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It would almost be easier to mention the academic areas I am not interested in because I think I am curious about all facets of academic study. Granted, there are some areas that I am more interested and better at than others, so I'll focus on those:

Math:
Math is hands down my best subject. I love to deal with numbers and solve problems and math fits the bill.

My first opportunity to delve deeper into mathematical study was in the 7th grade when the math department started to make selections for the 8th grade Algebra class. I made it clear that I wanted to get in the class and fought hard to get admitted. After I got into the class, my focus shifted to passing the end of year Algebra I test to receive high school credit. To receive credit, students had to get an 85 percent or better. In later years, the requirement would be reduced to normal test passing grades of 70 or better. I was one of 6 people in a class of approximately 20 students who passed.

In high school, I took the highest math classes and independently studied Calculus so that I could get college credit. My Junior year of high school, I passed the Advanced Placement Calculus AB test (more on that story in milestones under 'Best of Times' # 2) which is the equivalent of Calculus I in college. My Senior year of high school, I passed the Calculus BC test which is the equivalent of Calculus II in college. While at college, I clepped out of Calculus III (more on that story in milestones under 'Best of Times' # 3).

Engineering:
My passion for engineering is a derivative for my love for mathematics coupled with the fact that engineers are well respected and make good salaries. From the early days of high school, I knew I wanted to study engineering in college, but I didn't know which engineering discipline I wanted to focus on. On college applications and other documents, I would always put Nuclear Engineering as my principle interest, but early in college I decided that I wanted to major in electrical engineering.

Electrical engineering seemed to be the most rewarding and prestigious area out of all the other engineering majors. I became interested in learning it and I would go on to major in it and receive a degree.

Even though I don't know other engineering areas very well, I still respect them and am interested in them. The idea of engineering and problem solving is deeply rooted in my approach to life.

Computer Science:
Computer science doesn't receive the attention it deserves in secondary education and that's one of the first changes I would make if I were involved with the curriculum. My first real experience with computer science was with an Apple II E home computer that my family bought in the mid-1980's. I worked with many computer programs and began to write my own. The seeds of those experiences would help me in college and even in my professional life today.

I consider myself a natural computer programmer, but not an expert. I plan to keep expanding my knowledge base into areas such as web and database development in the future.

Literature:
From my observations, most students who are good at math don't like literature. I love literature, but I often give it a low priority because I am so busy with other interests and pursuits. I'm also not as good with literature as I am with other subjects - for example, I am slow reader. Nevertheless, throughout school, I still kept myself in the highest English classes. I had to be very persuasive to get into Advanced Placement English my Senior year.

Arts:
The arts are so much fun that I hesitate to consider them an area of academic study. My thoughts on the arts can be found in the section I've dedicated to it - Arts.