I have always enjoyed math problems.

Ever since elementary school, there has been a fondness in my heart for numbers and the logic which governs them. Imagine my dismay in the early fall, when I learned that the math class I had enrolled in at Vanderbilt would rarely use numbers at all. Little did I know how much I would benefit from this class, and how much it would inform my goals in college and beyond. Over the course of the fall semester, the class has taught me many things applicable to engineering. In this growth I have gained a greater appreciation for the creativity that is necessary in solving math problems. Too often, mathematics get a bad reputation for being rigid and lacking imagination. However, in my class, which is a two semester course teaching combined multivariable calculus and linear algebra, creativity and imagination are two key ingredients in our rigorous proofs. Imagination is required while operating in infinitely complex dimensions and working to understand rules that can be true throughout them. Creativity is required in wrestling with our weekly homework sets, which are full of statements whose truth we must evaluate and prove. It seems like each problem must be attacked from different sides over and over, sometimes requiring an epiphany to finish. To get through these problem sets, I find myself actually reading the math textbook, often surprised by the dry humor employed by the author. But why should I be? It has become clear that mathematicians are required to be extremely creative people, and humor is inevitably a byproduct. Although the class is almost entirely theoretical, it is undoubtedly giving me a much greater problem solving ability that will come in handy in the field of engineering. My love of science will be an important tool in facilitating the transition from such abstract ideas to concrete solutions. My math class is one example out of many which illustrate why engineering is the right path for me to pursue. Duke would be an ideal place for me to study. The Pratt School of Engineering offers many unique aspects that would be very helpful in fostering my growth as an engineer, student, and overall person. First of all, the fact that Pratt has many fewer students than most of its counterparts atop the world of engineering means every student is given individual attention and access to the universitys resources. I would greatly benefit from such an intimate setting. Another benefit of Duke for me is that every student has a great opportunity for undergraduate research. It makes me very excited to imagine the possibilities for discovery that would come with such tools at my disposal. I believe that I am a well-rounded student right now, and I am confident Duke will preserve that aspect. I intend to take full advantage of the flexible double majors that Duke offers to engineers. Being able to communicate with colleagues in other fields is an invaluable skill, and it is obvious that Duke agrees. Pratt emphasizes skills that give engineers the ability to collaborate across disciplines. Allowing engineering students to take a year to experience the many types of engineering allows students like myself to get a taste of many fields before finally making an educated decision. Pratts remarkably qualified faculty and its investment in diversity are two more qualities that make attending Duke a privilege for any student. I will make sure to dedicate myself to my studies in a way that respects the great resources and opportunities presented by Duke.