Looking back at my time at Brampton, one of the most defining aspects of my experience was the incredible support and passion of the Maths department. I was fortunate enough to be taught by David and Imran, two teachers whom I have great respect for. Their enthusiasm and dedication made Mathematics not just a subject to learn, but a way of thinking to embrace. However, just one month into my first year of university, I faced the devastating loss of Imran. It was an incredibly painful experience, but as I continued my studies, I found that his passion for Mathematics had left a lasting imprint on me. His love for the subject and his ability to inspire students still push me forward today, shaping the way I approach challenges in Mathematics and beyond.
As I enter my third year of studying Mathematics at Queen Mary University of London, I once again find myself at a crossroads: and that is again choosing my next future steps (yes, you don’t do it once in life in year 12 or 13!). But I believe frequent self evaluation and necessary changes and adjustments are always meaningful. I have applied to, and received, several postgraduate offers in Finance and Data Science, where Mathematics will no longer be my primary focus, but rather a trusted companion. This transition feels natural because I have become comfortable with the numerical and analytical aspects involved, allowing me to approach new disciplines with confidence.
One of the most exciting milestones in my journey has been my recent research paper, Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Models for Weather Forecasting: A Heathrow Case Study. In this study, I applied mathematical models to historical weather data from Heathrow Airport to evaluate which machine learning techniques could provide the most accurate forecasts. I tested three models—Decision Trees, Random Forests, and XGBoost. This process involves some complex coding with python and testings, and eventually I found that XGBoost was the most effective in capturing complex weather patterns.
Why does this matter? More accurate weather forecasting can help airlines reduce delays, support farmers in making better agricultural decisions, and even improve disaster preparedness. My research demonstrates how Mathematics and machine learning work together to address real-world challenges, and this has again reinforced just how powerful these subjects are. I was honoured to present my work at the CompTech: Conference Covering Computer Science and Information Technology (CSI 2024) in Boston, Massachusetts. My paper was published by Dean & Francis Press and will soon be available in CPCI, CrossRef, and Google Scholar. Now that I look back at my time in sixth form, I never imagined that the Maths I studied in class would one day take me to an international conference.
Beyond academics, university life in London has been an incredible experience. I feel extremely lucky to be still be able to hang out with my best friends from Brampton (since we all study in London!), and despite our busy schedules, we always find time to catch up. On the other hand, London is a city full of opportunities, and being here has given me access to so many internships and work placements that have helped me gain valuable industry experience. From corporate tax advisory at Forvis Mazars in China to a summer internship at Lloyds Bank, I have been able to apply my mathematical knowledge in real-world financial settings. You can think of it as an alternative method of broadening the career prospects beyond pure Mathematics.
University has also given me the chance to embrace sports. I have become passionate about badminton, committing to intense weekly training sessions—including the early 7am ones! Over the past two years, I have taken on leadership roles as a committee member and team captain. For me, it’s an extremely rewarding experience to lead our women’s team in competitions against other London universities.
Reflecting on my journey, I realise that sixth form was just the beginning of a much larger adventure. Mathematics has been my foundation, opening unexpected doors and helping me develop resilience in the face of challenges. To those still studying at Brampton, I encourage you to pursue your passions with determination in all aspects of your life, whether in Mathematics, sports, or any field that excites you. Because the challenges you embrace today will definitely shape the opportunities you create for yourself tomorrow.
By Muyan Xu, former Brampton Student
