As a high schooler, I found joy in the puzzle nature of mathematics. I enjoyed seeing a problem, the various ways in which it could be addressed, and beginning the process of solving it. The satisfaction of solving a problem was unparalleled in my other academic pursuits. This propensity toward math was encouraged by my teachers, who sat with me, solved problems with me, and considered extensions and applications beyond our classroom.

I found that mathematics encouraged me to think creatively and helped build my problem solving skills. I knew that what I learned in mathematics, namely, the logic and approach to problems, would be applicable in whatever career I chose.

I frequently harken back to the skills I gained in my math degree. When I work on research projects now, I follow the strategies I learned in my math degree, seeing the high-level problem, identifying the sub-problems, and allowing logic to lead me to a conclusion. More technically, the statistics training I received as a math major has been immensely helpful in my research career.

While at Ohio State, I was proud of my ability to take on the challenges of the math degree, work hard in my courses, and know that I always did my best. Since graduation from OSU, I am proud of my pursuit of a PhD.