Growing up, my friends and I often played pretend, acting as if we were adults with jobs and responsibilities. One of our favorite scenarios was playing school. Every time would be different, but one thing never changed: I always played the teacher. Since a young age, I have succeeded in school. I performed well on standardized tests, read books far above my grade level, and participated in advanced programs in math and reading as early as second grade. My love for learning flourished under the encouragement of wonderful teachers, and my gratefulness to them brings me back to visit my old school whenever I return home. In particular, one instructor pushed me to pursue my passion for mathematics, inviting me into her office weekly to solve …show more content…
I graduated at the top of my class, and few people were surprised. However, I believe my success comes from my dedication to learning, not just being naturally gifted. Growing up, it was common for my classmates to expect me to always be correct “because it’s Tori”, but I disagree. My accomplishments should instead be credited to the hours of schoolwork I labored over each night and the countless times I came to school early or stayed late in order to receive assistance when I needed it. I was encouraged as a child to work for what I wanted, so I …show more content…
After I finish at Ripon College, I aim to enter graduate school, where i will earn my doctorate degree in mathematics. I have always wanted to teach, but my end goal is to become a college professor and work with mathematics every day. In the semester and a half that I have attended Ripon, I have been introduced in a more abstract side of mathematics, and I am interested to see how much more there is to learn. As a professor, I will be able to share mathematics with others who have the same passion for it. On the other hand, I will likely encounter many students who dislike math. My hope lies in my ability to help them develop a better understanding and appreciation for it. Applications of mathematics exist everywhere in the world, and I believe a strong comprehension of its properties can help anyone, no matter their