"I did a lot of research and found that UPEI had everything I needed."
What brought you to UPEI? Why did you choose to study here?
My hometown is Cali, Colombia. Since I was a teenager, I always knew that I wanted to study abroad. I did a lot of research and found that UPEI had everything I needed, and my parents were able to help me financially.
What do you find unique and interesting about your programs?
I always loved math in high school, but I didn't know what I wanted to major in at the end of high school. After some thought, I decided to major in economics given that economics studies social issues through a mathematical lens. I thought about it as a marriage between math and the social sciences. Upon arriving at UPEI, I had an amazing calculus instructor on my first semester. He made me realize that I would miss the math, and so I decided to do a double-major in both math and economics.
What kinds of support have you received during your time here from UPEI students, staff, and faculty members?
I have had the opportunity to be a research assistant on two occasions, both in the economics department and the math department. I am eternally grateful to both professors who decided I was a right fit for the position. They were both really fun and I look back at them fondly. I also had the opportunity to pursue an Honours thesis. It was very hard work, but it paid off. I will always remember those weekly meeting with Professor Horrocks discussing my progress with the thesis.
What kinds of opportunities have you experienced because you're studying at UPEI, or because of the Island location?
I have also had the opportunity to be a part-time server at a restaurant. PEI is very much a tourist-based economy, and the food and service industry is a big part of that. I have met many amazing people and have gotten the chance to work in a restaurant were all my co-workers help each other out and are very nice.
What's unique about UPEI, and Prince Edward Island, in your experience?
UPEI is unique in that you get to know your professors one-on-one, so you're not just a number to them. This is one thing that helped me tremendously is working as a research assistant. UPEI and Prince Edward Island also has an expanding international community that is very supportive. I have learned a lot about other cultures and met interesting people from all around the globe.
What would you tell a high school student considering your programs?
To anyone considering studying economics in UPEI, I would advise them to take as many math courses as possible (especially the calculus related ones) to get a solid foundation for the models they will study in their degree program. To any math student, I would advise them to branch out a little and take courses that are not necessarily related to mathematics. These courses help make you more employable right after graduation, and will make you grow personally. I would also say that the "real" math starts after differential equations, so try not to be too confident in yourself if you think the courses before were easy!
What are your general plans after graduation?
I'm hoping to become a permanent resident, so I just want to work for a little bit. I also have mid-term plans to get a Master’s degree in mathematics, but that will take some time.
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