You're either a natural or "it's just not your thing". That's what I was told. Though it sounds outdated, it is something that has plagued me as a student constantly. I love math. It has rules and structure with little to no exceptions. However, it is hard. In fact, any struggle I encountered with the subject usually had the following response "it's just not your thing". Discouraging. Especially going to your math instructor who seems to never have had an issue with a single math problem since kindergarten. It's elementary, huh? Those who were a natural and picked up everything that was taught in class I couldn't help but be a little jealous. I wanted math to be my "thing". The first time I encountered a theorem in geometry I wanted to shrivel up in my desk and retire my engineering dreams. Meanwhile, the kid beside me was not only excited but understood these foreign concepts. This caused me to arrive early to geometry class, sit in during my free time, and work in the absurd hours of the night. I learned a lot about geometry theorems, thankfully, but also about myself. You do not have to be that ideal math student to enjoy its lessons. That, like any other obstacle, you must try and try again. There are many outlets of math such as trigonometry, calculus, topology, algebra, statistics, and not to mention geometry. It would be difficult for one to call themselves an expert in all lessons of mathematics, as we still have more to discover. My realization is not enough to rid of this outdated notion of how a math-oriented student should be. Currently, I aim to advocate for others, who felt how I did about math, to continue trying. That their issue is not as daunting as it may seem. Through this mindset I have become the historian of my school's Mu Alpha Theta, reassuring fellow peers that math can be enjoyable and conquered. On this, I am also involved with Math Outreach, which caters to elementary students as to promote more interactions with math in local classrooms. In a way, I've made math my "thing". Anyone can. There is no one type of student. The kid I sat next to has his struggles, and I had my own. Moving forward, I will use what math has taught me to continue my studies in college as a prospective mechanical engineer. I urge everyone to make that obstacle "yours".

In a world that promotes conformity, how can an individual make a difference? How is one supposed to be a maverick, while still using their attributes to give back to a community? The courage it takes to challenge or promote an issue you see in your current community is something of a brave act. My attribute is my voice, and my words and my speech can create a change of action in the community. The ways in which I have used my voice to give back to my community are through the writings of my blog that speak on current local topics, serving on my state council for TSA to promote STEM activities for Mississippi, or through my school's speech and debate club meetings with my peers about the relocation of our school functions. I have come to enjoy advocacy through outlets of public speaking and literature. However, I have not always been in this position of confidence to speak. This I can remember quite vividly as I reminisce my true, first unsolicited speech that gave to a substantial audience. I was there to talk about the benefits of integrating RFID technology into venue planning but, I could barely speak. Every other sentence was either a stutter or completely incoherent. As humiliating as it was, this speech is what started this journey. When you see a problem in your environment I want to show that you should not be afraid to take your stance on the matter. Everyone has a voice, and everyone deserves to be heard. That you should advocate for positive change in your community, no matter how small it may seem. As for me, I will continue to exude this. Currently, my next plan moving forward is to provide study to my peers interested in learning American Sign Language, and how it can be helpful to those who are hard of hearing to deaf. This interest is one that I wouldn't have noticed if I had not been hard of hearing myself. That those similar to me should encourage the use of sign language more in everyday conversation and even in the workplace. We should all strive to be a maverick in our own ways. This does not necessarily have to be a special skill or natural talent. It can be as simple as one's voice. Strive for change rather that be in your local area, state, or a problem you see throughout the world. You deserved to be heard.