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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.