The UNESCO International Day of Mathematics, now in its fifth year, is celebrated annually on 14 March. Also known as Pi Day, the day aims to showcase the fundamental role played by the mathematical sciences in the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics in the Faculty of Science recently awarded their top students at a Top Achiever Awards ceremony held at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus.
Students Sarah Mahlangu and Mhlengi Sibiya were some of the standout awardees of the day collectively receiving nine awards.
Sarah Mahlangu’s journey
Sarah, 29, an Applied Maths and Pure Maths student, said Mathematics is a subject that has always made sense to her and she decided to pursue her studies after being in the working world for a while.
“I was actually interested in Computer Science but I was too scared because I had never done it before so I thought my degree would get me closer to it as a chosen career. The ultimate goal is to get into the technology field.”
Sarah was awarded five top achiever certificates including the Poretech Silver Medal for the Best Third-Year Mathematics Student 2023.Building routines has been an essential part for Mahlangu during her studies and to balance her social life.
“I had a consistent routine where I came to school everyday, went to my classes, did my work then went home and did all the extra curricular things that I enjoy like gym and the extra courses in Data Sciences.”
Her advice to students is to get used to studying by making sure they build good habits.
“It becomes fun to learn all these crazy theorems, it becomes a part of your system and you enjoy it.”
Mhlengi Sibiya’s dedication
From an early age Mhlengi has always appreciated numbers. The 20-year-old second year BSc in Physical Sciences (Physics and Applied Mathematics) student was awarded four top achiever certificates including the Poretech Certificate of Achievement for the Best Second-Year Mathematics Student 2023.
“I enjoy Maths and anything related to numbers. I want to know more about Maths and explore different fields that include the application of Mathematics.”
Mhlengi was initially accepted to do another degree in Math Medicine but quit after one year because he wanted to focus only on Maths.
“After I am done with this degree I plan to obtain my Masters and Phd. I am hoping to stay in academia and explore Maths more.”
He encouraged students to have a real passion for Maths. It is not always about Maths being difficult, he says.
“You need to have patience and a love for what you are doing and you must enjoy it. It is not just about getting good marks, you have to enjoy what you are doing.”
Leah Mollink’s unique perspective
Leah Mollink, 22, received a top achiever certificate for her calculus module.
The BSc in Mathematics Sciences and Mathematical Statistics student grew up struggling in school due to her narcolepsy but the one thing she always felt connected to was Maths.
Leah articulated that oftentimes Maths is seen as a difficult subject because of some bad teachers and a culture of exclusivity.
“I was lucky that it was something that came easy to me but I have always felt that it is something that everyone can enjoy so I want to end up teaching it in some capacity because I think when you approach it with passion as a teacher then children will love it as well.”
Growing up she didn’t know studying Maths would be an option for her as she did not know anyone who took that path.
“I thought I would become a film director or tattoo artist or ballerina. I wanted to be everything and one day someone said I should study Maths and I realised that it was always right there. If I could be paid just to study it, I would.”
Leah says she loves how Maths helps people connect to the world. She manages to balance her creative flair as a poet and her Maths studies by immersing herself in her work.
“While it is nice to be awarded and feel affirmed, what sticks is that you do what you enjoy and that is Maths for me.”
Pi Day celebrates Mathematics and the vocations it offers to both men and women.
