“During my undergrad studies, there were courses where I did not use numbers, and calculators were useless. Because we were dealing with the abstract realm, which cannot be represented by a finite value such as a number.” – Anne Marie McKinney
A master mathematician seizes control of new territories. Hers is a journey of precision. A clear-cut element created from a chartered and exact course of action. Mathematics, a unique field of logic, theories, and formulas untouched by the passage of time and history. This is the journey of Ann Marie McKinney MSc. Actuarial candidate at St. John's University, New York, whose meticulous precision, attention to detail, and legendary efficiency have enabled her to master a truly unique and phenomenal skill. Armed with a double degree in Mathematics and set to receive her Master's degree in 2024, she is poised to reach new heights in her field. This is the place where creativity meets logic and where numbers form a language within a place deeper than thought. It is the place where giants roam. For McKinney, numbers are a language that reveal the secrets of the universe. Moreover, those secrets are the genesis of a pursuit worthy of a mathematician’s quest. With the language of Mathematics, being her main arena of interest McKinney shares what initially sparked her interest in the field.
“I once saw a quote that said, ‘Mathematics: The universal language that unveils the secrets of the universe!’ Indeed, this is the beauty behind the field. Its vastness encompasses so many fields that all contribute to our daily lives. Most currencies we use are built on mathematical principles like time and value. That same field also helps us understand the uncharted universe.
She shares that even though the field requires much hard work on her behalf, she is eager to leave a major impact on such an underestimated and unyielding field.
“Even though I can help unleash the true power behind mathematics my understanding of the field is still very limited. I am constantly learning more as time progresses and I am eager to see how I can make my mark and impact on the field. One time ago, I thought it would be through a Fields Medal — the Nobel Prize of Mathematics — but my Real Analysis courses quickly humbled me.“
McKinney takes us even deeper into her area of expertise by breaking it down into bite-sized pieces.
“Simply put, mathematics is the field of logic. This logic can be interpreted through numbers. Most individuals are familiar with this logic, however math can also be communicated through theories and principles. Mathematics can be separated between pure and applied mathematics. Pure mathematics deals with using mathematical principles that form theories used to help describe well known facts or phenomena around us. In fact, the spiral on a seashell or a pinecone or the shape of a hurricane can be explained through a well-known theory called the Fibonacci sequence. These theories have also been proven to be used in music. On this side of the spectrum, math delves into the abstract world where the concept of infinity is not a limiting factor but rather a tool that helps to navigate the world around us. Pure mathematics includes fields such as number theory, abstract algebra, topology, string theory, graph theory, real analysis, differential equations, linear algebra, and more. On the other spectrum, applied mathematics deals with analyzing and solving real-world problems. This is where the mathematical theories proven by pure mathematicians are applied or “put into use”. Applied mathematics covers fields such as engineering, economics, statistics, meteorology, computer science, medical sciences, physics, operations research, and many other fields. Applied mathematics is deemed to be the most relevant by society but I truly appreciate the insight provided by pure mathematicians because their way of thinking is no easy feat to develop.”
She also shares that the parts of her journey that presented the greatest challenge were exactly the parts that left her truly astounded.
“The journey had some ups and downs but the most challenging so far has been training my mind to think like a pure mathematician. When people think of math, they usually think of numbers, calculations and formulas. However, during my undergrad studies, there were courses where I did not use numbers, and calculators were useless. Because we were dealing with the abstract realm, which can not be represented by a finite value such as number. Again, I had to make another mental switch to thinking as an applied mathematician. I had encountered topics that I was already familiar with looking at them in a whole new light.”
McKinney also shares, “I wouldn’t describe any part of the journey as easy but it always seemed manageable once I allowed the Lord to order my steps.”
McKinney gave great insight into what a future in Mathematics could look like. Each degree is directly correlated to a specific aspiration thus giving McKinney many dynamic and adventurous career options to choose from.
“For my undergraduate studies, I have received a degree in Pure Mathematics and Mathematics Education. With my Pure Mathematics degree, I can become a researcher further developing one of the aforementioned fields. I can dedicate my life to solving unproven principles and corollaries, or I can become a college professor, helping to shape the minds of young, aspiring professionals in the field. With my Education degree, I can become a high school mathematics teacher or mathematics tutor. Either choice would grant me the opportunity to share in the delight of the field. I am currently pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science for my graduate studies and this would grant me to work with insurance companies, and organizations with high data manipulation such as ride share apps, online retail companies, professional sports organizations, and more.”
McKinney however has already set a career goal in place and is beyond excited to be able to one day give back.
“I hope to become a qualified actuary, who one day gives back to my country. I also get extremely excited when helping others understand mathematical topics, so I hope to continue to be an educator in some light.”
She shares that a strong support system can significantly enhance progress when pursuing a goal and offers insight into what her own support system looks like.
“God has always ordered my steps along the way. I do not come from an affluent family, yet I have never lacked and have always had the opportunity to chase my goals. My family’s support includes my parents Robert and Nathania McKinney, my siblings Dr. Gabrielle McKinney who is a part of the medical team at the Princess Margaret Hospital, and Robert McKinney Jr., CEO and founder of McKinney’s Air-conditioning, and his family. Additionally, other family members, friends, and my church family, Grace Communion International, whose support has literally brought me this far. There were many times that I felt underqualified, undeserving and overwhelmed but with my great support system I have made it this far.”
McKinney strives to maintain a balanced life by staying active in various activities, events, and organizations, particularly through her involvement in her church.
“I am heavily involved with my church. Serving helps to give me a great balance and has served beneficial to life in general. I also attend meetings of the International Association of Black Actuaries and the Caribbean Association of Actuaries.”
She gives this advice for those wanting to pursue a similar path, “Stay grounded in your faith in Jesus Christ. Always trust and believe in Him. He will sit you at tables that you didn’t believe yourself worthy to sit at.”
McKinney’s outstanding achievements give rise to a bright future and a dynamic hope for the generations to come. The ingenuity of her unique talent is an inspiration for those wanting to pursue this adventurous and unique venture. McKinney has abandoned tradition and pursued a journey that is exceptionally different. One that is filled with challenge, yet flooded with victory. By combining a love for the unique language of numbers McKinney is a powerful representation of what it looks like when one pursues the enormity of one’s talent. Her hard work plays a major role in something that is large in scale and unprecedented, her destiny.
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