Ameen Patel (11): My interest in math started in second grade, when I would compete with my friends to see who could solve mental math problems the fastest. Over time, my mental math skills turned into a deeper appreciation for more advanced mathematics and how math challenges my critical thinking and problem solving skills.

I have always enjoyed math and preferred math over other subjects because of the many different ways you can reach a solution. With the current kinds of problems I am working on, there are so many different unique techniques to solve them. Whether it be integration by parts or trigonometric substitution, there’s always more efficient approaches to discover. Currently, I’m most interested in fields like calculus and linear algebra because of their potential in real world applications. 

Math courses at Irvington have definitely been challenging, but have also created some of my fondest memories related to math. I really enjoyed working through problems with friends in Ms. Chung’s math class. Being able to see how others would approach problems and working with them to create a clean solution allowed me to really appreciate the nuances of math a lot more. The sense of community formed in the process makes solving difficult problems so much more enjoyable. 

While math is my main subject, I also enjoy English and History. I believe it is really important to challenge yourself across all fields to build overall cognition. In fact, much of what is done in these classes, communicating ideas, is also done in math except one uses words while the other uses numbers.

One thing I truly hope the Irvington community understands is the importance of academic integrity, especially in math as classes become more competitive. However, dishonesty will only devalue the subject and decrease the collective passion for learning. I want everyone to maintain a love for the struggle of the problem, rather than just a grade or results.