Programs When someone says I'm a Math Major , does that mean she is a student or

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the phrase "I'm a Math Major." It is generally understood that this indicates a current student pursuing a degree in mathematics, while stating "I was a math major" suggests that the individual has completed their degree. However, there is acknowledgment that someone who claims to have majored in math may have changed their focus or not graduated. The conversation also touches on how to introduce oneself after graduation, with suggestions leaning toward stating one's degree or identity as a mathematician. The tone remains light-hearted, with humor about the social implications of identifying as a math major.
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When someone says "I'm a Math Major", does that mean she is a student or...

When someone says "I'm a Math Major" does that mean she is a student or does it mean that she has already graduated? Is there a way to tell or is this an ambiguous term?
 
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Did you seriously create this thread?
 


..."I was a math major" would indicate she has completed her math major, "I am a math major" would indicate she is currently a student.

Good luck.
 


Yes, he seriously created this thread! The question is whether or not he created this thread seriously.

Seriously or not, a "math major" is a student majoring in mathematics. A person who has already graduated would say "I majored in mathematics" or "I was a math major".

Of course, the person who says "I was a math major" might have changed majors since or might never have graduated.
 


OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?
 


You have a degree in math!
 


kaleidoscope said:
OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?
Perhaps it is best not to let people know you majored in mathematics!

(Just joking- but I couldn't resist.)
 


kaleidoscope said:
OK, thanks. So, what would be a better way to introduce yourself casually in this case if you have already graduated?

"My name is kaleidoscope and I am a mathematician".

Oh, sorry, you meant how do you introduce yourself OUTSIDE of Mathematicians Anonymous meetings :rolleyes:
 

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