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Math Department November Spotlight

Journee Wright

Background

Journee Wright is from Nashville, Tennessee, and is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). She is the youngest of four siblings, with two older brothers and one older sister. Family is an important part of Journee's life, and she is also a proud aunt to two nieces and one nephew. At home, she has a six-year-old Maltipoo named Cash, who keeps life interesting.

Educational Journey

Journee graduated from high school in 2025 and is now in her second year at UTC, pursuing a degree in Actuarial Science. Her college journey began with a different major, but as she explored her interests and discovered more about herself, she realized that mathematics was where she wanted to be.

Campus Involvement

Journee believes that getting involved on campus is an important part of the college experience. She is a member of the Littleton H. Mason (LH) Gospel Choir at UTC, serves as Treasurer of the Math Club, and is also involved with Alpha Lambda Delta (ALD) and Phi Eta Sigma (PES) ALDPES Honor Society. Being involved in different organizations has given Journee opportunities to meet people, build friendships, and become more connected to the UTC community. She also credits campus involvement with helping her adjust to college life and making her experience more enjoyable.

Inspiration for Mathematics

Journee has always loved mathematics and has been interested in data and finance. Although she originally started college as a mechanical engineering major, she eventually realized that engineering was not the right fit for her. After exploring other degree options, she recognized that her interests and strengths aligned more closely with mathematics. Actuarial Science offered the opportunity to combine her love of math with her curiosity about data and finance, making it the right choice for her academic journey.

Advice for Students

Journee has some valuable advice for students considering or pursuing a mathematics degree. She reminds students that high school mathematics and university mathematics are very different experiences. The transition to college-level mathematics often involves more proof-based thinking, which can be challenging. Her advice is to study consistently and take advantage of the resources available on campus. She encourages students to attend office hours, communicate with their professors, and never feel that they have to figure everything out alone. As Journee puts it, "It's okay to ask for help."

Overcoming Challenges

One of Journee's biggest challenges when starting college was adjusting to independence. Moving somewhere completely new, especially without having a car, required her to make several adjustments. There were days when college felt lonely, and she even considered returning home, particularly when she was not enjoying some of the classes she was taking. Rather than allowing those challenges to define her college experience, Journee decided to become more involved on campus and get to know more people. Joining organizations and building friendships helped her feel more connected and gave her a greater sense of belonging. Her experience taught her that finding your community and getting involved can make a tremendous difference when adjusting to a new environment.

Honors and Accomplishments

Journee is a member of the ALDPES Honor Society and was recognized for her GPA during her first year of college. She is especially proud of being inducted into the honor society and doing well academically. Her accomplishments reflect her commitment to her education and her determination to continue growing as a student.

Interests and Hobbies

There is more to Journee than mathematics. Growing up, she played basketball, and she also considers herself a pretty good singer. Music is another important part of her life, and her involvement with the LH Gospel Choir gives her an opportunity to enjoy something she loves while connecting with others on campus.

Favorites and Relaxation

Journee's favorite musical artist is Adele, and two of her favorite albums are 21 and 25. Although Adele has retired from performing, Journee still hopes to have the opportunity to see her in concert one day. When it comes to musicals, she enjoys both Hamilton and The Greatest Showman. Her favorite animated movie is the Cars series, especially Cars 2, and her favorite television show is The Rookie. After a busy day or week, Journee enjoys relaxing by watching her favorite shows and movies. She appreciates having time to herself to unwind, recharge, and take a break from her busy schedule.

What She Enjoys Most About the Department

Journee's favorite musical artist is Adele, and two of her favorite albums are 21 and 25. Although Adele has retired from performing, Journee still hopes to have the opportunity to see her in concert one day. When it comes to musicals, she enjoys both Hamilton and The Greatest Showman. Her favorite animated movie is the Cars series, especially Cars 2, and her favorite television show is The Rookie. After a busy day or week, Journee enjoys relaxing by watching her favorite shows and movies. She appreciates having time to herself to unwind, recharge, and take a break from her busy schedule.

Why Mathematics?

Journee's decision to pursue mathematics came from recognizing what she genuinely enjoyed. After realizing mechanical engineering was not the right fit, she took the time to explore other possibilities. Her interest in mathematics, combined with her curiosity about data and finances, led her to Actuarial Science. She hopes to use her degree to pursue opportunities in data analysis and risk analysis, where she can apply mathematical concepts to real-world problems.

Best Part About the Math Department

What Journee enjoys most about the Department of Mathematics is the professors and the welcoming environment they create for students. She appreciates how involved the faculty are and how genuinely interested they are in helping students do their best. Having professors who are approachable, supportive, and committed to student success has made a positive difference in her experience at UTC.

Personal Philosophy

"If you do your best each and every day, good things are sure to come your way." This quote from Disney's The Princess and the Frog has inspired Journee since she was young and continues to guide her today. Whenever she feels overwhelmed or faces a difficult situation, she remembers this message as a reminder to keep trying and give her best effort. She believes that even when things do not go exactly as planned, knowing that she tried her hardest makes a difference. For Journee, it is a simple but meaningful reminder that good things can come when you remain determined, stay positive, and give each day your best.