Rediscovering Algebra

Yousuf’s journey at IMM

When Yousuf began his bachelor’s degree, there was one part of mathematics that never seemed to click : Algebra. Ring theory and group theory, they all felt abstract, distant and unappealing to him. He finished the course but, the subject still left a bitter taste.

Fast forward to his first year at IMM in Pakistan at LUMS university, something unexpected happened. Sitting in lectures by Professors Peter Stevenhagen (Leiden University) and Frank Neumann (University of Pavia), Yousuf found himself paying closer attention and, most surprisingly, enjoying the subject. He currently started his research in commutative Algebra

“A year ago I would’ve never thought this would’ve happened, this shows just how much IMM has impacted my passion for mathematics. “

Rethinking Mathematics

Before joining IMM, Yousuf had a very specific picture in his mind : mathematics was only for the brightest of minds, the kind of people who fit into a certain mold. To be a mathematician, he thought that you had to live and act a certain way. But that idea slowly dissipated once he entered the IMM community.

“I realized that anybody can do mathematics, they don’t have to do it a certain way, you just have to enjoy what you do, spend an amount of time which you find reasonable and you can come up with great resources. “

It was a liberating discovery, he found that mathematics wasn’t a closed circle for a few chosen minds. It was wide field open to anyone who wanted to explore.

A Diverse Community

Another key part of Yousuf’s experience at IMM has been the people he met. Most of the students in his class are younger than him, so he was able to help them with a beginner level of mathematics, creating strong bonds.

“Encountering people from various backgrounds and getting helped by them is something I wish I’ve had during my bachelor. But now I’m getting the chance of doing it again and it’s very refreshing.”

For him, diversity is not just about where students come from, but also their perspectives. Conversations with classmates broadened his view, sometimes in ways he would’ve never expected. When he visited ICTP he also noticed how physics and mathematics students from different countries all blended seamlessly into a community of young minds.

He remembers meeting Pakistanis, Indians and Bangladeshis who were doing incredible work, a thing that made him proud and hopeful for the future.

Advice to New Students

Looking back on his first year, Yousuf has some words of encouragement for anyone starting their IMM journey:

“First of all don’t be afraid. Fear is the biggest barrier a student can put on themselves. The people, the professors, the resources, they’re all there to help you. Take advantage of that.”

And beyond academics, his second piece of advice is just as important as the first one :

“Talk to as many people as you can, even those outside mathematics. You never know who might teach you something new.”

This includes people from other backgrounds, that’s how you learn what the world considers important. You never know who could teach you something valuable. It doesn’t have to be a mathematician, it could even be a political scientist, you will never know unless you open your mind.

For Yousuf, IMM hasn’t just been about higher level mathematics, it has been a journey of rediscovery, of finding joy in algebra, breaking down barriers and realizing that mathematics is not about fitting into a stereotype. It’s about curiosity, passion and, most importantly, community.

Want to hear Yousuf’s story in his own words? Check out his video interview by clicking on the link down below.
it’s definitely worth a watch!

VIDEO INTERVIEW