Previous students of the month

Neida Garcia
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2027

Why did you choose TWU?
I noticed how, even before becoming a college student, they provided me with so many opportunities to explore my education here. I also loved how quickly I felt connected with the school, and it soon became like a second home for me.

What do you love about your program?
Now that I'm going into my second year at TWU, I've had the chance to connect with a lot of my professors for my degree. I've enjoyed how each one has their unique way of teaching, which has kept things interesting and helped me learn in different ways. Building those connections with my professors has been great, and I feel like their different styles have made the whole experience more enjoyable and engaging.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
One of the best things about my program is the connection you get with your professors. Going into my second year, I’ve had the chance to connect with a lot of them, and each one has their own unique teaching style. It keeps things interesting and helps you learn in different ways. The relationships you build with your professors are really valuable, and they make the whole experience more engaging and enjoyable. It’s definitely a supportive environment where you can thrive.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
By hosting career expos that gave me insight into what employers are looking for in potential employees. Over the summer of 2024, I also had the chance to be an orientation leader, which further improved my leadership and public speaking skills. Additionally, the TWU Mathematics Division hosted an event called 'Pastries with PhDs,' where students could explore various career options for math majors, giving me a clearer idea of what’s out there.

What are your plans after graduation?
Either enter the workforce or attend graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in math.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Because of the close-knit community that genuinely supports you throughout your college career and is always here to help.

Rocio Guadalupe Diaz Velazquez
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2027

Why did you choose TWU?
Because of their proactive approach. Shortly after submitting my application, I received a congratulatory call from a recruiter who also informed me about potential scholarship opportunities. Their innovative initiatives truly stood out and convinced me to attend.

What do you love about your program?
I love the program because of its small size. It fosters a strong sense of community and familiarity between students and professors, as well as enhances learning and personal growth.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
Don’t limit yourself—explore all the opportunities available to you. The environment at our campus is filled with nothing but support and encouragement, letting one dream the impossible.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
TWU has been instrumental in my professional development, particularly through events like "Pastries with Peers," where insights into various fields that relate to my major are spoken about by guest speakers.

What are your plans after graduation?
Alongside my math degree, I am pursuing a degree in electrical engineering. After completing my bachelor’s, I plan to enter the workforce. My ultimate goal is to work alongside the improvement and maintenance of medical instruments, but given the versatility of the major, I am excited to explore all opportunities my field offers. At some point, I would like to return to school for further specialization in my career by pursuing a master's

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
During my time at TWU, I’ve experienced a personal atmosphere where students can build strong connections with faculty and peers, enhancing both academic and personal development. This supportive environment has helped me gradually break out of my shell, fostering security and confidence in myself as a Hispanic first-generation woman in STEM. I recommend TWU because of this nurturing and inclusive environment.

Jal’en Hayward
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification

Anticipated graduation date:
Spring 2025

Why did you choose TWU?
The school’s environment is what stood out the most to me. TWU not only has a beautiful campus, but the class sizes were my ideal choice because I enjoy getting to know my professors and classmates.

What do you love about your program?
The faculty, staff and students. It is a wonderful community to be a part of, with everyone being supportive and welcoming in the Mathematics Division. All of my professors have shared many opportunities with me, and I’m grateful for everything they are showing and sharing with me.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
The hardest problems become easier to manage with the people in the Mathematics Division. Everyone will do their part helping you understand what is going on. None of the professors will leave anyone in the dark, and they are willing to work with you. There are so many opportunities that are provided as well.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
The faculty and staff have provided so many valuable information for me, and with their help I’ve been accepted into a paid internship program for the summer. TWU has elevated my interview skills and provided steps to many doors.

What are your plans after graduation?
I want to continue my education and get my masters in mathematics. I will begin life after graduation teaching high school level mathematics, and hopefully afterwards be capable of applying myself to work for NASA.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
The math professors are amazing, and you’ll build lifelong connections and friendships at TWU!

Cadence McKinney
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2026

Why did you choose TWU?
My familiarity with TWU started when I came here for Pioneer Honor Band in 2018 and 2019. I chose TWU because the community here is absolutely wonderful. Everyone on campus is super friendly.

What do you love about your program?
I love the faculty and staff. This is my second year at TWU, and I feel supported in everything I do. I have also enjoyed being taught by different professors with their own unique teaching styles.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
I know math is not everyone’s subject, but there are plenty of resources here to help during your journey. The professors are always open to help during their office hours, and we also have great tutors in our Math Lab.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
Although I’m only in my sophomore year, I have been accepted into the new 4+1 Accelerated Program that the Math Division just started. I’ll begin Fall 2024.

What are your plans after graduation?
I want to continue my education and get my Masters in Mathematics. I want to teach mathematics at community college or continue to get my PhD to teach at a university level.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Great professors and a Math Lab with resourceful tutors!

Sabrina Castaneda
Master of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2025

Why did you choose TWU?
I was fortunate enough to have studied at TWU for my Occupational Therapy degree and loved it so much.

What do you love about your program?
I love the support and encouragement from our instructors, as well as the very well organized manner in which the lectures are delivered. It is obvious to me that there is a lot of care and effort made by the instructors preparing them.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
I would love to let them know that while math is sometimes an intimidating subject matter, everyone in the TWU Division of Mathematics, from Petra and other office staff to every one of the instructors, will find genuine support towards their learning mathematics. The classes, while difficult, are fun. All the other students are really super and from many walks of life, making for a really interesting learning environment.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
One can become a math course assistant and participate in the Creative Arts and Research Symposium. In every class, we are given the opportunity to present projects to our classmates. Each one of these opportunities have helped me toward my goal of teaching math and feeling confident in expanding upon what I have learned and researching topics of interest.

What are your plans after graduation?
I would love to teach and research math. I would also love to write children's books presenting math ideas from a historical and biographical perspective to peak their curiosity about mathematicians and their work.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Great instruction, (including a great tutoring lab) and caring and fun classmates.

Emily Arellano
Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2024

Why did you choose TWU?
Because of the focus on empowering women and Latinos. In the past, I have been the only girl in my STEM classes and I wanted to be in an environment where I did not feel alone. Now, I am surrounded by women (as well as men) who want to see each other succeed, and I love it!

What do you love about your program?
The support you feel from the faculty and staff. They are enthusiastic in our learning process and want to see us succeed. I have been enrolled in two other institutions, and I have never felt as supported as I do now.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
If they want to be in a program where they are understood, identified and championed then this is a great fit for them.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
With the programs and internships offered, I have started what my intended career is on campus with mentors and preparation programs for future internships. They have research opportunities and positions opened to those who want to educate others. There are a variety of ways to get involved and obtain help. I could not be more thankful for the resources offered.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on being a data analyst or an actuary.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Because of the support from staff and the resources offered on campus as well as this program.

Megan Moran
Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2024

Why did you choose TWU?
I love the atmosphere of the campus and the smaller class ratios. This allows for teachers to provide more one-on-one time with their students.

What do you love about your program?
I love the professors/staff that care about their students and their success. Each one, in their own way, provides a multitude of resources to their students from office hours, online resources, tutoring/math lab, SIT/TA's. They are truly dedicated to each of us and want to see us all succeed.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
This division is filled with professors/staff who truly care and are willing to put in the time and effort to help each student. They offer so many resources and opportunities, it's hard not to be successful with that kind of support.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
School is not only an opportunity to learn but to cultivate professional acquaintances that provide alternate perspectives and ideas. This has given me a broader look on my future and its possibilities. As teenagers and young adults coming into a university, it can feel overwhelming trying to decide what to do with our future, without the experience and or knowledge of what all our options are. Utilize the professors, the staff and the advisors to help sort out those options and help you come to an educated decision for the path of your future. Lastly, they've taught me to keep pushing myself beyond what I even thought I would be capable of achieving. Never give up on yourself.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend graduate school for a PhD in Statistics and potentially become a professor or actuary.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Staff and resources.

Jasmine Torres
Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification

Anticipated graduation date:
December 2023

Why did you choose TWU?
For all the different resources offered and the different ways to get involved on campus. Even more for having a program that has everything I am looking for when learning mathematics.

What do you love about your program?
My connections with my professors and the friends I have along the way. I love even more being able to work in the department and see how students learn in various formats.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
There is flexibility to learn even with courses like mathematics

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
TWU has allowed me to have resources to reach out to when I need help.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to receive my Master’s in Mathematics Education from Texas State University, become a high school mathematics teacher and eventually become a professor.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
The community of TWU is supportive and very inclusive; and there are many programs to choose from that are open to be flexible.

Emily Kathryn Johnson
Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification

Anticipated graduation date:
May 2024

Why did you choose TWU?
Because I love how beautiful and peaceful the campus is. I really enjoy the small campus atmosphere and how kind everyone is.

What do you love about your program?
Working with other women in STEM as a woman of color. I feel so much more confident in myself and my future because of all the wonderful professors and students I've been able to work with.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
How fun and rewarding this program can be.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
I have always wanted to be an educator, and TWU has provided me with so many opportunities to grow professionally and learn through both classes and on campus job experience.

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to teach high school mathematics, and possibly upper level mathematics.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
The campus environment and smaller classes makes TWU perfect for those who want a hands-on college experience.

Paola Soria
Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics with 7-12 Certification major

Anticipated graduation date:
December 2023

Why did you choose TWU?
Because it was close to home and made me feel at home. TWU is a small enough school that allowed me to communicate and create bonds with my professors.

What do you love about your program?
Its instructors as well as its experience. I love that I was able to learn from multiple professors who guided my learning with a plethora of knowledge that I wouldn’t have been given anywhere else.

What would you tell prospective students about your program?
Communicate with your instructors and always ask for help and clarity. Math can be intimidating, but all the instructors in this program are so willing to help navigate all your questions. The instructors are there to help as well as to make your education worth your time.

How has TWU helped you achieve professional goals?
TWU has helped me pass my TExES exams, which are needed to become a teacher, as well as being able to student teach while in the education program. I hope to find a teaching position in the spring, as I continue my education.

What are your plans after graduation?
Get my master’s in Mathematics Teaching and hope to teach at a community college or university.

What are one-two key reasons potential students should consider TWU?
Tuition for TWU is affordable, especially with scholarships that are available. I would recommend TWU to students who want to get an education but also are maybe intimidated by a big university. TWU is the place for you if you want to stay somewhere close to home, and if it’s tons of miles away from home, you will make it your home.