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Mathematics. Running. Psychology. Senior Lauren Paul has managed to combine these passions at Albion College. "I've always wanted to attend a small college and have the opportunity to work closely with the professors. I loved the campus, and I also wanted to run cross country and track throughout college. Albion was the perfect choice." Lauren did not always plan on majoring in mathematics. A good math student throughout high school, it wasn't until after she took Calculus II that she realized how much she really enjoyed math. Her interest in higher levels of mathematics has steadily grown. She is glad Dr. Mason and Dr. Messer saw her mathematical talents and encouraged her to become a mathematics major.
She has high praise for the Mathematics and Computer Science department. "One thing I love about being a math major is the other students in the department. Over the course of four years, you grow close to your fellow math majors and can count on spending a lot of study time together. Some of them are even my best friends. The department has wonderful professors who are all so eager to help me. I am very proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to work with this particular group of professors." She also likes the new science complex. "Students have access to a lot of extremely nice facilities, such as the new computer labs and study rooms." Majoring in Mathematics is not without challenges. She says the hardest class she took was Abstract Algebra. "Taking challenging math classes has always been tough a times, but looking back, I've really enjoyed working hard and studying hard with my classmates. We've had very funny times studying late together in Palenske Hall for a tough abstract algebra exam the next morning." Her advice to new students? "Spend time in the math department and get to know the professors. They're all really cool." She says anyone interested in mathematics can get a better feel for mathematics by taking a few math classes and attending the various departmental colloquium talks. Helping other students is something she enjoys. This year she is the student mentor to Dr. Bollman's First-Year Seminar Chance. She has also worked as a teaching assistant for the Psychology Department's Research Design and Analysis class. Like many Albion students, involvement in a wide variety of activities has helped shape her future plans. "I really enjoy the campus and all the opportunities Albion has for its students," says Lauren. During the summer of 2006, she participated a FURSCA (Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity) project with psychology professor Mary Jensen entitled "Common sense theories of illness of diabetes and heart disease in an African American population". She has been a member of the cross country and track teams since her freshmen year. She loves running cross country and enjoys spending time with her teammates. While Lauren's future plans are still evolving, she currently plans on finding a job as an actuary. She is also applying to the Teach for America program and thinking about graduate school. Lauren says "I've worked extremely hard in challenging classes and that has given me confidence that I can do well in the work place." |
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