Brittany LeClair ’25, mathematics and secondary education, has always loved problem-solving and working with numbers. Still, even more than that, she has always wanted to make a difference in students’ lives, the way some of my favorite teachers impacted hers. URI taught her to step outside her comfort zone and grow academically and personally. After graduation, she plans to return to her home state of Connecticut, travel as much as possible this summer, and start her career as a high school math teacher this fall!
Why did you choose URI?
I chose to come to the University of Rhode Island because it offered a great mix of strong academics as well as a great location near the beach! Academically, I was drawn to URI’s extensive list of majors, state-of-the-art academic buildings, and great professors who have had hands-on experiences in their fields. I enrolled undecided, and having access to many different majors was a great selling point. I also always grew up going to the beach and vacationing in Narragansett every summer, so the location was ideal, especially during the fall and spring!
What is one of your favorite memories from URI?
One of my favorite memories from URI has been a mixture of the intramural sports teams I have played on. I have played on soccer teams, volleyball teams, as well as flag football teams. It has helped me create so many new friends and memories. Another one of my favorite memories from URI was sophomore year bid day. I am in the sorority Alpha Xi Delta and it has helped me create so many friends and amazing experiences I will take with me forever!
What is the best thing you have learned while being at URI?
One of the best things I have learned from my time at URI is how to step outside of my comfort zone and really grow both academically and personally. My time here at URI has taught me the importance in a balanced lifestyle. Balancing a heavy course load as a double major, as well as making time for friends and extracurriculars, was something I have learned throughout my time at URI and I will definitely cherish post-grad.
How did you choose your major?
I chose to double major in mathematics and secondary education because I’ve always loved problem-solving and working with numbers, but even more than that, I’ve always wanted to make a difference in students’ lives the way some of my favorite teachers impacted mine. Math has a reputation for being intimidating or “not for everyone,” and I’ve always wanted to help change that. I believe that with the right support and teaching style, any student can feel confident in math—and I want to be the kind of teacher who brings that to the classroom. Throughout my career at URI, I have had plenty of professors who have inspired this thinking in me. The math classes I have taken at URI were challenging, yet rewarding, and I have cherished the support I received from my professors.
What are your post graduation plans?z
After graduation, I plan to move back to my home state of Connecticut, travel as much and possible this summer, and then start my career as a high school math teacher this fall! After my coursework at URI I feel very prepared to start my career as a math teacher in a high school classroom this fall, and I look forward to visiting Rhode Island during school breaks and holidays!