge and helping others succeed. It gave me a sense of purpose—knowing that I was contributing to my community in a meaningful way.
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During my years at the Mathematical Grammar School, I continued mentoring younger students in mathematics and chemistry. Seeing some of my students go on to win awards at national competitions was deeply rewarding and reinforced my love for teaching and mentorship.
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After moving to Canada, I wanted to continue this work in a new environment. I became a part-time coach at the Pacific Storm Water Polo Club, where I taught young children in beginner swimming groups—affectionately called the “Puppies” and “Dolphins.” Over time, watching them progress from timid beginners to confident swimmers who could handle the deep end on their own was an incredibly fulfilling experience. While spending my summers in California for water polo I would also be volunteering ad a coach for 10U age group teaching them basics of water polo.
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In addition to coaching, I joined the Talons Tutoring Program at Gleneagle Secondary School, where I tutor elementary and middle school students in mathematics. This program has allowed me to continue helping others grow academically while improving my own communication and leadership skills.
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However, I wanted to go beyond existing clubs and create something that would directly benefit my broader community. Upon moving to Vancouver, I became aware of the homelessness crisis and the difficulties Indigenous communities face, particularly those still affected by the legacy of Residential Schools. I wanted to make a difference, even in a small way.
That’s how I founded Green Bridges, a community initiative focused on collecting clothing donations for Indigenous and homeless communities. What started as a simple idea among classmates became a months-long effort. For nearly half a year, I reached out to numerous organizations until finally partnering with the Red Fish Healing Centre, which agreed to receive the donations. I promoted the drive throughout my school—creating posters, speaking to student council members, and encouraging my peers to participate—and later expanded it to include my water polo team.
My initial goal was to collect 200 pieces of clothing. By the end, we had gathered over 500, including winter jackets, hoodies, shoes, and other essentials. Delivering these donations was one of the most gratifying moments of my life. Knowing that something I organized could bring warmth and comfort to others made every step of the process worthwhile.
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Founding Green Bridges taught me that leadership isn’t just about organizing or directing—it’s about empathy, persistence, and taking initiative to make a tangible impact. It remains one of the accomplishments I am most proud of.
Here are a few pictures showcasing the clothes we've gathered through my organization.
Beyond the Classroom and the pool: My Passions and Activities
SCIENCES
Outside of my academics, athletics, and volunteer work, what truly makes me stand out are the activities and passions I pursue in my free time. These experiences reveal who I am beyond grades, medals, and achievements. They reflect curiosity, creativity, and a love for discovery that extend into every part of my life. I have always believed that learning doesn’t stop in the classroom or the pool; it happens through experiences, people, and the world around me. Whether it’s exploring scientific ideas, expressing myself through art, staying active in different sports, or traveling to new places, each of these passions teaches me something valuable about the world and myself. They represent balance between structure and creativity, focus and freedom, and they continue to shape my character and ambitions. I like to think of them as belonging to several groups: science, sports, art, travel, and personal hobbies. Together, they form a complete picture of who I am—someone who learns, creates, explores, and grows every single day.​
Being someone who enjoys learning and exploring scientific and mathematical ideas has always been a defining part of who I am. From an early age, I was deeply fascinated by numbers and patterns — I knew the entire multiplication table before I even started first grade. My teachers quickly recognized my curiosity and talent in these areas, often giving me extra assignments and challenges, which I came to love. My mother used to say that my passion for discovery might be destiny, since I was born on the same day as Nikola Tesla. Over time, my love for mathematics naturally expanded to physics, and later to chemistry, as I became more interested in understanding how the world works on both a theoretical and practical level. I have participated in various STEM, physics, chemistry, and robotics clubs, each giving me new ways to apply my knowledge and creativity. Science, for me, is not just about solving problems—it’s about exploring possibilities. This curiosity continues to drive me, and it is something I am eager to keep pursuing at the university level.
SPORTS
Sports have always been an essential part of who I am. Without them, I don’t think I would have achieved the same success in other areas of my life. Being active makes me feel alive, balanced, and focused. Whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed with school or personal responsibilities, the best thing I can do is move — go to practice, lift weights, run, or simply take a walk. Sports have taught me some of the most important lessons in life: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and how to stay strong during challenging times.
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Water polo is my main sport and my greatest passion. It has shaped my character, given me unforgettable experiences, and allowed me to travel the world and meet incredible people. My goal is to continue playing water polo at the collegiate level, as it has become an inseparable part of my identity. In addition to water polo, I also enjoy basketball, volleyball, and soccer. When it comes to watching sports, I’m a true fan — I follow basketball, football, soccer, hockey, baseball, track and field and even UFC. My favorite teams are the Golden State Warriors, the Seattle Seahawks, and Real Madrid, and my favorite fighter is Alex Pereira. I admire athletes like Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps because they started the same way I did: as teenagers chasing a dream with dedication, passion, and belief. Watching and learning from their journeys continually motivates me to push my own limits, both in and out of the pool.
TRAVEL
One of the things that makes me the happiest is traveling. So far in my life, I’ve been to more than thirty countries across four continents, and each journey has shaped me in a unique way. What I love most about traveling is how it opens my eyes to different ways of life — every city, every person, and every story adds something new to how I see the world and myself. Some of my favorite cities I’ve visited are Rome, Hurghada, San Francisco, Boston, and Budapest. Each of them holds a special memory: from walking through ancient ruins to watching the sunset over the ocean or exploring vibrant city streets. A few places still on my list are Tokyo and Rio de Janeiro — two cities I dream of visiting for their culture, history, and energy.
Having lived in many different places — from Serbia to Russia, Kazakhstan, Montenegro, and now Canada — I’ve learned how to adapt, connect, and find home wherever I go. Along the way, I’ve also developed a deep love for languages. I speak Serbian, English, Russian, French, and Spanish, and I see language as one of the most powerful bridges between people. I love being around new people, hearing their stories, and learning about their cultures. Traveling has taught me that the world is full of beauty, diversity, and connection, and that every person I meet has something to teach me. These experiences have not only made me more open-minded but also more grateful — for the people I meet, the places I’ve seen, and the endless opportunities to keep exploring.
ART
Art has always been one of the strongest ways I connect with the world. Whether it’s music, painting, architecture, or film, art helps me understand emotions and ideas that words alone can’t express. It gives balance to my logical side and keeps me creative.
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Music has always been a huge part of my life. I love rap for its rhythm and storytelling—artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole inspire me with how they turn life into poetry. I also connect deeply with R&B; H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, and Anderson .Paak create sounds that feel honest and timeless. And when I need energy, I turn to 70s rock. Bands like AC/DC and KISS remind me how powerful live music can be. No matter the genre, music helps me focus, relax, and connect with others.
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In visual art, I’ve always admired Picasso’s Light Paintings. He created them by leaving a camera lens open and drawing with light—a mix of science and creativity. After learning about them, I tried making my own versions with a flashlight and camera. They weren’t perfect, but seeing the glowing lines appear felt magical.
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Architecture inspires me in a similar way—it’s creativity built into daily life. I admire Antoni Gaudí’s dreamlike designs and Frank Lloyd Wright’s harmony with nature. Both show how imagination and structure can coexist beautifully.
Film ties it all together for me. My favorite director is Steven Spielberg, and my favorite movie is The Green Mile. I love how it captures compassion and strength while making you reflect long after it ends.
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Art, in all these forms, keeps me curious, inspired, and connected to people and ideas everywhere.
A photo from the set filming "Poziv"
HOBBIES
One of my greatest passions has always been solving Rubik’s Cubes. What started as a birthday gift quickly became an obsession. I loved the rhythm of turning the cube, watching patterns appear, and the satisfaction of solving it faster each time. At my peak, I had over sixty different cubes—everything from standard 3x3s to complex mirror and pyramid cubes. I began entering competitions, not for the prizes, but for the thrill of challenging myself and meeting people who shared the same strange fascination with colors and algorithms. Each cube I solved felt like a small victory, a reminder that patience and focus can untangle even the most complicated problems.
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Acting, however, brought out an entirely different part of me. Between ages twelve and sixteen, I performed in several plays and had the chance to act in the Serbian television series Poziv. One of the most memorable experiences was working alongside Mirjana Joković, who is now a professor at a U.S. university and a respected actress known for her roles in films and theatre. Watching her work up close taught me how much emotion and depth acting can hold. More than anything, I had fun—I loved the rehearsals, the energy of being on set, and the bond that forms when you create something with a team.