Guelph Grad Q&A: Rachael Lewitzky
U of G Helped Grad Discover Passion for Math
Rachael Lewitzky graduated from the University of Guelph in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. But her path to study Mathematics was not always a foregone conclusion. Initially, Rachael wished to become a veterinarian, but after a co-op experience in high school she realized that it was not the career for her. This would lead her to study Biochemistry at U of G where after her first year she would discover that her true passion was in mathematics.
Thanks to the support of an academic advisor and connecting with students in the math and stats program, she decided to shift her major, which allowed her to follow her interests and reach her long-term goals.
Bringing things full circle, Rachael now works as an instructional technology specialist in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) at the University of Guelph.
Continue reading to learn more about Rachael’s experience and why you should Choose U of Guelph.
Interview with Rachael Lewitzky
Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Mathematics at the University of Guelph?
For the longest time, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was fortunate to visit the city of Guelph, as well as U of G because I had plenty of extended family members that lived in the area. I immediately fell in love with the campus and city: “Small town feel with big town amenities” I like to say!
When I was in high school, I chose to do a co-op placement in a vet office - and thank goodness I did! The experience taught me about the value of co-op placements in addition to traditional classroom learning, and I also learned that I did not want to become a vet. Rather, I was more interested in science, calculations, research, and disseminating information. Moreover, when the time came to actually apply to U of G, I applied to the biochemistry co-op program.
Upon starting at U of G, I had the chance to meet people in the same program as me via a mentorship program. I also joined clubs, such as the biochemistry club and the math and stats club. And, of course, I met people in residence (welcome, future Mountain Hall residents!). As a student in the College of Physical and Engineering Science (as it was known at the time), I had similar (if not the same) courses as many of my friends. This allowed us to study together, attend class together, and build connections that last to this day.
Much like my co-op experience in high school, my first year of study at U of G taught me many lessons, one of which was my interest in mathematics and statistics. Whether I was in a lab, doing field work, or conducting research, it was data that intrigued me. I began to consider what my academic trajectory might look like if I switched into the mathematics and statistics co-op program. After consulting with my academic advisor and connecting with students in the math and stats program, I came to the conclusion that shifting my major would allow me to take more courses that were of interest to me and set me on a path that aligned with my goals.
What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?
The fact that I was able to change my major after my first year without losing any credits/time is something that I have always appreciated about my time at U of G. Because I changed to a program within the same college, my first year of study provided a set of foundational courses that primarily acted as prerequisites to each program within the college. So, I was able to continue moving forward on my academic adventure.
This was only the start of what I would soon call my “choose your own adventure” degree. Naturally, my program had mandatory courses, but it also allowed for flexibility. In addition to biomathematics, risk assessment, differential equations, and experimental design, I also had the chance to take courses in music, theatre studies, food science, and finance.
The instructors in my program were also incredibly helpful and supportive. I often tell the story about how in my first year, I didn’t understand the concept of “office hours”. I thought instructors simply indicated when they would be in their offices… and that was it. It wasn’t until the end of my first year and beginning of second year that I understood that students could actually go to visit instructors during their office hours and ask questions. This realization was hugely impactful on my experience at U of G. I am so appreciative of the guidance and mentorship that I experienced during my undergrad, and it is something that I hope to offer in my professional life.
Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.
Having already learned the value of co-op placements in high school, I knew that I wanted to enroll in a co-op program at U of G. I was so thankful that both the initial program that I was enrolled in (biochemistry) and the program that I would transfer into and eventually graduate from (mathematics and statistics) offered students the opportunity to complete co-op placements. From the initial co-op course, where I learned how to design my resume/CV and cover letter and had the chance to practice interviews, I knew I had made the right choice to enroll in a co-op program in post-secondary. There were so many benefits that I experienced as a result of being in a co-op program: I got to explore working in both the public and private sectors; I worked in different cities; I was able to earn an income during my studies; I learned new skills; I met so many people in various disciplines. I always recommend considering a co-op program: You learn about yourself - your likes and dislikes, your values, and your goals.
Where are you currently working and what is your role?
I am lucky to have returned to where my undergraduate journey began! I work as an instructional technology specialist in the Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) at the University of Guelph. You can learn more about my work on the OTL website.
How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?
It feels like every experience I had during my undergraduate degree contributed to where I am now.A few of the highlights include:
- A few of the highlights include:
- Developing a network of mentors, colleagues, and friends.
- Working as a teaching assistant for various courses/departments.
- Completing co-op placements in different cities, disciplines, and settings.
- Having the opportunity to contribute to course manuals for mathematics courses.
- Completing an undergraduate research thesis during my 4th year.
You can learn more about my trajectory in the educational development space here.
What advice would you give someone considering mathematics or applying to the University of Guelph?
The advice I’ll share here is similar to the advice I gave in the OTL newsletter: Share your experiences and practice active listening. You don’t have to have all the answers all the time; it is through our individual actions and our interactions with one another that we learn!
Bonus Question
In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?
This answer won’t come as a surprise to anyone that knows me: The best place is the library! Even as a staff member now, I regularly visit the library. The staff are so welcoming and helpful. In the library, you can find a collaborative space when you want to be social, and a quiet space when you need some silence. I often compare myself to a houseplant - I like to feel like I’m outside without being outside, and the library’s large windows and gorgeous natural light offer just that.