Tanaya Gupta, a student of St. Joseph’s Convent School on Cantt Road, has emerged as city topper in the ICSE Class X examinations, securing an impressive 99 per cent. Tanaya admits she was surprised by the result.Now, with her focus set on the future, Tanaya has chosen the super medical stream and is preparing for medical entrance examinations. Her ultimate dream is to study at AIIMS Delhi and become a doctor.Behind her stellar performance lies not just discipline, but a unique driving force. Tanaya describes herself as having “koinophobia” — a fear of being ordinary. “It doesn’t hamper my ability, but it makes me stronger and pushes me to excel in everything I do,” she shared.Beyond academics, Tanaya says she has been a “Potterhead” and a fan of Marvel movies, web series and K-dramas. She also actively participates in debate competitions to sharpen her communication skills.Related news: ICSE, ISC results out; girls outperform boys, pass rate over 99%The daughter of a businessman, Tanaya credits her parents for being a constant pillar of support. “They are very supportive. When I am under stress, they take me out, we eat together, talk, and that really helps me relax,” she said, emphasising the importance of balance during intense preparation periods.Tanaya also revealed that she consciously took steps to stay focused. She temporarily deactivated her social media accounts during exams and reached out to her teachers for guidance. “I connected with my teachers before exams, and they really helped me,” she added.Despite the pressure of expectations, from both herself and others, Tanaya remained determined. “There was pressure because everyone had expectations, and I wanted to make my parents proud,” she admitted.Interestingly, Tanaya doesn’t follow the stereotypical early-riser study routine. “I did try waking up early, but it’s not my thing. I prefer studying late at night,” she said.With her ambition and discipline, Tanaya is already on a promising path, one that she hopes will lead her to the corridors of AIIMS and a successful career in medicine.