I'm a math kid. Times tables, fractions, long division were pieces of cake during my young years. I excelled at it: consistently bringing home A pluses on arithmetic tests. I loved it: having a problem that temptingly questioning if you have the capability to do it. Getting a question right was a stroke of confidence that empowered me in all my academic endeavors. Mathematics instilled a consistent work ethic in me and taught me how to question. That's why I declared a major in mathematics. I love my math courses at WUSTL; they've challenged me to think deeply and thoroughly, and they encouraged team collaboration because explaining concepts to peers truly strengthens your own understanding. Many a time I would be in professor's office hours surrounded by peers trying to piece together the weekly assigned problem set. We explained things our neighbor didn't understand, and we pushed each other to become better students.