Assignment 1: Introduction

I am a junior at BYU studying math education.  Post-calculus, I have Math 290, Math 313, Math 314, Math 341, and Math 362 (Geometry).  I am taking cryptography to fill the Math Ed requirement for a higher math class and it sounded more interesting than the other available classes.  I also have some friends taking this class, which makes it nice.  I have no experience with Maple, Mathematica, or SAGE outside of using Wolfram Alpha.  However, I tend to be a fast learner.  In working on the first homework assignment, SAGE started to make sense to me.

A math professor that had a great effect on me was Dr. Pace Nielson, my Math 313 professor.  I think his effectiveness is best illustrateded by something he did after I was done with his class.  I ran into him while I was walking home from campus, and he asked me about my life and we just talked.  He still remembered my name and was interested in my life.  During his class, I could tell that Dr. Nielson wanted us to succeed.  He tried to make sure we as students could succeed while still challenging us.  His tests were not easy, but he always tried to make sure we were prepared for them.

Something interesting about me is that I am a proud member of the BYU Marching Band.  This is my third season with Cougar Band and I love it.  The Cougar Marching Band owns my heart every fall.  I love the camaraderie and the excitement of the band.  I especially love how the band director has the vision of the Cougar Band bringing people to Christ.  We don't play hymns all the time, but we seek to play with precision and accuracy so people can see in us disciples of Christ seeking to excel.

I can come to the office hours listed on the syllabus, though if need be Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 am are also great times for me.