My name is Dezerae Little and I am from Wadesboro North Carolina. I am a rising senior at Saint Augustine's College. In May 2013 I will be receiving my Bachelor's in Science and Mathematics. This would be a start for completing my long-term goals. Graduate school is the next step after receiving my Bachelors degree. While in college, I attended a seminar where the Dean of the Mathematics and Engineering Department from North Carolina A&T spoke with us about the graduate school program at A&T. During graduate school I aim to receive my Master's in mathematics or statistics. A completion of a PhD in mathematics will be the best contribution to myself.

Mathematics has always been an interesting subject to me. In 6th grade, I was chosen by the guidance counselor to arrive to school 30 minutes earlier than the other students to tutor mathematics. My 8th grade Algebra class was taught by one of my close family members. Monitoring her ability to teach and her knowledge in mathematics encourage me to become more interested. She eventually became the woman that I wanted to be. Anytime extra help was needed, she was always there. I excelled in mathematics during high school. It went from becoming a subject to a hobby. Mathematics became something enjoyable while others thought it was complicated. The decision to major in mathematics was made because I enjoyed helping others with it.

During my early years at Saint Augustine's College, I have successfully studied and completed courses that will boost my knowledge in mathematics. Learning something new and being able to adapt to the subject was important to me. If something new was being taught, I studied and made sure that I had full understanding in the subject. After completing 2 out of 3 Calculus courses the lessons became more interesting because of the knowledge I gained in the previous courses. Meanwhile, there was a Statistics course that I had to take. I was interested in what was taught in this course and it had a lot to do with mathematics. This was when I decided to aim for a degree of some type in statistics as well as mathematics. While attending Saint Augustine's College, my advisor realized how satisfying my grades were. Professor Wurie accepted me into joining the National Society for Black Engineers. (NSBE). As a member of this club, attending all meetings and seminars showed pure dedication. Volunteer work was done, as well as activities such as golf lessons. In the spring of 2012, I was awarded for making the Dean's List, and for having the highest G.P.A according to classification.

Before my junior year of college, another woman that had an impact on my life, Dr. Yvonne Coston, brought my attention to a summer program that would be beneficial. In the summer of 2012, I applied and was accepted into the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science. The location of this program was Elizabeth City State University. I was placed on the mathematics team with a mentor who went by the name of Dr. Darnell Johnson. The goal of our team was the focus of robotics technology. This opportunity was taken in consideration because the faculty seemed to be very successful in mathematics and computer science. The story of how they made it to where they were was influencing. The activities were interesting and new to most students. Linux and Intro to Mac was something interesting to me. It taught things about Mac computers that boosted my knowledge.

This program was needed for professional development. After receiving a degree in math, there may be times where Windows will not be used. Instead a Mac may be needed to accomplish tasks. There may be a moment where Microsoft Word may not be used to type documents. Virtual Box or Ubuntu will be knowledgeable if this is so. Working with a team or partner instead of working individually will improve my social skills.

Anyone who gains knowledge in a particular subject must use it and put it to the test. Research, project, term papers etc. are used to help build up knowledge in that particular subject. During Calculus courses, knowledge in mathematics was used to solve a problem using Simpson's Rule. The research paper included the definition of Simpson's Rule and the comparison to the Trapezoidal Rule. Materials used were Maple; a software that calculates and graph functions. Maple was used to graph the function and prove the approximation of the function. Research in the past also included using the Ratio Test to prove if a geometric series converges or diverges. A research project was also done for Linear Algebra where research was done to learn how to find the determinate of a matrix and use matrix operations on a TI-89 graphing calculator.

Applying at any internship would sometimes be involved a field of study different from mathematics. Some skills would still be available. There are many places that would need an individual who exceeds in mathematics. My counting and graphing skills will be helpful to most Engineering companies. The ability to type 76 words per minute will be helpful in the secretary or receptionist field. Excelling in Pc Fundamentals and Microcomputer Software would also be helpful. My ability to write programs in C++ would be helpful to get in any internship that involves Computer Science or Computer Programming.

To sum up my goals and educational background, I am confident enough to say that I am a hard worker, dedicated, and I have a lot of ambition. If there is a task due I will make it my duty to get it done. I hope to pursue my career in mathematics and statistics, and be able to meet all requirements in an internship or for graduate school after receiving my Bachelors in Mathematics.