I became interested in mathematics at a very young age. Both of my parents have been teaching mathematics since I was six years old. Watching them during and after their workday helped me see the fun side of math. I began working to be the best in every math class I took. While in high school I was inducted into the National Honor Society. As a member I was required to do community service. For my community service I decided to tutor other high school students in math classes. I had success with all of my students, which gave me a feeling of great accomplishment.  That day I decided I wanted to become a teacher. 

I went on to acquire a full scholarship to Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) where I major in Mathematics Education. During my freshman year at MVSU my academic advisor urged me to join the Mathematics and Computer Information Sciences club (MCIS).  All members of the MCIS club were required to tutor students in math classes.  We were also required to apply for an internship. I was accepted into the Research Experience for Undergraduates in Ocean, Marine, and Polar Science program at Elizabeth City State University. During program, we worked with professors from University of New Hampshire to study the local environment through a program called Watershed Watch. We did things such as core trees, make pixels, and determine canopy cover. Near the middle of that program I conducted some research on the effects of campus development on forestry using canopy cover. I concluded that campus development negatively affects the growth of the trees around the campus. 

While at ECSU, I learned how to use operating systems such as Linux; make webpages using Dreamweaver, use GPS, and became familiar with Ubuntu. Under the leadership of Dr. Darrell Johnson, I looked to apply the Common Core Standard at the 7th and 8th grade academic level using NXT LEGO robotics. This research was designed to apply mathematics processes of the Common Core Standard in a lesson plan on the 7th and 8th grade levels middle school. The team planned to used LEGO robotics to teach various scientific, mathematical, and design concepts through designing, building, and programming the robots at each level. The students’ received hands on experience with physics, mathematics, motion, environmental factors, and use problem solving in a collaborative group setting. The software that was used was an object oriented programming software that made programming the robots much easier. The students were very attentive and easily grasped the concept before them.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I would like to pursue a Master’s degree in Mathematics Education.  While pursuing my Master’s I plan on getting my Bachelor’s in either pure mathematics or Computer Science in order to broaden my skills as a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) teacher.  After obtaining my Master’s degree I want to teach near my hometown of Greenville, MS as an Algebra 1 teacher.  I want to teach high school but I would be open to teaching middle school.  While teaching I want to work my way toward being a master teacher.