National Board:

Sheri Gervais, B.S.I.E., M.Ed.
Susan Hare, B.B.A.

Contact: MES@MathHonorSociety.com

Name: Whitney Beasley

Age: 18 years

Grade: Graduate

Hometown, State: Manassas, VA

Year you became member in Mu Eta Sigma: 2010

Describe why you enjoy math: I enjoy math because of the many tools it affords me. With basic arithmetic, I can keep track of my money and spend it wisely. I can use algebra to balance a chemical equation in stoichiometry. Geometry is useful when painting a room or figuring out what size pan I need to bake a cake. I can use calculus to find out if a car was actually speeding between two points using the instantaneous rate of change.

Describe how you anticipate using math in your future (job, hobbies, community service work, mentoring, research): I will definitely use math in my dream job as a Biochemist. It will give me the power to take precise measurements, predict exponential growth, perform stoichiometry, and record biological statistics, just to name a few. I also plan to use math to mentor others. The church I will be attending at VA Tech has a trailer park ministry and I plan to empower the kids there by teaching them math skills.

I have been involved in my community through the following service projects: Vacation Bible School, Hoops Magic (Community Mentoring Program), J-Team (food and school supplies drives, and A Child’s Joy (Christmas stockings for underprivileged children)

My favorite project was:_Hoops Magic, for the following reason: In the program, we were given a group of underprivileged kids to mentor and tutor. This was my favorite program because (1) I got to bring smiles to kids that didn’t normally get much attention, (2) I was able to pass-on some academic skills that I had, and (3) I was allowed an opportunity to share my faith with the kids.

I have set the following goals for myself for the next:

• 1 year: Run a half-marathon, stay on the Dean’s list at Northern VA Community College, graduate from high school, make a smooth transition into college-life, make A’s and B’s in all my college classes, serve and bring joy to those around me, and most importantly bring glory to God.
• 5 years: Graduate from college, land a job in a clinical laboratory, rent my first apartment, be a joy and light to everyone I come in contact with, and trust God in all things.

My parents (or other individual) have inspired me to consider: My parents have inspired me to consider how my actions and attitudes impact others. Also, one of my science teachers and his wife have inspired me to consider a career in science.

My favorite subject in school is, or has been: Science – particularly Biology and Chemistry

My favorite extra-curricular activity is, or has been: The homeschool co-op, Centreville Homeschool Enrichment Support Services, which I’ve been a part of, has been my favorite extra-curricular activity. I have enjoyed all the classes I have taken there and enjoyed time with friends.

The most challenging thing I have ever experienced is: In 4th grade, I went through a time of trial in figuring out who I was and what I believed. That year was the most challenging struggle I have ever experienced. However, it has grown me into the person I am today.