My Goals and Ambitions Anonymous

My father is a mechanic. Therefore I am, by proxy, an unaccredited mechanic, specializing in relatives’ cars, vintage Vespa scooters, and my friends’ bicycles. I've loved our dirty garage from a young age — the sting of growing callouses and the aroma of motor oil appeal to me on a very visceral level compared to other aspects of my life.

Despite my hands-on inclinations, Hardy's "Introduction to the Theory of Numbers" influenced me more than any other book I’ve read. It introduced me to the complex elegance of pure mathematics and the immense influence of mathematical thinking in other fields I was interested in, including physics, philosophy, and music theory. I began collecting calculators and reference tables, reading mathematical journals, conducting independent research, and immersing myself in pure math as fully as possible.

These two loves of mine seemed, for a long time, hopelessly disparate. I was indecisive and stressed about whether I wanted to undertake mathematics or some form of engineering. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I began to understand the underlying logical philosophy of mathematics and realize how its most fundamental principles permeate each facet of life.

I aspire to help bridge the gaps between...