Why I Want To Study Mathematics

Throughout adolescence the words of the classical philosopher, Proclus, have stayed with me: “Wherever there is number, there is beauty.” Ever since I was a child, mathematics has held deep meaning, unlike any other field of study. While my classmates struggled I saw solutions that were evident almost effortlessly. Moreover, the very process of computations and finding the logic contained in every complex equation has been a challenge I have always welcomed enthusiastically.

Over the course of my studies my classmates have frequently come to me for informal tutoring. During 5th grade, I helped any classmate lost in determining fractions and decimal multiplication, always willing to offer guidance. When I came to the United States in 9th

Indeed, the current technological revolution would not have taken place without a firm foundation in advanced mathematics. When I speak of ‘sensitivity’ for me that means not having to immerse yourself in doing a huge number of exercises or memorizing some formulas and then forgetting them as soon as the semester is over. I would rather try to understand each concept and the rationale behind the proof for each theorem. Therefore, every time I acquired new knowledge in a mathematics course I would make every effort to make certain I understood every definition and the related conditions behind each question. As English is my second language, I strove to gain a thorough understanding of the new definition learned, but I still persisted knowing how much I would benefit from the effort. Now, as part of my learning process, it has become my habit to ask professors probing questions that initially may have stumped me when first exposed to the new materials. However, now my background is sufficiently advanced that I can readily discern patterns between newly acquired information to that which I have learned before. I sense the symmetry as well as the logical extension of the base concept. Most of all I see the interrelationships. When

When still a freshman I was given the opportunity to organize the pre-test math review session for my program’s students. Here I did extremely well, exceeding expectations. I also presided over the Putnam Review, which was a weekly math competition arranged in collaboration with my professor. As a tutor in the Math Lab I willingly shared my skills with my peers, which was a source of much personal satisfaction. There no question that my ability to quickly learn is largely due to the many levels I see in responding to an equation, not only seeking to solve the problem at-hand, but also appreciating the entire process; how my mind works in finding solutions. My only limitation at this point is that English, as my second language, still seems a little difficult to me at a scholarly level. Thus I have arranged for an exchange. When tutoring fellow students in math they are happy to work with me to improve my English skills to meet my own exacting high