Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Major: Integrated Studies with a Mathematics Emphasis
Throughout middle and high school, math was always one of my favorite subjects. I had a number of teachers who challenged me and shared their love of mathematics with me. Because of that experience, I developed friendships with many of my teachers, as well as a passion for math.
I grew up wanting to follow in my uncle’s footsteps by becoming an architect. I saw architecture as a career that would allow me to use both my love for math and love of art. SPU was the only school I applied to that was not a state school, and on most of my applications, I noted architecture as my intended major — until I stepped onto the SPU campus. SPU went from barely being on my radar to a community I would grow to call home.
During my first quarter as a freshman, I took an “Introduction to Education” course that required me to volunteer in a local classroom. I realized that I could pursue a career in teaching and combine my love for art and math in a different way than I could with architecture. I love helping people, and teaching allows me to exercise my passions while reaching out to others.
After I declared my major, Dr. John Hossler’s calculus classes were the first courses I took in the Mathematics Department. Initially, I was intimidated because I was one of the few Integrated Studies majors among the many math majors. But Dr. Hossler makes math fun and cares for each of his students on a personal level. While he encourages me in my pursuit of math, he also encourages me to become an educator through his teaching methods.
I was not raised in a Christian home, so coming to SPU and being surrounded by Christian students and mentors was a new experience for me. SPU’s location also allowed me to find a church community where I feel welcome and encouraged in my walk with Christ. That means over the past four years I have grown in both knowledge and faith, and learned how to open up to my family and talk about how my faith is constantly impacting my life.
After graduation, I plan to teach in the Seattle area for a few years before moving back to California. My goal is to get involved in a school district where I can make an impact on the lives of students while encouraging them to make math fun.