Ian Garzón has captured the attention of many candidates in Spain after scoring a 9.01 on the firefighter’s entrance exam for the City of Madrid, one of the toughest tests in the country. What’s surprising about his story is that he only studied three hours a day for a year to achieve this accomplishment. Ian, who is both a firefighter and a psychologist, has developed an innovative study method that puts into practice what he has learned about the human mind.
His journey didn’t start with an effective approach; it began after a period of personal crisis. After working for five years as a computer programmer, he felt trapped in a purpose-less routine. He decided to change course and dedicate himself to preparing for the exam to become a firefighter. Ian reflects on his decision to leave his previous job: “I had a good salary, stability… but I felt like I wasn’t contributing anything. I was burned out.”
Ian’s highlighting technique has revolutionized the way many students approach studying. Unlike the traditional approach of organizing information using different colors, he suggests highlighting by associating ideas. For Ian, categorizing content can fragment learning and distract students from truly understanding the material. His method emphasizes the logical connection between questions and answers, leading to better retention of information.
“Understanding how memory works is key,” Ian insists. Working memory, which has a limited capacity for handling information, benefits from grouping relevant concepts through strategic use of color. “Color shouldn’t distract but help you see at a glance what goes together,” he says, highlighting the importance of visual association in learning.
Today, Garzón shares his experience and knowledge with other candidates through his Instagram account, where he posts practical strategies and examples aimed at clarifying the study process. He has become a reference point for those in the same situation he once faced: full of doubts yet determined to move forward.
Ian combines his work as a firefighter with his role as a psychologist and communicator, helping others find ways to study more effectively. His personal reinvention experience has not only transformed his life but is now changing how others approach studying at a critical moment in their lives.
Source: MiMub in Spanish