Student Highlight: Vinay Joshy
Meet Vinay Joshy, a fourth year student majoring in Mathematical Science. We spoke with Vinay about his University experience and decision to come to the University of Guelph (U of G).
We saw on your LinkedIn it looks like you went to College before coming to University. What influenced that decision? Why the change?
I always knew I wanted to go back to school to get my undergraduate degree. I used to be an international student and I needed to get permanent residency after graduating from College before I could apply to University. During my waiting period, I was on a work permit that allowed me to work full time. I loved being in a learning environment, so I tried my best to work for an educational institution. Luckily, I ended up working for the University of Guelph for over three years before I started school in Fall 2022.
How did you get involved in leadership roles with Math & Stats?
I wanted to see specific events/workshops that students might find beneficial to be run on campus. I only wanted to join the Math & Stats Club to bounce my ideas off the executive team, but I saw there was an opportunity for a leadership role. I'm a little older and have more work experience than my peers so I figured I could try running for President and leading the club in a direction that maximized value for all students.
It looks like you have had lots of experiential learning. Tell me about your experience with TA/RAships.
I enjoyed working with students at previous jobs as I also used to be a math tutor years before I started university. Being a TA in two departments (School of Computer Science and Department of Mathematics and Statistics) exposed me to a variety of students and it brings me joy to help them. As a fellow undergrad myself, I understand the struggles that comes with being a student.
I also worked as a URA (Undergrad Research Assistant) for two Statistics Professors for the Summer 2023 semester. I will also be working with them again this upcoming summer of 2024. I enjoy research and independent learning, and the professors that supervise me support me in every way possible to ensure I learn as much as I can.
Tell me about a memorable lecture and what made it so interesting.
Dr. Matt Demers' lectures are always the most memorable. His mental math challenges are legendary! Huge shoutout to Dr. Pascal Matsakis as well for some very interesting lectures on proof by induction!
Explain how you have changed from first year compared to now and the impact that U of G had on that change.
As a transfer student, my first year was a little different from my peers. Nevertheless, like most first years, I felt a little out of place. This is very natural, and I should've expected it. A few years in, U of G feels like home now! The department of Math & Stats (faculty and admin) have been very supportive of all my endeavors.
Did you ever have an 'AHA' moment in a lecture/ lab? If so, tell me about it.
I have "AHA" moments quite often in my upper years. Third and fourth year is when we really dive into the "why" and "how" of topics. Learning about the math behind a lot of statistical concepts in STAT*3100 & STAT*3110 has been very eye opening!