VOICES from BEAM:
Viri's Mathematical Journey
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Viri, BEAM Summer Away, 2014 (top/left), and at Columbia University, 2019.
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UP UNTIL THE LAST MOMENT before boarding the bus to go to BEAM Summer Away at Bard College in 2014, Viri still thought maybe she wouldn't go. Here's what she told us about her experience:
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"I was scared. Even my parents were a little hesitant because I had never been away from home. But my mom said, 'Go, who knows when you'll get another opportunity like this.' So, I got on the bus. Everyone else was excited; I was the only kid crying. But once I got to Bard, Summer Away was great!
"I really enjoyed being around other kids who loved math. I made so many friends who I'm still in touch with. I was challenged like I never had been before. The course I remember best is combinatorics; thinking about how many ways you can count a certain number of objects. Why is it these formulas work? How can you prove that?
"That was just the beginning for me. Then BEAM helped me go to summer programs at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth and New York University, and to get into Columbia. It was so important to receive help from Ayinde [BEAM's College Support Coordinator], who is someone who looks like me and has had experiences like mine.
"I am very grateful to BEAM, especially to Dan, Lynn, and Ayinde, who have helped me so much. Even my parents came to know them as wonderful people who would always be there to assist us.
"My mathematical journey really started with BEAM!"
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Viri Neri, who grew up and attended middle school in the Bronx, joined BEAM in 2014. Viri is now in her second semester at Columbia University, where she received a full scholarship and is majoring in math.
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Did you miss our ANNUAL REPORT 2019? Read about BEAM's work and hear more VOICES from BEAM. Learn about:
- John's BEAM experience as a student and counselor.
- David's favorite math problem: proving why path graphs are all graceful.
- Our first summer program at Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, California.
- BEAM's plans to reach underserved students nationally.
- And more!
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Want to receive a print copy of BEAM's Annual Report? Email us at melissag@beammath.org. Be sure to include your name and mailing address.
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