Stories

Solving math problems doesn’t add to senior Timothy Cui’s stress. Instead, it helps alleviate it.

By Catherine Joy ’23

Most Santa Clara University students on a four-year track aren’t able to add on an entirely new major as a junior. However, Computer Science and Engineering major Timothy Cui ’23 picked up a Mathematics major during his third year! Despite the increased workload, he knew he had a passion for the subject and found that working through math problems actually helped reduce much of his stress. Cui elaborates, saying, “Problem-solving, to me, is a continuous exploration process, where the final solution is like a treasure waiting to be discovered, and this journey of exploration is filled with delightful surprises.”

Learn more about Cui’s favorite classes and professors and read his advice for fellow students in this Q&A!

What’s your favorite class you’ve taken within your major?
Real Analysis is my favorite class. It delves deeper into calculus and emphasizes writing rigorous proofs. Each week, we tackle a set of seven challenging problems for homework. It typically takes me a full day to solve a single problem. Despite the difficulty, the class is incredibly rewarding. Taking this course has significantly enhanced my mathematical abilities. In my past years of studying math, I have never experienced such a profound impact.

Do you have a favorite professor?
Daniel Ostrov and Mike Hartglass are my favorite professors. They excel at engaging and inspiring students, encourage critical thinking, and most importantly, are passionate about teaching and dedicated to student success. I have gained valuable knowledge from them.

What advice would you give to first and second year students at SCU?
One important piece of advice I would offer is to plan ahead. Take the time to consider the classes you need to complete for your next academic year. I recommend prioritizing lower-division requirements during this period, as it will grant you more flexibility in choosing upper-division courses later on. Additionally, it would be good to have backup plans in place when registering for classes, as you may not always secure your top choices. It’s also important to develop effective time management skills. Procrastination can lead to pulling all-nighters and having unnecessary stress. Instead, aim to finish some work early and avoid leaving tasks until the eleventh hour.

Cui will be staying at SCU after commencement this spring as he pursues a graduate degree in computer science and engineering. He’ll be working as a TA and providing guidance to computer engineering students during their lab sessions. Afterwards, he is hoping to either pursue a Ph.D. in Mathematics, or work in the technology industry in a job that combines both his computer science and mathematics knowledge, such as designing algorithms.