When this department denied my application in the fall, I thought carefully about why I craved becoming a math major. Last time I applied I was becoming a math major because I loved mathematics, but I had no idea what I wanted to do with that love once I graduated. I wrote about the teacher who almost ruined my chances of being a successful student, and how vigorously I fought to get to where I am today. When the email came informing me of my denial, my heart sank. I had expected to be sad but I did not expect to be heartbroken because at that time I really had no idea what I wanted to do. However, that feeling made me realize that I loved mathematics because it had always acted as a map for me. Even as a kid whenever I figured out a math problem
