COSAM News Articles 2022 May COSAM Graduation Marshal measures probability preparing for a career and marching musically around the country

COSAM Graduation Marshal measures probability preparing for a career and marching musically around the country

Published: 04/29/2022

By: Maria Gebhardt

Rebecca Self, the spring 2022 graduation marshal for the College of Sciences and Mathematics or COSAM, shares how the actuarial mathematics program at Auburn University prepares students for successful careers. She also discusses how she had an exceptional college experience filled with lasting memories. 

“I am looking forward to starting a new job in Charlotte, North Carolina after graduation,” said Self. “I always liked math and the actuarial program at Auburn University has prepared me for my new career.”

Self, originally from Birmingham, graduated from Trussville High School.

She moved just over 100 miles southeast to Auburn to earn her undergraduate degree in actuarial science.

“The actuarial program offers seminars that are purposefully built into the curriculum to help you take your exams while you are in college so you can score internships and jobs when you graduate,” Self explained. “The abundance of quizzes in the seminar classes are designed to help prepare you for the actuarial exams.”

In the program, she enjoyed a balance of business classes along with her math classes.

“Rebecca is an exceptional student," said Lisa Peterson, lecturer in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “She is a leader in the classroom and an example of academic excellence for us all.  We are very fortunate to have her in our actuarial math program here at Auburn.”

Self will carry the college’s flag into the commencement ceremony on May 7.

“Rebecca is an accomplished student in the actuarial program. She is graduating with a perfect GPA and has passed two actuarial exams. These exams are extremely challenging and they are required for actuaries working toward their designations in the professional actuarial societies. Rebecca has had multiple internships, including one at Protective Life Insurance Company.  Coincidentally, she is a recipient of the Protective Scholarship as well as several other scholarships. Rebecca was the COSAM Outstanding Junior from Math and Statistics last year. She received the Andrew C. Connor Memorial award that is given by the Department of Math and Statistics to the ‘most creative undergraduate student in Math courses’ this year. In the support letter for this award, one professor wrote that ‘Rebecca is clearly mathematically talented. She is disciplined and has an excellent work ethic.  Rebecca is truly an exceptional student’ and I share this sentiment,” said Dmitry Glotov, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

Self recalls her memories during her time on the Plains.

“Being part of the Auburn University Marching Band over the past four years has been absolutely amazing,” she said. “I really enjoyed being part of the pregame show and jogging out of the tunnel onto the field at Jordan-Hare.”

As part of the basketball pep band, she has been part of incredible experiences that she will never forget.

“I was able to travel to Tampa for the Men’s SEC tournament and Greenville for the first and second rounds of the NCAA March Madness in 2022,” she shared.

Self plays the mellophone, a brass instrument, which is similar to a trumpet.

She also was part of many great events through the Auburn Christian Student Center.

“The campus ministry program is a great way for new students to make spiritual connections and give back helping others,” Self said.

When she isn’t in class, marching at a game or volunteering, she loves to read fiction especially fantasy and thriller books. And, she loves the outdoors.

“I am looking forward to exploring the beautiful nature areas in North Carolina,” she said.

Moreover, Self is ready to apply the skills she learned at Auburn in a rewarding career in life insurance and annuities.

 

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