Math 499 Senior Comprehensive, Fall 2026

Writing assignments

I'll admit that these are exactly the kind of assignment that I liked least when I was a student--I became a math major partly to avoid this kind of stuff. So why am I making you write these things? I've found that writing and talk about myself has been very important since I finished college: the personal statement for my grad school applications, similar things for scholarships, more personal statements in job applications, questions about my goals in interviews, then annual reports on my work to my bosses, etc. The folks over at the career center told me that this year's graduates will, on average, have 19 jobs in their lifetime; presumably most of these jobs will require some sort of discussion of who you are and what you can do. These assignments are a chance for you to practice while the stakes are low. I encourage you to find a way to enjoy these things as much as possible: write a pastiche of your favorite novel, write in verse, write as if you're reviewing yourself on Amazon... Details on actual requirements for the assignments are below. If you are applying for graduate school and need to write a personal statement, then you are welcome to submit that personal statement for one assignment (depending on the details of the personal statement; talk to me to figure out the details).

Assignment 1: a mathematical autobiography or personal statement. Due 9/18.

I want to get to know you as a person and as a student of mathematics. I also want you to spend some time reflecting on your mathematical journey so far. In 2-4 pages, describe who you are as a mathematician and as a student of mathematics. Recount the events and experiences (good and bad) that have shaped your mathematical development, not just in the classroom. Try to be as specific as you can. What has influenced how you feel and/or think about mathematics today?

This does not need to be comprehensive; please don't include every single detail that you can remember about your math education. Instead, focus on people and events that have had significant impacts on you with a bias toward recent events. While the main focus should be on your college experiences, please feel free to include significant earlier experiences.

There are some examples and questions below to help guide your reflection. You do not need to try to answer all questions, only those that resonate with you. More depth on fewer questions is better than superficial responses to more questions. You do not need to answer the questions in order or break out your answers by question; rather, give a coherent essay that shows that you have spent some time reflecting and editing.

As always, spelling, grammar, and style matter (not just to me, but to the world at large--writing well is important). Submit the assignment through Canvas or on paper.

Examples of mathematical autobiographies (written by prominent mathematicians):

Assignment 2: a Curriculum Vitae/Resume. Due 10/2.

Write a curriculum vitae/resume. The Career Center has some good general advice (and a template) but you should tailor your CV/resume to the type of job you want. AI might help show you examples of what these look like. If you already have a CV/resume, update it and improve it. Everyone is encouraged to make an appointment with the Career Center to get suggestions for improving their CV/resume. A resume should be short (1-2 pages) so you'll need to work to focus it and make it effective. CVs tend to run longer (2 or more pages) so you'll need to be strategic about organization and how to highlight your strengths.

Recommended: take a few copies of your CV/resume to the job fairs 10/7 and 10/8 and give them to potential employers.

Assignment 3: reflection/connections. Due 12/18.

In the first writing assignment, you told your story as a student of mathematics, relaying the experiences that shaped your mathematical development and attitude towards mathematics. In this assignment I'd like you to look ahead. What are you plans for after graduation? What role do you see for mathematics in those plans? Even if you think you won't do anything directly connected to math, you might have skills or ways of thinking that come from math--explain what those skills are and how they might help you.

As always, spelling, grammar, and style matter (not just to me, but to the world at large--writing well is important). Submit the assignment through Canvas or on paper.

Links

Office hours (Herak 233 unless otherwise specified)

Logan Axon
Department of Mathematics
AD Box 51
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WA 99258
Office: Herak 233
Phone: 509.313.3897
Email: axon@gonzaga.edu

Last updated 9/2/2026