During the opening general session of PLTW Summit 2016, guests enjoyed an inspiring message from John Urschel, an applied mathematics Ph.D. candidate at MIT and NFL player for the Baltimore Ravens.
In his keynote, Urschel emphasized the value of young students getting opportunities to explore and ask questions, reflecting on how his own learning experiences shaped his career path.
“I remember when I was a kid, I hated math class,” Urschel said of his time spent in a traditional classroom setting. “I hated times tables. I did not enjoy it.”
Urschel’s love for mathematics only began to blossom when his mother encouraged him to explore and ask why.
“We would work on puzzles, we would work on problems together, and these are my fondest memories as a child,” Urschel said. “I didn't know it, but what I was learning in class – doing a thousand times tables – that wasn't math. What I was doing at home with my mother – her teaching me and showing me how to understand things, how to ask why, how to ask why a certain thing is the way it is – that's the true underlying nature of mathematics.”
This exploratory approach to mathematics not only helped Urschel understand math at a deeper level – it also got him engaged in and excited about learning.
“I think the most important thing isn't what I do. It's not that I play football; it's not that I'm a mathematician,” he said. “It's that I love what I do.”
In his address, Urschel also highlighted the crucial role teachers and mentors play in bringing learning to life, shedding light on available student opportunities, and empowering students to thrive.
“Our youth is our future, and it matters to be role models for them. It matters to show up for them. It matters to show them and tell them what they can be,” Urschel said.
“Giving them the tools they need to succeed: I don't know of a better task for us,” he continued. “I don't know what could be a better use of our time. Our future depends on it. Their future depends on it."
PLTW Summit guests share takeaways from Urschel's keynote:
Met @JohnCUrschel, NFL guard for Ravens and mathematician. Very inspirational keynote! #PLTWSummit @MissionVistaHS pic.twitter.com/MB700dpOIW
— MVHS Biomed (@MVHS_PLTWbiomed) March 21, 2016
"Kids are at their greatest when they have a chance to innovate." Coder, mathematician, and NFL player @JohnCUrschel #PLTWSummit
— Doug Kriedeman (@OUSDAssessment) March 20, 2016
@JohnCUrschel keynote address to Ts at #PLTWSummit. NFL lineman while working on PhD at MIT. Engage Ss to unlock potential.
— James Mills (@STEMfromMills) March 21, 2016
John Urschel's key note at the #PLTWSummit was truly inspiring. An NFL football player who is pursuing his PhD in math!
— Madhura Krishnan (@madhurakrish) March 21, 2016
Great day at Summit for PLTW! Keynote by John Urschel, mathematician and NFL player shared his remarkable journey! pic.twitter.com/1cvAqTuWbK
— Roxanne Decker (@roxanne_trekced) March 21, 2016