You Do The Math

Pi Patel is a Grade 10 student who shows up in your office. He loves algebra, geometry, and calculus. Basically, his brain is left-brained and looks at the world through a numerical lens. As a Math lover, he is committed to pursuing the subject at University, but his friends keep reminding him of the 'E' word (Engineering).

As the family shows up in your office, Pi sits with a confused look on his face, and a strong determination to pursue a B.S. Math degree. His parents look to you for advice on what opportunities lay ahead in life for him. You reassuringly remind them: Mathematics is a subject that incorporates abstract thinking, complex argument-making, and solving mind-boggling puzzles. And degrees in this field can be as intricate and unique as the theorems you'll come to resolve.

When choosing a course, you mention that there exist different types of math degrees you can pursue. For example, at most Math departments one can choose from four different math majors: B.S. in Mathematics, B.A. in Mathematics, B.S. in Applied Mathematics, and B.S. in Statistics. As you had them a brochure, they notice that Pi would be required to explore complete basic courses in algebra, combinatorics, calculus and analysis, differential equations, probability, geometry, topology, number theory, numerical analysis, statistics, and theoretical computer science, during his Bachelor's degree.

Soon enough, they begin wondering if their child will earn enough as a Math teacher. If indeed young Pi will become a Math Professor, a school teacher, or an IIT prep academy lecturer. You chime in to reassure them that several technical professions require a unique set of skills that you can learn by completing a degree in Math: Computer Science, IAS, Data Science, Consulting, Business Management, Finance and Investments, Cryptography, Law, and Business Analytics for example. In the world of big data (which many say is the new oil), analytics, AI, and Math majors are highly valuable. In closing, you turn to Pi, and wish him good luck with balancing his equations, getting his count right, and above not being imaginary, but rational with his decision-making (all Math puns intended!).

Attitude of Gratitude

For Pamela Colon Sharma

Dhirubhai Ambani International School

Hey Pam!! Thank you for always making time for me; for all the 15 minute check-ins that inevitably ballooned to hourlong Atharva-reassuring sessions. For being a rock through the whirlwind of the IB encouraging me over overdue IA drafts, all the crammed in ECAs, and the dozen different drafts of my CommonApp. For always being in my corner. For being a friend. Thank you.