Why I want to be a Math Major

Turn of the twentieth century French philosopher Henri Bergson once simply stated that, "The eye sees only what the mind is prepared to comprehend." Indeed that has been the essence of scientific imagination, discovery, and ultimate genius. If it were not for the inquisitive and keen mind of one Sir Isaac Newton, Physics would not be what it is today. The history books are saturated with such stories of men simply observing the world around them in order to derive a universal, dynamic and didactic conclusion from natural phenomena gone unnoticed for millennia. Perhaps these men, as Mr. Bergson might very well vouch, were not of the ordinary variety, simple observers of nature. Rather, these men of science and history - decades before greatness and success - prepared their minds to comprehend such wonders and phenomena. To ready my mind with a keenness of thought and ardency for understanding is my goal during my tenure here at Texas A & M; in no other major would I so emphatically and wholly be able to attain such a lofty goal than in the study of Mathematics.

The College of Science offers a broad array of disciplines, each offering a viable opportunity for learning and comprehension, and thus - as Bergman so eloquently stated - the ability to truly see, perceive, and understand, not merely observe. Mathematics, the universal language and discipline of knowledge and education, holds many of the keys to delve to a depth of true understanding of the fascinating and altogether complex world around us. For most people, it is enough to know what the answer may be to a certain problem. For me, to truly understand the solution, I must know how and why that is the solution. To use a formula would be detrimental, as if using a crutch or cheat sheet. To understand and ultimately derive the formula is true wisdom and understanding, the very things held so dearly to my head and heart as invaluable objects of adoration.

I believed that Texas A & M would be the place most suitable to personal, spiritual, and social growth even before I applied, but it was not until the New Student Conferences or even the first day of classes until I truly understood why I was here. I am here to learn. I am here to understand the world in which I live. I am here so that I may truly comprehend all that there is to see; I am here to open my eyes.

By William Minor