Since high school, I've always had a passion for both teaching and mathematics, and the more I learn about both the more passionate I become. I was inspired by my high school math teacher, Mr. Byan, who displayed such a love of learning and teaching that it became infectious, and I hope to spread his joy for the subject and the appreciation of mathematics' profound beauty.

I'm working towards an undergraduate degree in math, and hope to pursue a graduate degree afterward. I've been teaching since my first year of undergrad, and ever since I've looked for ways to continue -- through my personal and professional life.

I think that the standard education system does a horrible job at teaching mathematics and often leaves students feeling like they're memorizing formulas. Real math is all about the journey to the answer, but grade school math is far too focused on just the answer.

However, I feel strongly students should rarely have to memorize anything, and the ideas presented to students should always be motivated and explained so they understand the why and the what. I've found in my own experience teaching, too, that motivating the answer to a problem gives students a greater desire to learn as well as a deeper understanding, and it develops critical thinking skills.