Reflections

By Nancy E. Heinschel (BS, 1995)

Department of Mathematics
Stanford University

As I settle into life as a graduate student, I have a few minutes to reflect on the people and events which brought me here. First, I want to thank the faculty and staff who made the UC Davis Math Department such a wonderful place to learn. As an undergraduate, I found that I had to balance homework and activities, friends and family, in order to most effectively process all of the new and challenging information being presented to me in class each day. My professors were very supportive of me in these endeavors. My primary piece of advice to any undergraduate is to get to know his or her instructors; the quarter system makes everything happen extremely fast, and when math questions are left unanswered, problems escalate and panic during finals may result.

Other math students became great friends and resources for me at UC Davis. The Math Club and Pi Mu Epsilon meetings and activities were great ways to meet other students. I learned a lot from the experiences of other students, and we were able to help one another on homework and other challenges of life as a math student. The Holiday Gatherings, Picnic Day lunches, and other club activities allowed us to interact socially, and also to meet with professors on an informal basis.

I felt fortunate to have so many activities open to me as a student at UC Davis. As a campus tour guide, I learned of the history and accomplishments of the university. I was involved in residence hall activities and took classes at the Craft Center. I also took classes in a wide variety of subjects not required for graduation. UC Davis has an enormous number of clubs, activities, and opportunities to enable students to broaden their horizons. I found it easier to concentrate on math when I was able to pursue different interests in my spare time.

Even in my first year at Davis, I occasionally considered what would follow my undergraduate education. By beginning to consider my options early, I discovered many opportunities which eventually helped me to get into graduate school. My professors and other students helped me to understand what would be required to apply to graduate school or a teaching credential program, or to work outside of academia. By participating in the Oregon State University Research Experience for Undergraduates, I learned that I enjoyed mathematical research. I was also exposed to a number of different topics in mathematics, and met other students who were interested in pursuing graduate degrees in mathematics. Many such opportunities exist, and I would recommend them to any one considering graduate school.

Being a math student at UC Davis was a very fulfilling experience because of the marvelous professors and because I diligently pursued the opportunities which I thought would give me the best possible undergraduate experience.


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