Profiles
Anna Erickson
Dec 8, 2025
Name: Anna Erickson
Hometown: Cooperstown, N.D.
Major/Minor: Mathematics Education major, Computer Science minor
Graduation Year: 2027
What are you involved in on campus?
I work on campus as a tutor for both mathematics and computer science, and I also serve as a Student Pathway Mentor. Beyond academics, I’m involved in Drama Club and Speech, and I attend Cru and Vikes for Christ.
Being involved with extracurriculars, how do you balance your coursework while being committed to other activities?
Balancing everything can be a challenge. In addition to my on-campus jobs and activities, I do have other responsibilities back home. I help care for my younger brother who is disabled and I have four horses that I am responsible for. I have learned that organization is important. I keep a weekly running to-do list to track assignments and block out times during the week to dedicate to homework. Whenever I have the motivation or energy, I take advantage of it and get ahead on my work; since I also have those weeks when it is too hard to keep up. Staying flexible like this while keeping some structure helps me stay on top of everything.
What made you choose to major in math? Was there a particular class, teacher, or moment that sparked your interest?
Choosing a major was difficult because I have so many interests. I’ve always been strong in math and science and while working toward my GED I realized I had a knack for algebra and calculus. That is what sparked the idea of becoming a math teacher.
When I toured VCSU and spoke with the head of the math department, I felt that math education would be a good fit for me and would allow me to make a meaningful difference. At the same time, I do love psychology and I found that I enjoyed computers, so I added a minor in computer science and am considering adding in a psychology minor as well.
How do you see yourself using math in your future career?
I plan to teach high school mathematics once I graduate. Even if I later pursue counseling or programming, being highly skilled in math is an incredibly valuable strength that transfers across many fields.
What do you enjoy most about being a math major?
What I enjoy most about being a math major is showing people my homework and seeing the look of terror on their face. I have also enjoyed taking courses from Professor Benjamin Noteboom during my time here.
What’s something you wish you had known before studying math in college?
I wish I had felt more comfortable keeping my major undeclared at first so I could explore my interests more freely. I felt some pressure to choose right away and I suspect I might have started in psychology if I had taken more time.
That said, I don’t regret majoring in math education, I still enjoy it a lot. But I’ve learned how important it is to stay open-minded in college. These years are about discovering who you are, what you enjoy and what you want your future to look like. You don’t need everything figured out at the beginning; you’re just here to learn about yourself.
What advice would you give to future math majors?
It will be challenging. There will be times when it will get hard and you may feel lost, but it’s okay. Stick together with your classmates, maybe even form a study group. The feeling of finally understanding a tough problem is incredibly rewarding; if you enjoy problem solving and are willing to work hard, you’ll do just fine.
Meet more students like Anna Erickson
