Frances Withrow

Howdy!

I am currently a graduate student pursuing a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries at Texas A&M University. I am participating in the Peace Corps Master's International Program and will be leaving for my volunteer service in the Philippines starting in July 2014.

I received my B.S. in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Japanese at Texas A&M University in May 2012. I was a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Band '12 and the A-Company wolf pack (whooooop). As expected, I bleed maroon. I have made the best of friends and had great opportunities. My buddies, A-Co, and many people in the Aggie Band have provided me with the best love, frustration, hardship, and adventures that any living breathing human could ask for.

I was born and raised in good ol' Amarillo, TX. Many people I know don't appreciate the beauty that can be found in the Panhandle. It may be flat and yellow, but I love the feeling that the sky is swallowing the landscape and I love to see every detail as the sun rises and sets every day. Plus, Palo Duro canyon. It's awesome. I have amazing friends and family there plus great memories of skipping school to do homework, getting pints of ice cream in the winter, eating double quarter pounders too many times to admit, fireworks, and of course band.

My travels so far:

In 2010, I participated in a five week study abroad trip to Japan called TAMU in Tokyo. Four weeks total were spent in Tokyo and one week in Kyoto. It. Was. A. Blast. The teachers were fantastic and truly dedicated themselves to enhancing our experiences. I could never repay them. That is where I got my first taste of international travel.

In March 2012, I was lucky enough to participate in a Corps International Excursion to the Philippines. We went for a single week (spring break). We spent the previous weeks learning about the U.S. and Filipino involvement in the Pacific War during WWII. We visited places like Corregidor island and stepped into the Malinta tunnels, a particularly special place for Aggies.

I have been to Madison, WI, New Orleans, LA, Saudi Arabia, and Honolulu, HI for Mathfest, ASLO, IAMCS, and OSM conferences, respectively. I LOVE conferences. Not only do you get to go to cool places, but you get to hear really cool people talk about really cool stuff. Furthermore, if I am discouraged about my studies, conferences also renew my passion for science.