In this article, Ellen Xiaoyue Sun describes how her studies in mathematics provide the perfect support for her career as a quantitative research analyst at JP Morgan Asset Management. Read more about her experiences and see whether a career in finance may be of interest to you.
Read MoreThe Stigma Around Mathematics
Editor's Note
In our interactions with others we are often asked questions such ‘What are you studying?’ or ‘What is your occupation?’. When we respond that we are studying mathematics or teaching mathematics or an academic in mathematics, many may immediately say ‘I was terrible at Mathematics’ or ‘I disliked Mathematics’ or ‘I do not see the value of Mathematics’. In this way the conversation is impacted with stereotyping and often stopped. In this Wisaarkhu volume the authors keep such conversations alive by sharing their inspiring personal mathematical journeys. In the first part, each journey provides a glimpse of how indispensable mathematical skills are in the world of work, in solving a real-world challenge, or in securing a job. In the second part, each author empowers the reader with tools and ideas for dealing with some form of stereotyping obstacle encountered along their mathematical journey. Thank you for choosing to journey alongside each author for a moment.
Wisaarkhu is a magazine for inspiring with ideas and successful approaches, for creating awareness, for sharing experiences, for communicating, for connecting, and for reflecting.
It is not a research journal. It does not purport to endorse any particular opinion or approach to learning, teaching, assessing, and researching of mathematics. Its readership is intended for all from across the globe with an interest in mathematics.
Each perspective expressed in the content of WISAARKHU is that of the author. It does not purport to reflect the opinions of the editor or Stellenbosch University or the affiliations of the authors.
No matter your interest in or experience of Mathematics, I hope you will read this magazine acknowledging the intention with which it has been written.

Prof. Ingrid Rewitzky
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Department of Mathematical Sciences,
Stellenbosch University,
South Africa
TOPIC 1: Are Mathematics Skills Important in the Workplace and Everyday Life?
My Math Journey
In this article, Mark Liu touches on the benefits of having a maths background for working as a computer programmer at a start-up specializing in self-driving cars.
Read MoreMath as a Language
Jianing Qi describes his progress with learning the language of mathematics. He shares his personal journey and valuable insights into how this dynamic language has been relevant to his world.
Read MoreI ANALYSE NUMBERS FOR A LIVING – AND I LOVE IT
What doors can a mathematics degree open? Sushant Adlakha from New York describes a career as a data analyst.
Read MoreMy Journey
Sivanagi Reddy Modugula shares with the readers his motivation to do a masters program in mathematics. He highlights how mathematics has given him the skills to excel and encourages students to explore interdisciplinary fields to gain a competitive edge in the job market
Read MoreMathematics, a chameleon
With a solid foundation in mathematics, Lucy Zuo describes how she has been able to transition between different fields in her career thus far – from staffing and talent acquisition to educational technologies and data science.
Read MoreSome thoughts on the stigma associated with mathematics
In this article, Nishant Chandgotia shares his personal thoughts on the stigma around mathematics.
Read MoreA mathematical journey from the Andes to the Alps
Alfonso Cevallos shares his professional journey thus far after majoring in mathematics. Read more about how mathematics opened doors for him to study and work all over the world.
Read MoreDefend against the dangers of a fixed mindset: If past behaviour is the best predictor of future behaviour, why do A-grade students fail?
The interview of Anita Campbell and Enzokuhle. She discusses some aspects of developing a growth mindset. Although written in the context of Mathematics education, the article contains several valuable insights that potentially have a much broader application.
Read MoreModern approaches in acquisition and processing of earth resources
This contribution is about the importance of the use of mathematical and statistical tools in the technological and other processes required for the acquisition and processing of earth resources.
Read MoreFrom a donkey herder to lecturer in financial risk management
In this column Mesias shares some of the challenges he had to overcome on his journey to becoming an academic and how he rose above his raising.
Read MoreTOPIC 2: Stereotypes: An Obstacle or Trigger to Succeed with Mathematics?
My sojourn with mathematics
Dr Mgr. Mária Ždímalová, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry, Faculty in Civil Engineering, Slovak University of Bratislava, Slovakia
Read MoreBreaking the stigma in mathematics; a personal journey
Dr Mgr. Mária Ždímalová, associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Descriptive Geometry, Faculty in Civil Engineering, Slovak University of Bratislava, Slovakia
Read MoreWhat motivated me to pursue a career in mathematics
Audace Dossou-Olory shares the story of his humble beginnings in Benin to pursuing a career in Mathematics together with some useful advice for the next...
Read MoreA path to Mathematics despite the obstacles
Mpendulo Cele shares his tips for success, in life and Mathematics, on his journey from rural Izingolweni to the Mother City.
Read MoreUgh, Mathematics
In this article, Kyla Raoult discusses some important ideas about the stigma surrounding Mathematics. She also offers some valuable insights into how we can start...
Read MoreThe side effects of the fixed mathematics ability stigma
Ethan sheds light on how the belief that mathematical ability is equivalent to intelligence affects the confidence of students who are capable of doing well...
Read MoreMathematics will find a way
This contribution is about the universal language of mathematics that opens a door to the world. The importance of understanding mathematics is also discussed.
Read MoreGender stereotypes in mathematics
Elizabeth Mrema shares her inspiring story of how her love for mathematics has helped her to overcome many obstacles on her personal journey.
Read MoreThe highs and lows of my mathematics journey
Damas Mgani reflects on his relationship with mathematics throughout his life. Through sharing his struggles and how he pushed through them, coming out a better...
Read MoreMy dream to be a mathematician
Senior lecturer in the mathematics department at Rhodes university, Dr Andriantiana, shares his inspiring journey to his current dream job. In this article he shares...
Read MoreHow we can break the stigma that mathematics has an exclusively Eurocentric origin and authority in our world
Bringing inclusiveness and more anti-racism ideas into our classrooms is something that can no longer be avoided. There is an urgency in broadening our ongoing...
Read MoreLimitless Minds: The latest neuroscience and learning that shows you can learn anything
Recent years have seen an explosion of scientific evidence showing that there is a different way to learn, lead and live. When people take a...
Read MoreThe 3 Students
Three high school students who have worked extremely hard to break the stigma that one is either good at maths or not. They share their...
Read MoreAbout the Cover
In this piece Nino Mekanarishvili tried to express her perception of Mathematics in an artistic way. It symbolises how mathematical ideas can grow and give us an opportunity to experience their beauty.

TOPIC 3: Can we break the Stigma Humanizing Mathematics?
The human side of mathematics
Sophie Marques explains how exploring the usefulness of mathematics can benefit mental health.
Read MoreStepping into mathematical theatre: A personal story
This note draws up a bit of my story with maths, the difficulties I faced during my involvement with mathematical theatre and how limited financial...
Read MoreA danger: how damaging stigma can appear in mathematics?
Tshogofatso discusses how damaging stigma can be in mathematics and how important it is that educators and parents help remove this perception of the subject.
Read MoreHumanizing the Math Experience (VIDEO/Interview)
For many people, math has become inaccessible because it has often been taught in a dehumanized way. This is unfortunate because people then label themselves...
Read MoreThe stigma regarding mathematics for students with intellectual disabilities (Video)
As a secondary mathematics teacher by background, Rhonda has always had an interest in assisting all to learn to love mathematics and to appreciate its...
Read MoreThe stigma of mathematics in low socioeconomic communities in relation to their ability to learn maths.
Teachers’ beliefs about their students’ ability to learn mathematics play an important role in shaping the kind of mathematics that students are offered and the...
Read MoreThe art of distinguishing
Ever wondered what it means to know and do mathematics? Stellenbosch University lecturers Zurab Janelidze and Sophie Marques share their conclusions after months of debate...
Read MoreIs Mathematics really hard? Or did we just learn in a hard way?
In this piece, Anuprava Chatterjee reflects on five pillars for mathematical learning that he believes will enhance students’ experience of their mathematical journey.
Read MoreA math student’s first look at math anxiety
Daniel Zhou reflects on what his experience as a teaching assistant in an interdisciplinary course taught him about how mathematics anxiety affects students and what...
Read MoreTo group or not to group? Ability grouping of mathematics learners.
Celizma Lotz discusses the practice, within schools, to group learners according to their mathematics ability. She questions whether the practice is done according to reliable...
Read MoreHealing the stigma and learning from old wounds
Mathematical ability is not a genetic gift and it can be polished in a classroom by taking an engaging teaching approach. Starting with this position,...
Read MoreTOPIC 4: What do we Learn from Other Disciplines?
How an inability to self-assess can derail academic success
In this article, Lesley Scott describes the importance that accurate self-assessment plays in academic success.
Read MoreMindful mathematics
Professor Ellen Langer shares her experience and insight of how we can learn about mathematics and any other discipline in a more mindful way so...
Read MoreANXIOUS ABOUT MATHS? DO MORE MATHS
The paper is describing helping children with maths-anxiety through research-based support. It supports the guardians/parents and adults in children’s lives who are wanting to provide...
Read MoreIn mathematics we trust
From Zeno’s paradox to understanding convergent sequences, mathematics has come a long way. However, the popular idea of mathematics oscillates between it being perceived as...
Read MoreMore coming soon!