Jade Lee
Jade Lee, Vice President (Operations) SUMS
What sparked your initial interest in maths?
I've always enjoyed maths in school - it's like a solo sport of solving problems, and figuring out solutions can be extremely rewarding and fun. University level maths can be different and challenging, but one of the best parts of it I've found is puzzling out questions with others! The community of people I've met through classes and society makes my experience of maths at university more enriching and exciting.
In what unexpected or creative ways is math being used in the real world?
Math is incredibly versatile. From predicting the weather to designing algorithms for social networks, its applications are boundless. At the Sydney University Mathematics Society (SUMS), the speakers for our weekly talks showcase the diverse intersections that maths can have with various fields in academia, from philosophy to computer science and finance.
Sydney University Mathematics Society
What skills has studying maths taught you?
Maths can be incredibly difficult as you further specialise into topics that fewer and fewer people in the world can understand. Studying maths has taught me to keep being curious, to ask questions and to always be in pursuit of answers! The logistical and problem-solving skills that studying maths teaches you are desirable traits for many jobs in the future, even if the content doesn't directly overlap.
What is your advice for students interested in studying maths?
Don't be afraid to ask questions in tutorials as everyone is there to learn, and make sure you connect with your peers as understanding different perspectives to solve problems is the beauty of mathematics! While there are times that maths can be challenging, I like to reflect on what made me passionate about studying it in the first place, and that long-standing internal motivation drives me towards mastery of any subject.