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Tamara Vivens is a junior majoring in math, with a concentration in the mathematics of finance and actuarial science. She attends the Albert Dorman Honors College at NJIT. She was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up Maryland.

Favorite movies:
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, the Long Kiss Goodnight and Face/Off.

Favorite bands:
I’m currently feeling John Legend and Robin Thicke, but I’ll always love Mariah Carey, Toni Braxton and Nas.

On my iPod:
I’ve got everything from Hip-Hop/Rap to R&B to alternative, but right now Corinne Bailey Rae is playing.

Why NJIT?
I always knew that no matter what college I went to, I wanted to go out of state. I checked out schools in New York, Boston and even Illinois. Of all the schools, NJIT appealed to me most because of its small class sizes, its rigorous yet highly acknowledged programs and its location. I love being in the tri-state area; New York City is just a quick hop away on the train. There’s so much to do in the area.

Why mathematics?
People always assume that because I’m a math major, I want to be a math teacher. But there’s so much you can do with a degree in math. Most people just don’t know that. With a degree in math, you can work as a research engineer or as a stock broker on Wall Street. I chose math because it truly is a love of mine. It just made sense to major in it.

Favorite class:
I love differential equations and discrete mathematics. In both these classes, I’ve learned new and faster ways to approach and solve math problems. The classes also taught me to look at problems in new ways, ways that would not have occurred to me. Plus, the professors were really good!

What’s best at NJIT?
I’d say the best aspect of NJIT is the support you get from your professors as well as the tutors. The tutors are good students and they still have a student’s perspective of math. Also, the class sizes are small enough so that you get one-on-one attention from your professors. All my professors know me by name, which helps to build relationships with them.

Clubs and activities:
Since being at NJIT, I have been involved in many clubs and ctivities. I co-hosted a radio show called Ground Zero for the university radio station, WJTB. I belong to Phi Eta Sigma, the National Honors Society, where I tutor students in math. I’m the community service director for the Caribbean Student Organization. I have tutored elementary students from the Warren Street School as well as students who attend the Pre-College Program at NJIT. I’ve done the Breast Cancer Walk, worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped clean up a women’s shelter in Newark. I’ve also helped raise money for earthquake victims in the Middle East. I am a resident assistant in my dorm, Redwood, which means I manage my floor and build community in our dorm.

Student Ambassador:
I joined the Ambassadors Club when I was a freshman. I liked it that the club was helping with special events such as Open House and Dean’s Day. Now, as a junior, I’m an executive trainer for the club. I still give tours but I’m responsible for training new student ambassadors. I love being an ambassador because I’m gregarious. I love meeting new people and talking in front of crowds. I’m really shy in front of one or two people but give me a crowd and I’m all in it.

Favorite on-campus spots:
I love the pub. My favorite food there is the tuna-melt. I also like the on-campus Tech Café. The white chocolate mocha is my favorite drink. I also like the ziti-pizza served in the cafeteria. Basically anywhere with food is my favorite place! I also love my dorm. The community we’ve built and live in there is great. My goal is to, before I graduate, live in all four NJIT dorms!

Career goal:
As I said before, with a math degree, you can do almost anything. But I plan on becoming an actuary. I love to work with numbers and people. With luck, sometime in my late twenties, I will have finished all my actuarial exams and be a Fellow, the highest designation of an actuary.