Quinn Basewitz '23

First math class at Swarthmore: Linear Algebra

What was your favorite math class and why? I loved Discrete Math because it all felt like puzzles! I also really enjoyed Stat 41: Data Visualization because it offered me a lot of hands-on experience and allowed me to connect the statistics concepts I was learning to other topics I care about.

Why did you become a math major?  I’ve always been interested in math and stat and felt like it was a clear choice when applying. At this point, I’m more interested in the ways I can use math and stat to study education and social issues. Having a quantitative background is already allowing me to bring these skills to areas I care about.

How do you expect to use your mathematics after leaving Swarthmore?   I’m working toward teaching certification so that I can teach math and computer science after I graduate. I’m really interested in how people are best supported to engage with math, and want to explore this while also actively working with students. In addition, I’ve been working on a research project with Ann Renninger in the Ed Studies department studying the integration of math and computer science, and want to stay involved in the research end as well.

What advice do you have for an incoming student?  Go to help sessions and office hours! Building relationships with older students and professors will help you get through the tough problem sets and better understand all of the classes.