My College Education At The University Of Pittsburgh

When I started my college education at the University of Pittsburgh, like many freshman, I was uncertain about which career direction I wanted to pursue. However, I did know one thing for certain, that I had a passion for math and desired to study it at a higher level. I chose the major of Actuarial Mathematics. Looking back at that decision I am happy that I spent my undergraduate years taking difficult math classes, various economic and statistic classes, and computer programming classes. This enabled me to see a different side of the applications of mathematics. While this major was challenging, interesting, and enjoyable, I would like to use this knowledge to become a leader in mathematics education focusing on the desire to†¦show more content†¦Besides personal time management and study schedules being extremely important, I witnessed first-hand how teachers have the ability to be the most excellent resource for success to students. In high school the core math cl asses are mandatory, so I realize that not every student is going to find the subject interesting or even want to do well. I want to be a teacher so that I can make whatever class I am teaching a class that students enjoy, are excited about, and want to do well. I have experience tutoring in math, both informal and formally. If I am helping a sibling, a friend, or another student, I love that transitional moment when an individual goes from being completely lost about a concept to understanding. There is even the rare moment when a student who professes to detest math can get so caught up in the beauty and straightforwardness of it. I was tutoring a ninth grader a couple months ago. When we first started going over problems the student mentioned that she â€Å"hated this stuff† and had no interest in the problems at hand. By the time the bell went off to signal the end of the class the student told me that she was upset she had to leave, and that she was having a lot o f fun. Watching the transition of that student in only forty-five minutes makes me positive that this