Travis Smiley

Quick Facts

Program: B.S. in Mathematics
Concentration: Advanced Studies
Minor: Christian Studies
Graduation Year: 2020
Current Job Title: Ph.D. student and graduate teaching assistant at University of Colorado—Denver
Hometown: Norwalk, CA
Current City: Denver, CO

Life at CBU

Why did you choose your major? What interested you in this particular field of study?
I chose to study mathematics at CBU because I had a desire to have a job where I could form relationships with people and share the gospel with them. I thought teaching was a good way to do that and mathematics was a subject I was good at, so I decided to go down that path. I have also always been interested in mathematics because it reveals the logistical structure with which God created this earth.

What did you like about being in this program at CBU?
I enjoyed being in this program for multiple reasons. One the best reasons was the community in the program. Our mathematics department was a smaller department, so I really felt like I was known by my classmates as well as my professors. Another reason was the professors loved to talk about their faith. I think I will always remember Dr. Cordero's analysis class because he makes sure to take some time out of lecture every week to talk to our class about how God and mathematics work together and how logic can help us be more confident in our faith.

What did you think about your professors?
They were the best! They cared about my success and were willing to go above and beyond to help me get to where I am today. They cared about my success as a student as well as in my life outside of classes.

Did you participate in anything at CBU?  
I participated in Challenge at CBU. I was a student leader my senior year and had the opportunity to help lead a Bible study in one of the freshman dorms, which was a great and humbling experience. I also had the opportunity to be a student ambassador and teaching assistant for the mathematics department, and I spent a year as an RA in a freshman dorm as well. All of these experiences were things that helped me grow spiritually and professionally.

How did you grow (spiritually, socially, educationally) while at CBU?
One of the ways I grew most was educationally. I learned study skills that help me in my current program, and I learned ways to glorify Christ through my studies. I also grew spiritually through the discipleship I received from people on staff with Challenge. They pushed me to make my faith my own and to be bold in sharing my faith with those around me.

Did your program help you figure out your purpose?
My program helped me discover that I wanted be a professor so I can impact my future students in the same ways my professors did for me.

Life after CBU

What have you done since graduating?
I have been accepted into a Ph.D. program for applied mathematics at the University of Colorado—Denver with a full scholarship and a teaching assistantship. I am now starting my second year in this program.

How has your major and time at CBU prepared you for your life and career after college?
My program and time at CBU has prepared me to engage with the other students in my cohort in a Christ-like manner and it has prepared me for my future studies.

Is there anything you learned at CBU that you still use in your professional life today?
I still use study techniques that I learned from professors during my time at CBU.

How are you making a difference in the world? How are you living your purpose?
I have the opportunity to teach while I am completing my studies which has given me the opportunity to form relationships with my students, show them the love of Christ, and to push them to succeed in any way that I can.

Would you recommend CBU to others?
I would recommend CBU because you receive a quality education from a Christ-centered worldview, and they will not only prepare you professionally but also spiritually so you can live your purpose in whatever you do after you graduate.