Superficially, I am Erin Watt, a Graceland University mathematics student. Since my decision to pursue a Ph.D. in mathematics, I have accumulated academic experiences that will provide a stable foundation for my future. During my second year, I received “satisfactory” grades in Calculus III and IV. Luckily, Graceland University's faculty are compassionate and supportive. They helped me recalibrate and remotivate. As a result, I learned two key lessons: I am not alone and My love for math is my own; thus, outside expectation no longer fueled my motivation. Due to the patience and wisdom of my instructors, I am pursuing my Ph.D. with the end goal of becoming a professor. At the beginning of my research, the University of Colorado’s dedication and emphasis on community caught my eye. Since the university provides adaptations, resources, and opportunities, along with celebration student and alumni success, shows that the school values unique interests and backgrounds. Furthermore, through collaboratory efforts (e.g. The Annual Conference of World Affairs and the University of Colorado Boulder…show more content… Personally, one of the mathematics professors (Dr. Jason Smith) and a group of students brought fun activities to local middle schools. Similarly, due to my stage manager and additional college theatre work, I was asked to help create a positive theatre experience for the students of the Lamoni Public School. In addition to volunteering in Lamoni and working at the local coffee school, I was voted, amongst others, to serve on Academic Student Council (ASC), where we worked to improve on-campus academic resources. Since worldly educated students and faculty benefit academia, ASC closely collaborated with Social Equality Alliance (SEA)- an organization a fellow student and I created with the hope to enlighten population by providing educational events, shows, and
