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Department of Mathematics
University of Mississippi

Mathematics Student Ambassadors

 

Isabella Colotta

Photo of Isabella Colotta.

Isabella is pursuing a major in Mathematics and double minoring in Legal Studies and Spanish. In 2022 she interned for Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger A. Page. Now, she works as an office assistant at Holcomb Law Group. On campus, she is a member of the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society, and a member of the Greek Ambassadors.

Why did you choose to attend UM?
I grew up as an Ole Miss fan since my parents both attended school at the University of Mississippi. I was not expecting on going here, though. Whenever I toured the Ole Miss campus, I fell in love. The campus was so beautiful and reminded me of home. It had historical buildings that had a lot of character. The Grove was so open and green. The atmosphere was just incredible. Everyone that I met was so welcoming and friendly. It was easy to imagine myself at Ole Miss.

When and why did you choose your major(s)/minors?
I chose my major of mathematics the end of my first semester of my freshman year. I have always enjoyed math, but did not know if that was something I wanted to pursue in college. I took Calculus I my freshman year and really enjoyed it. I want to attend law school, but I did not feel like the traditional majors that attend law school were right for me. I wanted to choose something I would enjoy throughout my four years. Taking classes in math enables me to use logical thinking and reasoning that is necessary for studying law. I chose my minors of Spanish and Legal Studies the first semester of my sophomore year. I really enjoyed my Spanish classes I had taken, especially the teachers, and I had always wanted to learn a new language. I chose Legal Studies as another minor because I knew I would have a good foundation of logical thinking and reasoning with my math classes, but I wanted to have a bit more of the writing aspect as well.

What are your career goals?
I am hoping to go to law school after I graduate. I would like to become an attorney and use my knowledge from my math degree to think logically and critically. Also, with a liberal arts degree, I will have taken many different classes, focusing on becoming well-rounded in many subjects that will also be useful in my pursuance of a law degree.

Is there a professor who has been particularly helpful to you?
Math 305 with Dr. Sheppardson had a big impact on me. Her class was an introductory class to proofs. I was really nervous about her class because I knew that proofs were not my strong suit. (I am more of a numbers person.) However, she was so helpful to me whenever I was struggling through the homework or preparing for her tests. Her class made me think outside of the box more than I was used to, and it pushed me to work harder and expand my knowledge and thinking of math.

Why is your department a special place?
There are so many professors in the math department that have gone above and beyond to help students out if they needed it on homework or preparing for a test. These professors are what makes the math department so special. They understand that math is not the easiest subject and are willing to help students develop the type of thinking necessary. (Hume is home)

What are you binge watching/reading/listening to?
I am currently binge-watching Avatar the Last Airbender. I used to watch the show all the time as a kid with my siblings. I have so many good memories from watching it as the new episodes came out. It is such a good show with a well-thought-out plot and epic final battles. I am also currently reading Wuthering Heights. I have been trying to read some more of the classics (like Little Women), and I am really excited for this book. I have heard that it is really good.

What is your favorite place to eat in Oxford?
My go-to meal in Oxford is hummus with pita bread with a side of sweet potato fries from Volta. It is so delicious!

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