Introduction
There is a lot of resemblance between mathematics and computer since. Through this essay, I demonstrate how a mastery of mathematics laid a foundation for my interest in computer science and more specifically, website design and computer programming. I have also explored how my love for mathematics helped improve my performance in other subjects as well. This is an indication that mathematics as a discipline cuts across virtually every other subject. Over the years, I have been involved in various extracurricular activities, but none has been as compelling as my desire to help poor children. Again, I demonstrate why I am motivated to assist these needy members of our society.
Correlation between computer science and mathematics
There is a strong correlation between mathematics and computer science. In this case, the field of computer science borrows heavily from the mathematics discipline. From a very young age, I started manifesting an interest in mathematics. This interest was influence in part by the fact that both of my parents taught mathematics at high school level. Therefore, naturally, the expectation would have been that I would also take an interest in the discipline of my parents, and I did not disappoint them. As a teenager, I discovered that I also had an interest in computer science. Perhaps this was as a result of my good command of such branches of mathematics as discrete mathematics and Boolean algebra. Many will now agree that the involuntary application of computing skills in mathematics is now an indispensable activity. This is a further testament to the connection between the two disciplines. For example, computational thinking or algorithm as used in computer science resembles abstractions development and empirical verifications that finds application in mathematics.
Due to my passion for both computer science and mathematics, I have managed to receive recognition by wining various contests, both in high school and at college level. Winning these contest only served to enhance my resolve to do better in these two disciplines. The two branches, along with several others, find application in the wider field of computer science. Furthermore, computer science requires logical and mathematical applications. These are the necessary ingredients for the design as well as control of computers.
One other reason why mathematics as a discipline fascinates me is because in enables one to solve problems facing them in a very logical manner. In addition, I have also learnt that thanks to my love for mathematics, my thoughts and words process is also precise. Another discovery that I made very early in high school is that mathematics finds application in other disciplines as well. Consequently, my grades in the other subjects were also improving dramatically. For example, my scores in physics and chemistry were also comparable to those I obtained in mathematics, a further testament to the importance of mathematics in other disciplines.
I am really indebted to my high school teacher who discovered my love for mathematics and encouraged me to further my interest in mathematics and computer science. By helping me nurture my skills, I have since managed to retain interest in the two disciplines. My hands –on and practical skills approach has helped shape my desire to pursue computer programming. Over the last 6 years, I have been involved in the designing of websites for clients at a fee. The most interesting thing is that I am a self-taught website designer, an indication of the level to which an individual can go when they are self-motivated. Again, good command for mathematics has come in handy because programming entails a lot for computation in algorithms. Upon completing high school I was involved in the creation of toy projects and small games. This was a necessary move, because I end up borrowing a lot from the experience that I gained then, when I am either undertaking computer programming activities, or in handling large amounts of data in my work.
Extracurricular activities
In today’s business environment, the issue of corporate social responsibility is very common. It is usually perceived as an indication of the fact that an organization would wish to give back to society after their have recorded success in their core activities. However, even individuals are themselves socially responsible. Some prefer to call this action extracurricular activity, while others perceive it as the desire to help those in need. From a personal point of view, I have taken part in numerous extracurricular activities, a majority of which involves the helping of poor children. Some people prefer to spend their spare time with families and friends, sharing in their experiences or just relaxing in a jovial and homely atmosphere. Others prefer to spend their free time in solitude. In my case, this is the time that I dedicate to charity work. I believe the driving force to my participating in charity has been influenced in more ways than one by my mother. She is a social worker by profession. Although her income modest, nonetheless, she manages to dedicate part of her salary to acts of charity, such as footing the hospital bills of friends in need.
Through the years, I have come to appreciate the fact that when you give, one gets more blessings. For example, although my mother is a generous woman, both financially and in terms of advice, we have never lacked the basics in life. She is also at peace with her family friends and more importantly, her creator. I have also personally experienced this during my charity work. I recall giving a homeless person a hundred dollar bill on the eve of one Christmas. Although I had saved this money for a long time, I shall forever remember the bright face of the man to whom I gave that money. This experience taught me the need to share with others the little that I have. A majority of the poor children that I interact with are homeless, and some have no parent. Interacting with these children has also helped me to see the world from their perspective. Given the fact that a majority of the rich have no intention of sharing part of their wealth with the homeless and poor children do they ever wonder what would become of them if these children ganged up against them? Many of these poor children have big dreams that they would wish to fulfill. When I interact with them and they share their fears and dreams with me, I am compelled to do the little I can to help them realize these dreams. This, I believe, is what keeps me motivated to help them.