Samantha Vasquez

Prospective LAUSD Teacher

Mathematics, B.S. '22

I will highly encourage students to join Mathematics if they want to truly understand how mathematics works from a biblical perspective...While this is a tough program, professors are here to help you every step of the way and ensure your academic success. In regards to the secondary education emphasis, Biola has allowed me to truly stand out as an educator.

How did your program at Biola prepare you for your career?

As a math major, I had to learn a lot of theory for the type of mathematics I would be teaching in the classroom someday. The course schedules made for my major allowed me to stay on track for graduation and take classes that interested me within my major. My math classes taught me the importance of struggling to understand a concept in order to be able to teach my students how to reason through something they could possibly be confused about. Regarding my credential program, Biola has prepared me to be a teacher who cares for students inside and outside the classroom.

What did you appreciate most about your time at Biola?

I would say the thing I most appreciated about my time at Biola was the community between my classmates and staff/faculty. Whenever I talk about Biola I always refer back to my professors who showed me grace and walked with me in my academic and personal struggles. What I appreciated most was the honesty and transparency of my professors whenever I felt like my work was not good enough. They encouraged me, mentored me, and guided me in the direction I should go. Not once did I ever feel unsupported or like I was not cared for. Professors went above and beyond to help me academically succeed whether that include long phone calls or creating extra hours for tutoring. I would say the same thing about the community, especially in the mathematics department. We became a very close-knit community because of our classes but were able to truly create community and fellowship with one another in the midst of our studies.

How did Biola equip you to be a more faithful follower of Jesus Christ?

Growing up in the church, I thought I had everything figured out only to realize I was barely starting on my journey. My faith reached a breaking point at Biola, but it also became the strongest that it has ever been. I learned that God is my own personal God as well and that I am able to have a personal relationship with Him. I've had many classes at Biola that challenged the way I was thinking and learned I still had a lot to learn. I had other classes that broke me and I knew that I was a sinner who is in need of a savior. Biola has taught me to be confident in my ability to read scripture and teach others what I have learned in the midst of it.

What advice would you give to students considering your degree program?

I will highly encourage students to join Mathematics if they want to truly understand how mathematics works from a biblical perspective. It definitely is different than I imagined in regards to academic rigor however it is enriching. I have gained a new admiration for mathematics in regard to understanding the theory behind it and what its meaning pertains to a real-world setting. If students join the Math and CS Department they will be heavily supported by the faculty. While this is a tough program, professors are here to help you every step of the way and ensure your academic success. In regards to the secondary education emphasis, Biola has allowed me to truly stand out as an educator. The school of education is filled with amazing faculty who go above and beyond to train students before entering the work field. Again, it is rigorous but it is truly worth it in the end.