In 2021, my mom received a desperate call. A severe thunderstorm dropped three inches of rain on Enoch resulting in a flash flood that swept through our old neighborhood. The call came from my aunt, whose basement was filling up with water–and they weren’t the only ones. I’d grown up on Half Mile Road, which was at the center of the disaster. My aunt lived one street up. Although we’d moved just outside the reaches of the flood, we were still closely connected to the neighborhood. We rushed to help–starting at my aunt’s house. They didn’t have a pump and were bailing a steady flow of cold, muddy, knee-deep water. We got to work, one person filling a bucket inside, and passing it out the window well, trying to stay ahead. The sewer system filled with rain water, so we blocked the tub and toilet to slow the backup. The toilet proved especially tricky to keep the water from flowing out, so I was assigned the wonderful job of standing on the towels shoved down the toilet bowl. Looking back, I can’t imagine a more terrible assignment! But at that moment, I proudly got those towels to stay put so the people bailing water could have a fighting chance. We finally got a pump, but the hours-long ordeal had just begun. My old neighborhood was in desperate need. We came back the next day, and instead of being flooded with water, the streets were flooded with volunteers. I started making phone calls to my friends to coordinate a team. I did a quick assessment of who was available and which of my friends needed help. We met at Half Mile. We planned to walk up the street and drop off people from our friend group to the houses that needed the most help. If people were available, then we’d add them to our group and go to the next house in need. I was dropped off at the Hollingshead’s house where my friend Paris lived. They had been hit hard. They’d just redone their basement and moved their kid’s belongings downstairs, and my heart sank when I saw their family albums drying out on the trampoline. In the basement, I started mopping the mud and sewage, taking out drywall, and pulling nails. Their son struggled with scraping the glued-down floor, so I grabbed his tool and told him to take care of his belongings instead. When I finished the difficult flooring job, I had adrenaline going, and asked my friend’s mom, “What’s next?” She said, “Cada, drink some water and then give me a hug!” We cried together; I felt her gratitude, and I was so grateful I helped this wonderful family that I’d known my whole life. While the situation was devastating, it gave me a true sense of what it means to be part of a community where friends, neighbors, and strangers have each other’s back. I learned about the strength and power that comes when people unite together to serve.

Growing up as a young woman who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, I've learned to embrace my unique identity and use it as a source of strength. I have always tried to work toward places where I felt underrepresented. Perhaps that's why I found myself pursuing mathematics and computer science through my education. One of my proudest achievements is earning my associate's degree while still attending high school through a program called SUCCESS Academy. I plan to continue my education in both mathematics and computer science. I'm excited to explore the intersection between these two subjects. I think it is incredibly promising and I will open myself up to a lot of unique opportunities to contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing problems. Beyond my academic pursuits, I hope to use my experiences to help others. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate a tough academic environment and needing help to achieve one's goals. As a tutor for SUCCESS Academy, I have had the opportunity to work with students who face challenges, whether it's managing ADHD or catching up on missed classes due to illness. It is incredibly rewarding to see students light up with understanding as a result of my teaching. I'm committed to continuing this work and making a difference in the lives of students who need support. To develop my skills and gain more experience in coding, I am actively seeking out a coding internship. While my academic studies have provided a strong foundation in coding, I believe that practical experiences are crucial to becoming a proficient coder. I am eager to work alongside experienced developers and learn from their expertise. By immersing myself in a professional coding environment, I hope to become more confident and comfortable with the actual process of coding. Ultimately, my goal is to take my passion for tutoring to the next level by creating an AI-powered platform that can help students around the world learn math in a way that makes sense for them. With so much uncertainty about this new technology, I am committed to pushing it in the right direction by creating a tool for good. I believe that an AI-powered platform has the potential to teach understanding and help individual growth. By providing personalized feedback and tailored learning experiences, I hope to help students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. I hope to inspire and empower individuals who may not have had access to the same opportunities as myself. Whether it's through my tutoring, developing an AI-powered learning platform, or other means, I am committed to helping those who would not have had the resources to a great education on their own. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and work towards a more inclusive future.

Growing up as a young woman who identifies with the LGBTQ+ community, I've learned to embrace my unique identity and use it as a source of strength. I have always tried to work toward places where I felt underrepresented. Perhaps that's why I found myself pursuing mathematics and computer science through my education. One of my proudest achievements is earning my associate's degree while still attending high school through a program called SUCCESS Academy. I plan to continue my education in both mathematics and computer science. I'm excited to explore the intersection between these two subjects. I think it is incredibly promising and I will open myself up to a lot of unique opportunities to contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing problems. Beyond my academic pursuits, I hope to use my experiences to help others. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate a tough academic environment and needing help to achieve one's goals. As a tutor for SUCCESS Academy, I have had the opportunity to work with students who face challenges, whether it's managing ADHD or catching up on missed classes due to illness. It is incredibly rewarding to see students light up with understanding as a result of my teaching. I'm committed to continuing this work and making a difference in the lives of students who need support. To develop my skills and gain more experience in coding, I am actively seeking out a coding internship. While my academic studies have provided a strong foundation in coding, I believe that practical experiences are crucial to becoming a proficient coder. I am eager to work alongside experienced developers and learn from their expertise. By immersing myself in a professional coding environment, I hope to become more confident and comfortable with the actual process of coding. Ultimately, my goal is to take my passion for tutoring to the next level by creating an AI-powered platform that can help students around the world learn math in a way that makes sense for them. With so much uncertainty about this new technology, I am committed to pushing it in the right direction by creating a tool for good. I believe that an AI-powered platform has the potential to teach understanding and help individual growth. By providing personalized feedback and tailored learning experiences, I hope to help students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed in school and beyond. I hope to inspire and empower individuals who may not have had access to the same opportunities as myself. Whether it's through my tutoring, developing an AI-powered learning platform, or other means, I am committed to helping those who would not have had the resources to a great education on their own. I am excited to see where this journey takes me and work towards a more inclusive future.

During my sophomore year of high school, a stomach bug swept through our household. While everyone recovered within a day, I experienced persistent nausea that didn't subside with medication. After inconclusive lab results, I was referred to a specialist who suspected the valve between my gallbladder and stomach was damaged - it could take two months to heal. At the time, I was enrolled in the rigorous academic program, SUCCESS Academy, and was taking a few college classes. If I didn't perform well, I would be unable to continue on this track. As someone who has always been a high achiever, I feared that I would lose everything I had worked for. Despite these challenges, I remained committed to learning and succeeding. During the two months, I woke up feeling sick, but I was determined not to let my condition stop me from achieving my goals. I worked with each of my teachers to stay on track and managed to earn a 4.0 GPA during that time. While my symptoms returned during my junior and senior years of high school, I learned how to take care of myself and continue to excel academically. One of my proudest achievements is earning my associate's degree while still attending high school. I plan to continue my education and earn my Bachelor's degree in mathematics with a minor in computer science. I'm excited to explore the intersection between these two subjects and contribute to solving some of the world's most pressing problems. Beyond my academic pursuits, I hope to use my experiences to help others. I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate a medical condition while still striving to achieve one's goals. As a tutor for SUCCESS Academy, I have had the opportunity to work with students who face similar challenges, whether it's managing ADHD or catching up on missed classes due to illness. I'm committed to continuing this work and making a difference in the lives of those who need support. Despite the challenges I've faced, I've learned a lot about myself. I've discovered my strength and resilience, the importance of self-care, and the need to prioritize my health. When my symptoms flare up, I know that I need to take a step back and take care of myself before pushing forward. Without these lessons, I guarantee that I would have burnout much worse than what I experience now. As I move forward, I am confident that my perseverance will enable me to achieve my goals and make meaningful contributions to society. I'm excited to continue pursuing my academic and personal goals, and I'm confident that my experiences have prepared me for any challenges that may come my way.

In 1902, Mary Anderson invented the windshield wiper. While riding on a streetcar, she noticed the driver struggling to see through the snow and sleet collected on the windshield. She imagined a device that could clear away rain, snow, and debris from a car's windshield, allowing drivers to see no matter the weather. While this was not the first innovation to come to mind - especially given all of the newest exciting technology - her invention shaped the world in a way few others have. It's amazing to think that this creation didn't come from an extravagant concept, but from a woman who simply wanted to make the world a little bit better. The idea grew, and eventually with hard work, window wipers became crucial to a safe drive. It was clear to me they were essential on a recent drive of mine. After a month of being sick, I was desperate to get a doctor's appointment with a specialist. I was so excited to hear from the hospital in St George; they had a cancelation and there was an opening that afternoon. A quick look outside made it clear that it would not be an easy drive from my home in Cedar City. The snow was falling like a thick curtain, obscuring everything in sight. I would have to make the hour-long drive in the snow. I have never been so thankful for a safety feature in my life. As I drove through the snowy mountains, the windshield wipers worked tirelessly to clear the snow and ice from my view. I was in awe of how such a simple invention was so impactful on my sense of security. Anderson's idea of automating the windshield-clearing process is a reminder that innovation doesn't always come from grand ideas or revolutionary breakthroughs. The best creations come from everyday problems and frustrations that are solved with creativity and hard work. It's a testament to the power of observation and the ability to turn ordinary ideas into incredible inventions that shape our world.

As I delved deeper into my academic journey, I discovered an unexpected passion for mathematics that took me by surprise. The more I learned about the subject, the more captivated I became, and before I knew it, I was fully enamored with its beauty and complexity. The way mathematical concepts fit together like puzzle pieces and the endless possibilities for problem-solving that it provided sparked an excitement in me that I never knew existed. It was as if a door had opened to a world of infinite wonder, and I was eager to explore every corner of it. My first glimpse into the beauty of mathematics was in my trigonometry class. I still remember how the concepts just clicked for me, and I eagerly looked forward to each class. But my love for math didn't stop there. I remember feeling a sense of excitement as I learned about how all of my math skills could be applied to solve real-world problems and finally answered the question “Why is math important?” for me. The class challenged me to think in new ways and pushed me to develop my problem-solving skills. Through this class, I realized that I was capable of explaining these concepts to others. Because of this, I found myself going beyond the classroom to help my friends who needed extra support. I regularly attended after-school tutoring sessions with Mrs. Stoker, our teacher, who was always willing to help out. Many students had questions, and I stepped up to assist them with understanding the material better. Mrs. Stoker noticed my leadership and dedication and encouraged me to apply for a private math tutor position for Iron County School District. I was thrilled at the opportunity and touched that Mrs. Stoker had recognized my potential. As a private math tutor, I worked one-on-one with students who were struggling with advanced coursework. I could see the light in their eyes when they finally understood a concept, and I knew that I was making a real difference in their lives. The opportunity to explain concepts helped me solidify the ideas as I followed my passion into more challenging classes. I began following math YouTube and Instagram channels that explored ways to effectively teach certain topics - and transitioned. Being a math tutor has solidified my passion for mathematics and helped me realize that it can be translated into a career. I am incredibly fortunate to be paid for something that I love doing, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Stoker for giving me the chance to help students successfully meet their academic goals and for igniting my passion for mathematics. Learning math has given me a powerful toolset for problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are essential for success in any field. Specifically, studying math has allowed me to explore my interests in engineering and coding, where mathematical concepts form the foundation for much of the work done. By learning to think mathematically, I am better equipped to analyze complex systems, design solutions, and make informed decisions. It has given me a deeper understanding of the world around me and has shown me how seemingly abstract concepts can be applied to real-world problems. It is a subject that continues to challenge and inspire me, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me in all aspects of my life.

As I delved deeper into my academic journey, I discovered an unexpected passion for mathematics that took me by surprise. The more I learned about the subject, the more captivated I became, and before I knew it, I was fully enamored with its beauty and complexity. The way mathematical concepts fit together like puzzle pieces and the endless possibilities for problem-solving that it provided sparked an excitement in me that I never knew existed. It was as if a door had opened to a world of infinite wonder, and I was eager to explore every corner of it. My first glimpse into the beauty of mathematics was in my trigonometry class. I still remember how the concepts just clicked for me, and I eagerly looked forward to each class. But my love for math didn't stop there. I remember feeling a sense of excitement as I learned about how all of my math skills could be applied to solve real-world problems and finally answered the question “Why is math important?” for me. The class challenged me to think in new ways and pushed me to develop my problem-solving skills. Through this class, I realized that I was capable of explaining these concepts to others. Because of this, I found myself going beyond the classroom to help my friends who needed extra support. I regularly attended after-school tutoring sessions with Mrs. Stoker, our teacher, who was always willing to help out. Many students had questions, and I stepped up to assist them with understanding the material better. Mrs. Stoker noticed my leadership and dedication and encouraged me to apply for a private math tutor position for Iron County School District. I was thrilled at the opportunity and touched that Mrs. Stoker had recognized my potential. As a private math tutor, I worked one-on-one with students who were struggling with advanced coursework. I could see the light in their eyes when they finally understood a concept, and I knew that I was making a real difference in their lives. The opportunity to explain concepts helped me solidify the ideas as I followed my passion into more challenging classes. I began following math YouTube and Instagram channels that explored ways to effectively teach certain topics - and transitioned. Being a math tutor has solidified my passion for mathematics and helped me realize that it can be translated into a career. I am incredibly fortunate to be paid for something that I love doing, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Stoker for giving me the chance to help students successfully meet their academic goals and for igniting my passion for mathematics. Learning math has given me a powerful toolset for problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are essential for success in any field. Specifically, studying math has allowed me to explore my interests in engineering and coding, where mathematical concepts form the foundation for much of the work done. By learning to think mathematically, I am better equipped to analyze complex systems, design solutions, and make informed decisions. It has given me a deeper understanding of the world around me and has shown me how seemingly abstract concepts can be applied to real-world problems. It is a subject that continues to challenge and inspire me, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me in all aspects of my life.

Mathematics has been a passion of mine ever since I took my first trigonometry class. I still remember how the concepts just clicked for me, and I eagerly looked forward to each class. But my love for math didn't stop there. I found myself going beyond the classroom to help my friends who needed extra support. I regularly attended after-school tutoring sessions with Mrs. Stoker, our teacher, who was always willing to help out. Many students had questions, and I stepped up to assist them with understanding the material better. Mrs. Stoker noticed my leadership and dedication and encouraged me to apply for a private math tutor position for Iron County School District. I was thrilled at the opportunity and touched that Mrs. Stoker had recognized my potential. As a private math tutor, I worked one-on-one with students who were struggling with advanced coursework. I managed my own time and student sessions and tailored my instruction to each student's specific needs and learning style. Seeing the progress my students made was incredibly rewarding. I could see the light in their eyes when they finally understood a concept, and I knew that I was making a real difference in their lives. This experience not only helped my students but also helped me improve my mathematical skills. I began following math YouTube and Instagram channels that explored ways to effectively teach certain topics. Being a math tutor has solidified my passion for mathematics and helped me realize that it can be translated into a career. I am incredibly fortunate to be paid for something that I love doing, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I will always be grateful to Mrs. Stoker for giving me the chance to help students successfully meet their academic goals and for igniting my passion for mathematics.

Growing up, my mother had to work multiple jobs just to make ends meet. Despite the financial struggles she faced, my mother never let them hold her back. She was determined to create a better life for herself and her family. Her resilience and hard work always proved to be worth it, and she was able to create an incredible life for the people around her. She took an internship with the Levitt Group 15 years ago, but it didn't take long for her to get a full-time position in the company. I will never forget the story; She walked into the interview to become a salesman. While everyone had confidence in her abilities to do the job, she had other ideas. She had done her research and realized that their marketing department was lacking. After talking to the interviewers, she convinced them to hire her for a position that hadn't even existed the day before - talk about making your place in the world! My mom's time at Levitt Group is nothing short of remarkable. Starting from an internship position, she worked her way up the corporate ladder to an executive role. Her hard work and dedication to her job were recognized, and she was given opportunities to take on more responsibilities and challenges. Her work ethic and determination inspired me to aim high and dream big. She has supported me throughout my education and has taught me to take every opportunity that comes my way. With those lessons she has given me, I have accomplished great things. I am graduating high school with my associates and a 3.9 GPA. After watching her work tirelessly to build a better future for our family, I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps. Her success and the changes it brought to our family's life showed me the importance of hard work and perseverance. I learned that nothing comes easy, but with hard work and determination, anything is possible. Watching my mother climb the ranks of the corporate world and build her wealth, I knew that I wanted to do the same. My mother's success story is a reminder that we have the power to create the future we want. It's not about where you start, but about where you want to go and how much effort you are willing to put in to get there. Just like my mom did, I will be taking an internship this summer with a programming company. I am excited to see where it takes me! With my mother's example as my inspiration, I am determined to work hard to build my wealth and create a better life for my future children. I know that it won't be easy, but I am ready for the challenge. The path to success is not always linear, and there will be obstacles and setbacks along the way. However, I have learned that to get to where you want to be, you have to advocate for yourself. As I begin my journey, I am grateful for the lessons my mother has taught me. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work and perseverance. It is my turn now to take the baton and continue the legacy she has started. I will work hard to make sure that the next generation of our family will have even more opportunities than we did.

I remember the moment I realized I wanted to be a math major. Toward the end of Trigonometry—after my teacher had thrown new and complex problems at us all semester long—my two-part epiphany came: first, confidence in my ability to figure out each new concept, and second, the sense of accomplishment and joy that came with solving problems. My decision to go into mathematics was further cemented with the opportunity I had to tutor other students in the STEM program. I have found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like the feeling that comes from seeing a student make progress and having a concept “click.” The sense of accomplishment they feel is contagious and uplifts me as well. Programming is another medium through which I can create, and even be artistic. Mathematics and coding go hand-in-hand, both using logic to solve problems. I love coding and am taking college-level programming courses, including CS 1400, where we are focused on Java. Coding comes naturally to me and allows me to develop solutions in an applied, tangible way. I’ve used coding to create a mini Christmas-themed light show with Micro:bit, and recently built a program in Java that created an image of the American Flag while scrolling the lyrics to the Star-Spangled Banner after certain inputs were made by the user. Whether my future is in academics or a professional setting, tutoring has given me a taste of how rewarding it is to be helpful and make meaningful contributions. Because the nature of applied mathematics is about figuring things out and finding solutions, I know the sense of accomplishment that I’ve experienced thus far will follow me into my future career as I solve business objectives, provide clarity with data analysis, or innovate to achieve goals. I’m looking forward to opportunities for collaboration with peers that builds on my tutoring experience, and I can’t wait for the chance to be part of a team where I can do meaningful work. I love how math naturally intersects with other passions that I have. I see math in the world around me, such as with my love for music, which is fun and fulfilling. Another example is my interest in coding, which is a perfect companion subject to mathematics. Machine learning is an area that requires both advanced math with the ability to code. I’ve also explored data science, such as an actuarial career or similar, which would rely heavily on advanced mathematics in addition to programming to create models and predictions. So much of our modern world sits on a foundation of mathematics, as do the cutting-edge technologies that will change our future. I want to lend my skills to the many efforts being made in the mathematics field to make a positive, impactful difference. There’s no shortage of opportunities in applied mathematics, and that’s part of what makes my future in mathematics so exciting and gives me the confidence that I’ll find fulfillment and joy in whatever path I take.

I will never forget when I took my first trigonometry class. Trigonometry clicked for me, and I found myself looking forward to each class. Although I understood the concepts, I would often go to tutoring after school to support my friends that needed extra help. Our teacher Mrs. Stoker was typically the only one available to tutor, and lots of students had questions! I stepped up to help Mrs. Stoker and my classmates by assisting students with understanding the material better. Mrs. Stoker noticed my leadership and dedication and asked me if I would consider applying for a private math tutor position for Iron County School District where I would stay after school to help other students one-on-one. She recommended me to the school administration, and I was ultimately hired for the position. I was thrilled at the chance and touched that Mrs. Stoker had recognized my potential and was willing to give me this opportunity. The position required me to reach out to students that qualified for private tutoring and coordinate with them on a tutoring schedule that worked with their availability and mine. I managed my own time and student sessions, and also maintained confidentiality with which student I worked with. My students were in both the freshman and sophomore classes in the SUCCESS program, which involved rigorous, advanced coursework. After each tutoring session, I submitted an online form describing the student’s progress, including which concepts they were doing well in and where they were struggling. My goal was to provide instruction tailored to the specific needs and learning style of each student. My position included occasional classroom time as well. On a few occasions, I’d assist with checking student work, which was especially fun during “race quizzes” where groups of students competed against each other to calculate the correct answer first. Helping my classmates succeed has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I could see the light in their eyes when they finally understood a concept, and I knew that I was making a real difference in their lives. In addition to their growth, this role has helped me, too. Because every great leader understands the importance of continued self-improvement and preparation, I began following math YouTube and Instagram channels that explored ways to effectively teach certain topics. This additional study and the experience of tutoring have absolutely enhanced my own mathematical skills. Being a math tutor has also helped me realize my passion for math can be translated into a career, and I feel incredibly lucky to be paid for something I love doing! I'm excited for what lies ahead, and I’ll forever be grateful to Mrs. Stoker for giving me this chance to lead students toward successfully meeting their academic goals.

I remember the moment I realized I wanted to be a math major. Toward the end of Trigonometry—after my teacher had thrown new and complex problems at us all semester long—my two-part epiphany came: first, confidence in my ability to figure out each new concept, and second, the sense of accomplishment and joy that came with solving problems. My decision to go into mathematics was further cemented with the opportunity I had to tutor other students in the STEM program. I have found the experience to be incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like the feeling that comes from seeing a student make progress and having a concept “click.” The sense of accomplishment they feel is contagious and uplifts me as well. Whether my future is in academics or a professional setting, tutoring has given me a taste of how rewarding it is to be helpful and make meaningful contributions. Because the nature of applied mathematics is about figuring things out and finding solutions, I know the sense of accomplishment that I’ve experienced thus far will follow me into my future career as I solve business objectives, provide clarity with data analysis, or innovate to achieve goals. I’m looking forward to opportunities for collaboration with peers that builds on my tutoring experience, and I can’t wait for the chance to be part of a team where I can do meaningful work. I love how math naturally intersects with other passions that I have. I see math in the world around me, such as with my love for music, which is fun and fulfilling. Another example is my interest in coding, which is a perfect companion subject to mathematics. Machine learning is an area that requires both advanced math with the ability to code. I’ve also explored data science, such as an actuarial career or similar, which would rely heavily on advanced mathematics in addition to programming to create models and predictions. So much of our modern world sits on a foundation of mathematics, as do the cutting-edge technologies that will change our future. I want to lend my skills to the many efforts being made in the mathematics field to make a positive, impactful difference. There’s no shortage of opportunities in applied mathematics, and that’s part of what makes my future in mathematics so exciting and gives me the confidence that I’ll find fulfillment and joy in whatever path I take.

A top accomplishment during high school was completing college-level mathematics and related courses with a 3.9 GPA. These courses tell the story of my math journey and how it became my favorite subject and the focus of my future bachelor’s degree and career. Before applying to the SUCCESS Academy, I remember attending the SUCCESS information night with my mom. They talked about two mathematics tracks–one of which was advanced and required a placement test to gain acceptance. My mom, who often talks about her struggle with math, turned to me and whispered with a worried look on her face, “Honey, are you good at math?” I turned, a little surprised at the question, and gave her a thumbs up. I’d done really well at math during middle school, along with related STEM subjects and projects, and had earned a Mathematical Excellence award. My experiences and teachers in middle school gave me the confidence to pursue the SUCCESS program and the advanced track. My mom smiled back–she’d learned something about me she didn’t know before. But for me, my math journey was just beginning. My math placement scores landed me in the fast track. In Math 1050, my professor gave us an extra credit project to create artwork on our graphing calculators using functions. This was incredibly fun because I love art and have a knack for doodling, so this was a perfect combination of the two. As I progressed in my studies, I was able to create more complex artwork with increasingly more advanced functions – trigonometric and exponential functions being some of my favorite new additions. Trig 1060 marked a significant moment–not only did I enjoy math and was good at it, but I realized math was my future (Thanks Ms. Stoker!). I decided to major in applied mathematics and pursue a career in math. I enjoy logic puzzles, and that’s exactly what math was about–especially in Trig. We worked on trig proofs where we found ways to get from one point to another with a very clear goal in mind. My decision to pursue math mirrored those Trig proofs! My goal became clear. I went into tutoring, not because I needed help, but because I enjoyed helping my friends and other students understand the concepts. This led to an opportunity to be employed as a math tutor for SUCCESS. Calculus only cemented the path I’d chosen because it opened a whole new way of understanding and thinking about mathematics. Go derivatives! It was the first time I was able to focus less on new concepts and instead learned how to manipulate numbers in ways I hadn’t thought of before. It’s been one of my favorite math classes, and I have a feeling my passion for mathematics will only grow with each new class and opportunity to master this subject. I’ve also taken coding courses, which is a skillset that compliments mathematics so well. Coding will be a valuable tool to further analyze data, manipulate numbers, and solve problems.