Ryan's Thoughts on Texas State

Why Texas State

As soon as I visited San Marcos, I felt at home. Texas State was a perfect match for a math/education major who needs a beautiful and social campus. (Not to mention there is a river that runs right through the campus.)
 

Why Mathematics and Secondary Education

Mathematics has always had a great impact on my life, with reasoning and thinking rationally. I have worked with kids since I was old enough to work, and to be honest, I really just enjoy getting in front of people and telling them things that I know. So I put two and two together: I enjoy math, I enjoy kids, what could I do? Hmmmm…
 

Career Goals

Since I am passionate about math and education, I am going to set out to improve the flaws in the education system. For now, I’ll be looking for a job as a high school math teacher, but I plan on continuing my education and working my way up to writing and designing new curricula.
 

How My Major Will Help Me Reach My Goals

Getting through the math classes definitely fine-tuned my math skills. The education classes are a great help when trying to figure out what to expect. However, it wasn’t until I started my field-based (hands-on) instruction that everything I’ve learned seemed to come together and help me make decisions with confidence.
 

Typical Class-Day Schedule

I am student teaching now, from 7:30 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m. Typical teacher responsibilities: instructing, grading, tutoring, etc. So now I’m the one giving the tests.
 

My Favorite Professor

Dr. Mark Gonzales in Curriculum and Instruction. He is a great teacher, sensitive to students’ questions and curiosity, and definitely supportive. He takes everything he wants us to know about teaching and puts it into his own lessons. Very motivating.
 

Best Studying Advice

You have to work hard to play hard. Set your goals early and stick to them. Figure out your professor’s style, the testing style, and your own studying style. There’s not one best way to study. You’ll have to take it one class at a time. The only constant is you.
 

Honors and Awards

I have been on the dean’s list since I have started college. I will be graduating summa cum laude.
 

Hobbies

I love music and playing drums is my passion. There’s just something great about being able to hit something loud with a stick over and over and getting praised for doing it. Plus, music and drums are full of mathematics and crazy patterns.
 

Best Campus Hangout

I would say the Quad, because if you have a minute, you can sit and watch thousands of diverse people walk by. It is crazy to think that each of them has their own story to tell and place to be.
 

Best Place to Study

The private study rooms in the upper floors of the Alkek Library are usually a good choice. Sometimes I like to be outside though. Depends on the weather.
 

What I Tell Future Texas State Students

Jump right in. Make yourself at home.