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Student Voices
Daisy Phillips
- Hometown: Bellingham, WA
- Major: Mathematics
Why Western?
I chose to attend Western in part because everyone in my family had also gone to Western, and in part because I was familiar with both the honors and the math programs. Western seemed like a good fit because I would be taking almost all small classes, and it was a place where I could feel comfortable.
Supportive Professors
Throughout my undergraduate career Millie Johnson has always been incredibly enthusiastic about mathematics, and this has been very contagious! She has steered me towards math classes that fit my interests, and she has also always been there to advise me. Also, Arpad Benyi has really encouraged me to pursue my dreams of a PhD – he has answered countless questions about how, where, when, and what now.
Strong Community
This is my second year working as a Math Fellow (we tutor calculus and above), and the community that I've found in the Math Center is probably the most important part of my experience at Western. There are a bunch of people who are excited about math, active in their communities, and willing to be friends! We have formed sports teams, have dinners together, and spend late nights studying. The Math Fellows have truly enriched my time at Western.
Outside of Class
I am an active member of Western's cycling team. This is my first year racing, and so far I am having an amazing time. It's a great group of people, and Whatcom County is a wonderful place to be a cyclist. I also volunteer with Guide Dogs for the Blind Inc. I have been raising pups since middle school, and my last dog, Lois, is currently in advanced training.
Life in Bellingham
I know that it's almost cliché to say that I love Bellingham because of all the things I can do outside, but it's so true! I have spent hundreds of hours on the roads around Bellingham and I still am awed by the area's beauty. There's also great hiking, an amazing city trails and park system, and of course Bellingham Bay. On rainy days you can often find me doing homework in a cozy coffee shop. There's nothing like hunkering down and getting my assignments done while I listen to the storm outside.
Life after Western
I'll be graduating this spring, but I'm already working on my master's degree through the accelerated Master's in Mathematics program here at Western. I plan on finishing this degree next year, and continuing my pursuit of a PhD.