"Before, I thought I wanted to be a high school math teacher, but one of my professors told me, "You will be a Dr. one day," and ever since then, I have had overwhelming peace about what my future holds. I am currently a third year PhD student."
Quick Facts
Program: B.S. in Mathematics
Concentration: Advanced Studies
Graduation Year: 2019
Current Job Title: PhD student and teaching assistant at Arizona State University
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Current City: Chandler, AZ
Life at CBU
Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I've only ever had an interest in mathematics. Math was the subject that was challenging
yet still thoroughly enjoyable.
What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
Core math courses at CBU were very inclusive. Everyone in the program, including the
professors, wanted to see you succeed.
What did you think about your professors?
The professors are the reason for my success. Yes, the study groups helped, but having
a professor who truly cares about you and your education means the world.
Did you participate in anything at CBU?
I completed a senior research project with Dr. Cordero, attended multiple math conferences
and was a grader for Calculus.
How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while at CBU?
I gained a lot of self confidence in my mathematical abilities while at CBU. Also,
having constant prayer in my courses was a great help in reminding me to stay constant
in prayer, even outside of school.
Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
Yes! If it wasn't for professors at CBU pushing me to be my best, I wouldn't have
figured out my purpose. I never thought about attending graduate school. Before, I
thought I wanted to be a high school math teacher, but one of my professors told me,
"You will be a Dr. one day," and ever since then, I have had overwhelming peace about
what my future holds. I am currently a third year PhD student.
Life after CBU
What have you done since graduating?
Once I graduated, I moved to Arizona to attend Arizona State University for their
PhD program in Applied Mathematics. I am starting my third year and it has been amazing.
My first year was rough, but I finished my second year with straight As. I have taken
part of multiple research projects, and am currently mentoring undergrad students
in Linear Algebra.
How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
CBU has prepared me in multiple ways.
Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life
today?
One thing comes to mind, but it came directly from a professor. I was dealing with
rather intense test anxiety and Dr. Sill told me, "A math exam is simply a puzzle.
As mathematicians, we have all the pieces—the definitions, theorems, etc.—and it is
our job to just make the pieces fit," and that has stayed with me to this day. I replay
that in my head before exams and while doing homework; it has helped a lot.
How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
My dream is to be a professor and to help students find their purpose as a few of
my professors once did for me. Right now, I am a teaching assistant and I find joy
in helping students succeed. Going the extra mile until they finally understand something.
I just want to be a blessing in someone's life, and I feel as though teaching will
help me do that.
Would you recommend CBU to others?
YES. The story would take too long to type, but CBU was literally an answer to a 10-year-old
prayer. I still get overwhelmed with emotions when I think about my time at CBU. The
math, the professors, the chapel, everything. It was simply amazing, and I thank God
every day that I was a student there. I wouldn't be where I am today without it.