Personal Statement on Apply for a Major in Mathematics

Introduction

Mathematics is one of the human subjects such as art, music, literature, and biology therefore intrinsically making life worthwhile. At the same time, mathematics is a critical component of science and technological advancement vital in developing, understanding and controlling resources for the benefit of man.

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Since my childhood I developed a keen interest in numbers as I could quickly put thoughts together, play with puzzles, and I often asked my mother provocative questions as I yearned to learn more about things I did not comprehend. When I managed to solve my first quadratic equation, I knew more of that was what I wanted to pursue in life. In high school I had already started studying mathematical models, algebra and geometry taught mostly at the university level. My father is a businessman, and I learned a great deal from him as any mistake in calculations could be catastrophic. Customers are likely to be dissatisfied, suppliers feel shortchanged, and his business may quickly be on the brink of failure. Since running the family business is his passion he always managed to keep everything in check ensure the right decisions and transactions were made.

My life is a testimony to the limitless extents that can be reached if one consistently follows their passion. In 2015, I was studying at Illinois State University (ISU). Being new to a pure an English speaking nation, I struggle to catch up. English became an impediment to the extent that I could not understand other subjects. Taking full-time English course and a part-time math course, I ended up shifting most of my attention to eliminating the language barrier. Consequently, I failed in mathematics. The following semester I enrolled at Heartland Community College (HCC) to try and improve my knowledge and grades. At HCC I took both financial accounting, physics, statistics, and mathematics courses. I got my associate degree in Science with a cumulative GPA 66/78. I transferred back to ISU, but things did not go as planned. I had a mild depression that hurt my academic life as I could not fall asleep at night or focus in class. I got dismissed from ISU due to having a low GPA. I knew that was the end of everything for me as I had lost the most excellent chance to follow my dreams. As much as I tried to divert my attention to other aspects of life such as starting a small business, my heart was not in it. In the spring break of 2018, I went back home and sought treatment for my condition and got better. This semester I enrolled at HCC to further my skills, and I wish to get another chance at Illinois State University (ISU). My experiences and the various impediments I have faced in life have not only proven that I can attain my goals but has also reinforced the need to change the lives of others through Mathematics. I believe my stay at the Illinois State University will be fruitful and a step closer to attaining the primary goal in life.

I am applying for a mathematics major not only because it is my passion but because it is core to understanding everything else in the modern economy. Economic, statistics and accounting courses I took at Heartland Community College (HCC) were pivotal in my three months attachment at Wenzhou Bank in Shanghai. I did several tasks including resolving customer issues, processing proof work, ordering products for customers, analyzing customer's potential investments and keeping records. This experience has taught me that it is vital to have an analytical mind if you want to make a real change in society. There is no better way to attain the latter than through mathematics. Eventually, I would love to invest my mathematics skills in a securities or an investment company as capital has a potential to change many lives if channeled towards the right initiatives.

Illinois State University (ISU) will give a chance to interact with individuals who are key to the holistic understanding of mathematics. I will be exposed to a vast number of scholars and materials within and outside the campus. The university also has a flexible program vital in developing at all aspects of life. My greatest weakness was the language barrier, now that it is no longer an impediment to my school life I will be able to interact with various clubs, organizations, and individuals. Such experience is vital my social development.

My need to make a difference in society goes beyond mathematics. I get great satisfaction when after making a real difference in a person's life. For example, during the spring break, I got an opportunity to talk to the youth in my neighborhood about depression and its effects. I gladly raised awareness about the one thing that came very close to ending my goas in life. Additionally, being a volunteer at the clinic gave me even more practical experiences as I prepared presentations, speak to the public freely and engage in life-changing discussions. These experiences are vital in sharing and learning new concepts as I interact with both professors and learners in mathematics. Mathematics is the key to being part of the youth who are progressively thinking outside the box and contributing to social, economic, environmental and political development.