Career Application Essay

For several years, I have known I wanted a career involving higher-level mathematics. However, it was not until recently did I discover an interest to become a mathematician, who collaborates with other mathematicians, contributes to the math community, and has the opportunity to teach and excite students about mathematical topics. After spending two years studying at Weatherford Community College, in Weatherford TX, I chose to continue my undergraduate education at the University of Houston, in Houston TX, to study mathematics. The transition from a community college to a considerably larger research university was challenging, however by managing my capabilities and quickly adjusting to the different methods of learning, I stayed able to

Even after the difficulties of this course, I remained excited and became further curious regarding mathematics. Only then did I realize the potential and opportunities mathematics entails. Through interacting with professors and graduate students in the math department, I learned more concerning the roles and requirements of a professor. After hearing about teaching, service, and research, I developed an enthusiasm in a career as a math professor, as it entails these three components that I find pleasurable and stimulating. Math has been a pivotal subject to my intellectual growth and maturity, which inspired me to continue educating myself about graduate school in mathematics, as it prepares me to achieve this rigorous and challenging, yet self-rewarding career

CHAMP brings high school students from underserved communities to UH twice per week for math lessons and tutoring from UH undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty, all who serve as teachers, facilitators, and mentors. As a facilitator and mentor, I attend CHAMP lessons for two hours per week, and during the lessons, I work with a class of high school students broken into smaller teams. I guide them through mathematics activities related to the lessons, and I also provide experienced advice, guidance, and instruction when the students have questions. I value working through math problems with the CHAMP students because it provides them with a perspective on mathematics they often do not experience in the classroom. During the CHAMP lessons, the students face challenges, are encouraged to explore, and often find that there exists multiple approaches to solve the problems assigned. They practice their creativity in solving problems, rather than simply following a formula or algorithm, and I always love to see the approaches they come up with. By interacting with the students of CHAMP, I have also been able to strengthen my teaching abilities. Being a mentor in CHAMP has provided me the opportunity to support my community by using my field of study,