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In 20 words or less, what is the best thing about being part of this department?
The math community is the best part.

What is your biggest piece of advice to first years and sophomores about getting connected to this department?
Reach out and talk to others when you are struggling with a topic. Talk to other math majors so you can have an idea what classes to take the following term. Also, the biggest piece of advice, try not to compare yourself to others who have a better grasp of the material than you do. It’s not a race and everyone has different learning paces.

What is something you know now that you wish you could tell your first-year self?
Something I wish I could tell my first-year self is to not be afraid to branch out. Looking back, I stuck to a small group and ended up missing out on opportunities to connect with other amazing people. Make memories while you can, and don’t hesitate to take advantage of all the support and resources K has to offer. It can really shape your experience in the best way.

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned at K?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned at K is the importance of community. Coming from Los Angeles, I initially felt out of place, especially as a Latina trying to find where I belonged. But getting involved in student organizations helped me connect with others who were also far from home and feeling the same way. Stepping out of my comfort zone to reach out and build relationships has made my college experience not only meaningful, but truly memorable.

What has been your favorite class at K?
Within my department, my favorite class was Topics in Number Theory. I loved working and struggling alongside my classmates. The class was structured around group work, where we solved theorems from the book together. When we got stuck, we turned to each other or the professor for help. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and made me realize how much I enjoy being a math major. Outside of my department, my favorite class was the sophomore seminar Bad Religion. It was fascinating and thought-provoking. We explored a different controversial religion each week and discussed what makes a religion considered “bad.” I highly recommend taking classes outside your major. You never know what will challenge your thinking or even spark a new interest.

How have you taken advantage of the open curriculum or experienced breadth in your education?
When I first came to K, I knew I wanted to major in math, but I also wanted to make sure I wasn’t limiting myself to just STEM classes. I used the flexibility of K’s curriculum to explore areas like economics, history, religion, and political science. Each class challenged me to think in new ways and introduced me to topics I had never considered before. Exploring different fields helped me become a more well-rounded thinker and made my math major feel even more meaningful in a broader academic context.

What experiential education opportunities have you participated in?
When I went to study abroad in Budapest, I worked closely with a math professor to write my J-term paper in the Classification of Surfaces. I loved learning topology and wanted to learn more about topological surfaces. Within K College, I have participated in student organizations like LSO and Que Chevere. This upcoming year, I am going to be treasurer for LSO and I hope to bring as much of a sense of community as possible. I will also be participating in the cross-country team.

What is your SIP?
I am analyzing how sacred geometry manifests, supports, or reflects the spiritual and cultural values of the Indo-American Cultural Center, the Kalamazoo Islamic Center, and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

What are your career aspirations/next steps after K?
I am hoping to go to graduate school for either math or religion.

What is a random fun fact about you?
I can’t ride a bicycle to save my life.