Zareen-Hassan-Receives-Kyle-D-Mitchell-Math-Award.php

Zareen Hassan Receives Kyle D. Mitchell Math Award

• Students
• 08/29/2024

The Rock Valley College Mathematics Department is proud to announce Zareen Hassan as the recipient of the Kyle D. Mitchell Award for the 2023-2024 academic year.

 

This award is given annually to an outstanding mathematics student who has demonstrated dedication and excellence in the study of mathematics, in honor of Kyle Mitchell, a former student who maintained a 4.0 GPA and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Intervarsity Christian Fellowship.

Zareen has earned high grades in all her math classes. She's participated in many activities, including tutoring through the tutoring center at RVC and supporting students with Calculus, Physics, and Chemistry questions. She volunteers at the Rockford Boys and Girls Club, teaching and helping toddlers with math and science through interactive games. Zareen plans to transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where she will pursue a degree in mechanical engineering and continue working towards helping others through tutoring.

"Growing up, I moved frequently between different countries, and each time, the transition posed challenges, especially with language barriers,”said Zareen. “Math, however, was the universal language that remained constant. We could communicate through numbers and solve problems together, which was incredibly comforting. Math is like unraveling a mystery; every problem solved is a puzzle unlocked. There's a unique satisfaction in exploring and discovering multiple methods to tackle a single mathematical problem, and it's even more rewarding when I can help someone else understand it too."

Dr. Catherine Check, Professor of Physics recommended Zareen for the award.

"Zareen is academically mature, self-motivated, and determined to learn and master difficult topics."

The Kyle D. Mitchell Award was created and funded by the mathematics department to honor the memory of Kyle Mitchell, who was planning on attending the University of Illinois and majoring in Agricultural Engineering before his untimely passing. Kyle was remembered as a student who went the extra mile, always searching for the best solution to a problem, and was always willing to help others.

Zareen's name is engraved on a plaque that hangs on the wall by the Math Lab. She’s also receiving a plaque to take home, and a check for $750.00. Congratulations to Zareen!