Getting to Know You: Amanda Bertoch
Amanda Bertoch – Theoretical Mathematics
Year in school: senior
Hometown: Murrieta, California
Why are you studying Theoretical Mathematics? What do you hope to do with it after you graduate?
I have always loved math and how satisfying it feels to finish a difficult problem. I loved learning about math and being able to see it in nature and how we all use math every day, even when we don’t realize it. After graduation, I want to become a math teacher and share my love of the subject with future students and be able to help them the way my past math teachers helped and inspired me.
Why did you choose WSU?
WSU wasn’t somewhere I ever thought I would go, but when I was looking for colleges, I saw a picture of the campus and it felt right. After visiting the campus, learning about the college, and talking to current students, I knew that this was where I wanted to get my education.
What has been your favorite part of the WSU experience thus far?
The people I have met since coming to WSU has been my favorite part about my experience. I have made some lifelong friendships and learned so much from the people around me who I will never forget.
What’s been the biggest challenge so far?
The biggest challenge so far has been being away from my family. I am originally from Southern California, which makes seeing them really difficult, but I do my best to stay in contact with them until I can get home again.
As a college, we’re focusing more on our people being agents of change. What makes you an agent of change?
Being a part of the Noyce scholarship program, which works on helping teachers be more culturally aware and teach using social justice, has taught me a lot about how to help future generations in my classroom. While I may not have much power as a college student, I can still prepare myself now to be able to change things for children in the future.
Favorites
Restaurant in Pullman: Tan’s
Book: The Stormlight Archive by Brandon Sanderson
Song: More Than You Know by Motherfolk
Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo
TV show: Pysch
Place to visit: Yellowstone National Park
Dream vacation spot: anywhere in Europe