Jordan Brown

I am currently a rising junior at Furman University, where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a certification in Secondary Mathematics Education. I am originally from Gastonia, North Carolina (just outside of Charlotte), where I first discovered my passion for math in middle and high school. I was fortunate to have amazing math teachers that challenged me academically, while making class fun, and that encouraged me to pursue my love of math in college. Fortunately, I have continued to experience the blessings of outstanding teaching through my professors at Furman, who never fail to inspire me in the classroom or support me outside the classroom in my pursuit of my goals. In effect, it is the impact of my teachers in middle and high school and of my professors at Furman that has given me a desire to have the same impact on others by certifying in Secondary Math Education and possibly becoming a teacher.

As for Walt Disney World, I have had the opportunity to go three times so far and absolutely love it! My first trip was with my family as a child – allowing me to experience the magic of meeting the characters I had watched avidly in movies and Saturday morning cartoons my entire life. My second and third trips were as a teenager – allowing me to enjoy the thrill of roller coasters and stunt shows while making memories of a lifetime with close friends. In fact, my last Disney visit was my senior trip in high school, which is one of my most cherished experiences. Now, I could not possibly be more excited to return to Disney a fourth time for a mathematical academic experience! Real-world applications are my favorite problems to study in math, and I am very interested in applied mathematics as a possible field of study in graduate school and as a potential career field. I cannot wait to explore different types of applied math in Disney World or to make new Disney memories with my fellow students on the trip!

Favorite Restaurants

I am far from picky when it comes to food. I love almost anything that is edible! But, as an old soul, my favorite restaurant in Disney World is the 50's Prime Time Café in Hollywood Studios. As a classic, all-American restaurant that celebrates the home-style cooking of the 1950's, the 50's Prime Time Café is perfect to celebrate the past through an old-fashioned fried chicken dinner. But patrons must be careful to mind their manners. The waiters and waitresses will not hesitate to call table guests out for putting their elbows on "Mom's table!" I also like Les Halles Boulangerie & Pâtisserie, which is a French bakery in Epcot World Showcase. Beyond the delicious pastries, I have fond memories of this little bakery from my senior trip, when my friends and I attempted to learn French from our friend Megan. Unfortunately, I was not very talented at speaking with a French accent, but the experience was still a lot of fun! In addition, as a Southerner through and through, I would be remiss not to mention how much I love funnel cake. I cannot wait to visit my favorite funnel cake stand in Epcot! Further, for a new dining experience, I am excited to eat at Boma in Animal Kingdom for the first time during our trip. I love exotic cuisine, and the flavors of Africa offered at Boma sound delicious!

Favorite Attractions

As a dare devil and adrenaline junky, I love thrill rides and action stunt shows almost as much as great food! There are several attractions that I am especially looking forward to experiencing during our trip. In Magic Kingdom, I love Splash Mountain as a great way to cool down on a hot day in the park. Plus, I loved reading the Uncle Remus books as a kid - especially the story of Bre'r Rabbit and the Tar Baby. I also like Space Mountain, which was the first dark, indoor roller coaster I ever rode, and now I love them! In addition, Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite Magic Kingdom classic because of its awesome animatronics. Also, Pirates of the Caribbean is my favorite movie series!

In Epcot, Test Track is my favorite ride because of its realistic simulations and fast speeds on its outdoor race track. I also like Soarin' because of its relaxing, peaceful experience and its beautiful views.

Hollywood Studios is undoubtedly my favorite park because of its awesome attractions, including my favorite ride in all of Disney World, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster! Whoever thought of merging good music and indoor twists and turns at break-neck speeds in the dark was clearly a genius. I also love the Tower of Terror. Although my relationship as a child with this ride was definitely love-hate, I have grown to love the unpredictability and pure adrenaline rush of plunging thirteen stories in the Twilight Zone. Further, Hollywood Studious also has my favorite Disney show: Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. I love the amazing driving stunts performed in this show and can only dream of being that awesome of a driver some day!

Lastly, in Animal Kingdom, my favorite ride is Expedition Everest because I love how it goes both forward and backward. In addition, my second favorite Disney show is Festival of the Lion King. The amazing vocal performances will leave you singing for days!

So that's a little bit about me and what I am most excited about experiencing in Disney World. I can't wait to get started!