I became
a math major after my second semester at West Virginia University. During
that semester, I was enrolled in multivariable calculus with Dr. Yang as my
professor. Because of her teaching style and eagerness toward mathematics, I
decided to transition into the mathematics department and focus on actuarial
science. After taking and passing two actuarial exams, I was granted the opportunity
to serve as the second president of the Actuarial Club at WVU.
As an officer in the Actuarial Club, I helped
to prepare the first WVU High School Actuarial Day. Students from local high
schools were invited to attend our one-day course as an introduction to
actuarial science and a sneak peek into the mathematics program at WVU. My
personal favorite part of the actuarial profession is the sense of
accomplishment that follows passing each exam. There are few things more
pleasant to see than “Congratulations!”
after pouring hundreds of hours into studying. I have now passed three exams
and have my sights set on passing more in the next few years.
However, none of my success would be
possible without the education I received from the actuarial science program at
WVU. The most impactful part of the program, other than the interesting
mathematical concepts, is the faculty. The faculty of WVU’s mathematics
department and the actuarial program do an excellent job of providing their
students with the resources and support they need to strive for success.
Now, I am proud to say that WVU has led me into a successful and promising career as an actuary. As a consulting actuary, I interact directly with large companies to help them decide health care and benefits options for the thousands of lives that they employ. It is nice to feel like my work is making a difference in someone’s life. On top of that, I can live close to home in Pittsburgh and live comfortably. I owe so much of that to Dr. Yang and the actuarial science program at WVU.