Q&A with Layla Razo
Why did you choose to attend the University of Mississippi?
Honestly, I chose UM because the first time I visited, I fell in love with it. Seeing the campus, especially the Grove on game day, was such a special experience, and the energy was just different. It felt like somewhere I could actually see myself.
When I came for orientation, what stood out to me the most was how genuine everyone was. It really felt like the people here truly want you to succeed, not just academically but as a person. That made a big difference for me.
I also love that it’s a college town. It’s not overwhelming, but there’s still so much to do, and the environment feels safe and welcoming. Overall, the atmosphere and community here are something I don’t think you can easily find anywhere else, and that’s what made me choose Ole Miss.
Honestly, I chose UM because the first time I visited, I fell in love with it. Seeing the campus, especially the Grove on game day, was such a special experience, and the energy was just different. It felt like somewhere I could actually see myself.
When I came for orientation, what stood out to me the most was how genuine everyone was. It really felt like the people here truly want you to succeed, not just academically but as a person. That made a big difference for me.
I also love that it’s a college town. It’s not overwhelming, but there’s still so much to do, and the environment feels safe and welcoming. Overall, the atmosphere and community here are something I don’t think you can easily find anywhere else, and that’s what made me choose Ole Miss.
What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?
I would be honest and say that math is definitely not for the weak, but if you are truly passionate about it, you will get through it and even enjoy the process. It can be challenging, and there will be moments where it feels frustrating, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding.
One of my favorite things about math is how satisfying it is to finally get the right answer after working through a problem. That feeling makes all the effort worth it and keeps you motivated to keep going.
The biggest thing I would tell someone is that you have to stay consistent and not be afraid to ask for help. Math builds on itself, so understanding the basics really matters, and using resources like professors, classmates, or tutoring can make a big difference.
Also, the more I learn, the more I’m in awe of how important math is and how it connects to almost everything. It’s not just numbers, it’s a way of thinking and understanding the world, and that’s what makes it so interesting to study.
I would be honest and say that math is definitely not for the weak, but if you are truly passionate about it, you will get through it and even enjoy the process. It can be challenging, and there will be moments where it feels frustrating, but that’s also what makes it so rewarding.
One of my favorite things about math is how satisfying it is to finally get the right answer after working through a problem. That feeling makes all the effort worth it and keeps you motivated to keep going.
The biggest thing I would tell someone is that you have to stay consistent and not be afraid to ask for help. Math builds on itself, so understanding the basics really matters, and using resources like professors, classmates, or tutoring can make a big difference.
Also, the more I learn, the more I’m in awe of how important math is and how it connects to almost everything. It’s not just numbers, it’s a way of thinking and understanding the world, and that’s what makes it so interesting to study.
Why is your department a special place?
The math department is a special place because the professors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their students. They don’t just teach the material; they take the time to make sure you actually understand it and are always willing to help.
What stands out to me the most is that their support goes beyond academics. They are also willing to advise about internships, career paths, and even general life decisions, which makes a big difference as a student.
Overall, the environment feels supportive and encouraging, which is really important in a major that can be challenging. It’s a place where you’re pushed to grow, but you’re not doing it alone.
The math department is a special place because the professors are not only incredibly knowledgeable but also genuinely invested in their students. They don’t just teach the material; they take the time to make sure you actually understand it and are always willing to help.
What stands out to me the most is that their support goes beyond academics. They are also willing to advise about internships, career paths, and even general life decisions, which makes a big difference as a student.
Overall, the environment feels supportive and encouraging, which is really important in a major that can be challenging. It’s a place where you’re pushed to grow, but you’re not doing it alone.
What professor or class has had the most impact on you?
One class that had a big impact on me was Calculus I during the fall of my freshman year. It was my first time being introduced to calculus, and it was completely different from any math I had seen before. At first, I struggled and had to adjust to a new way of thinking.
What really made a difference for me was attending SI sessions and putting in the extra effort to understand the material. Over time, I started to see improvement, and that first exam, where I earned a really good grade, felt incredibly rewarding.
That experience taught me the importance of persistence and using the resources available to me. It showed me that even when something feels difficult at first, you can grow and succeed if you stay consistent and don’t give up.
One class that had a big impact on me was Calculus I during the fall of my freshman year. It was my first time being introduced to calculus, and it was completely different from any math I had seen before. At first, I struggled and had to adjust to a new way of thinking.
What really made a difference for me was attending SI sessions and putting in the extra effort to understand the material. Over time, I started to see improvement, and that first exam, where I earned a really good grade, felt incredibly rewarding.
That experience taught me the importance of persistence and using the resources available to me. It showed me that even when something feels difficult at first, you can grow and succeed if you stay consistent and don’t give up.
What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?
My goal after graduation is to become an actuary. During my time at Ole Miss, I plan to start taking actuarial exams to begin that process and build a strong foundation for my career.
What interests me about this field is how it combines math, statistics, and real-world decision making. I like the idea of being able to analyze risk and use data to help individuals and organizations plan for the future.
Beyond just the career itself, I also hope to use what I learn to help educate people, especially families who may not always have access to financial knowledge, on how to better manage their finances and prepare for unexpected situations.
My goal after graduation is to become an actuary. During my time at Ole Miss, I plan to start taking actuarial exams to begin that process and build a strong foundation for my career.
What interests me about this field is how it combines math, statistics, and real-world decision making. I like the idea of being able to analyze risk and use data to help individuals and organizations plan for the future.
Beyond just the career itself, I also hope to use what I learn to help educate people, especially families who may not always have access to financial knowledge, on how to better manage their finances and prepare for unexpected situations.
What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you’d tell your past self (about the general college experience)?
I would tell myself that studying in college is very different from studying in high school, and it takes time to adjust. At first, that transition can feel overwhelming, but it’s completely normal. One test or one grade does not define you.
I would also remind myself that it’s okay if you don’t meet your best friends during the first week of school. Finding your people takes time, and it happens naturally when you get involved and put yourself out there.
Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of balance. It’s important to stay on top of your academics, but also make time for your social life. Both are important, not just for success in school, but also for your overall well-being.
I would tell myself that studying in college is very different from studying in high school, and it takes time to adjust. At first, that transition can feel overwhelming, but it’s completely normal. One test or one grade does not define you.
I would also remind myself that it’s okay if you don’t meet your best friends during the first week of school. Finding your people takes time, and it happens naturally when you get involved and put yourself out there.
Lastly, I would emphasize the importance of balance. It’s important to stay on top of your academics, but also make time for your social life. Both are important, not just for success in school, but also for your overall well-being.
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