Gladys Amoah
Hon 1104: First Semester Honors Seminar
Dr. Thomas W. Maulucci, Jr Interview with Professor Kevin Kopec Professor Kevin Kopec is a very hardworking man, he lives in Springfield Massachusetts but his hometown is Hartford Connecticut, that was where is was born. He went to Hartford high School. And moved on with his education at Umass Amherst. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He then earned his doctorate degree at University of Connecticut. He has been teaching for 5years now but as first his use work in a chemistry laboratory. He was a scientist and his job was to check and measure the amount of chemicals needed for a particular medicine. He made it clear to me the reason why he choose to study math is that for studying mathematics to an advanced level is that it is interesting and enjoyable. He like its challenge, its clarity, and the fact that you know when you are right. The solution of a problem has an excitement and a satisfaction. You will find all these aspects in a university degree course. You should also be aware of the wide importance of Mathematics, and the way in which it is advancing at a spectacular rate. Mathematics is about pattern and structure; it is about logical analysis, deduction, calculation within these patterns and structures. When patterns are found, often in widely different areas of science and technology, the mathematics of these patterns can be used to explain and control natural happenings and situations. Mathematics has a pervasive influence on our everyday lives, and contributes to the wealth of the country. I asked him why he choose teaching instead of being a scientist he said “I teach because, for me, it's the most effective and most enjoyable way to change the world. That's the bottom line: We need to change this world, and this is the way I'm choosing to do it. Teaching allows me to work on hearts and minds, to guide people in becoming empowered, literate, engaged, creative, liberated human beings who want to join in this effort to change the world. I've seen it happen. I always believed that my students could transform and find themselves, in addition to becoming literate people and graduating from high school, but now I'm witnessing it. I'm seeing students I taught in elementary school and middle school graduate from high school, discover their skills and passions, and go to college. I always knew they could do it, and now they're doing it. That's why I teach” He continued by describing how graduate school is like he said it’s generally less structured than college. You'll have to figure out a way to get along and work with your advisor, carve out