River Woods is something of a rogue when it comes to majors. Woods is the youngest of three brothers from Dallas, Texas, who all attended Wake Forest — his two older brothers majored in English. Woods is a mathematical business major. Woods notes that he didn’t didn’t have a choice when picking out schools.
“I’m just more math-oriented, I’ve always wanted to do something quantitative,” Woods said.
Throughout high school, Woods had myriad exemplary mathematics and economics teachers who were passionate about the subjects that nurtured his affinity for both math and business. Woods knew that he wanted to do something in business once he entered Wake Forest.
“When I came to Wake Forest, with how much I loved my math classes, Wake Forest’s mathematical business major was the obvious choice.” Said Woods
Woods credits his finance professors, Bill Marcum and Deon Strickland, as two standout business professors.
“[I’ve had] phenomenal teachers that not only teach you the material but also teach you how to use the material in the real world.” Said Woods. “Both [Sneha Jadhav and Kenneth Berenhaut] are two math professors who clearly have a ton of experience, and the concepts they’ve taught [me] are widely applicable.”
He continued: “It’s no coincidence that all of these teachers have a real passion for what they’re teaching.”
As soon as Woods stepped onto campus, he recognized that the mathematical business major offers a lot of versatility. Woods says perhaps the most significant thing he has learned as a mathematical business major is “that math just keeps going, it doesn’t ever stop.”
As the major winds down, Woods states that the classes become more and more abstract.
“Sometimes it’s hard to see the real, practical use of some of that math,” Woods said. “But, that’s what makes it so cool — when you do figure it out it’s just the coolest feeling to, like, have that click in your brain.”
While still experiencing the bittersweet emotion of leaving Wake Forest, Woods does feel excited and prepared to step into the professional world. He credits this in part to the real-world applicability of his courses.
From now until graduation, Wood will be enjoying his remaining time here at Wake Forest, reminiscing on his experience and looking forward to who he will become.
After Woods graduates in May, he will begin working in real estate investment banking for Barclays in New York City. He is excited to explore the financial capital of the world but holds some apprehension about leaving college.
“Once you’re out there on your own, real-world things can happen,” Woods said. “Stuff can go wrong when you’re not just in your little Wake Forest bubble.”
Woods is excited to move to New York City and begin his career.
