Long's Story

My passion is mathematics.

Everything started for me in Mexico, where I was born and raised. My first expose to complex mathematical equations was when I was starting the 1st grade. I entered the classroom where everything seemed difficult; the reading, the science and the math in particular. During the school year, I struggled and was on the border of failing math. My parents realized my struggles so they encouraged me to start practicing my multiplication tables on my own. That whole summer, every day at least twice a day, I had to write down the multiplication tables from 1 to 10 which paid off during the following school year in 2nd grade. That year, when math was being taught, I knew all the multiplication while my classmates struggled to learn them – for me it was a piece of cake!

Cal Poly EPIC Engineering Camp will enable me pursue my passion in math by teaching subjects that are outside the high school level. In addition, the program also provides an overnight opportunity at a college that will expose me to college life. These are just a few examples of how much of an impact Cal Poly EPIC Engineering Camp will benefit my future. Never before has this opportunity been more of a reality then now. In the past, I didn't do well in school, struggled in some subject while doing well in others. Recently a competitive streak has hit my inner self along with passion to excel and with it comes the realization of what's in my near future. In the race to attend high ranking colleges, this program will allow me to have a better understanding of what I need to accomplish so that I can be successful in my career.