Opening Doors with Math: My Journey with the Math Motivators Program

Mathematics can often feel like an abstract subject, one that students struggle to connect with or see the relevance of in their everyday lives. However, through our Math Motivators program, volunteers like Danielle Deschene, an Assistant Director & Actuarial Associate at The Hartford, are working to bridge that gap by showing students not only how math plays a crucial role in various careers, but also how it can empower them to achieve their goals. In honor of #NationalMentorMonth, Danielle shares her journey with Math Motivators, reflecting on her experiences as a volunteer, and the transformative impact the program has had on her and the students it serves.

“My story with Math Motivators goes way back to 2016 in the very first year of the program. I was a student studying Actuarial Science at UConn when Barry Jacobson came to our school with his idea for a program where our profession could give back by supporting local students in a subject that we all love and where support is desperately needed. That year I believe there were nine of us Actuarial Science students from UConn that worked with students at Achievement First in Hartford to prepare them for the SATs. The first time in a while I had taken the SAT to prep!  We ended up seeing some great results and the program continued to grow, and grow, into the program it is today. It has been so fun and rewarding to have been involved with this program in Hartford through two years at UConn and then my 8 years so far as a professional Actuary.  I have been able to work with students from 6+ different schools in the Hartford area, both in person and virtually, as well as leading our volunteer efforts from The Hartford. I love that each year we get the opportunity to work with new students from different schools, but I have also been fortunate to consistently work with the same students for multiple years at some of the schools.

One of the most exciting opportunities I have had through this program was last week where for the first time we brought the group of students we are working with at Weaver High School to our office at The Hartford. We started the morning with our normal hour of tutoring, led them through a tour of our campus and historic museum areas, and finished the morning with lunch and a conversation with one of The Hartford’s senior leaders. The students were so engaged and active in the activities of the day, asking great questions and showing genuine interest. A handful of students asked when they could come back, which is a sign of a successful trip! This opportunity is so special because it gets at the bigger picture of how each one of us as volunteers can impact on the lives of the students we work with. Beyond just building confidence in math and quantitative skills, but by exposing them to careers they might not have thought of before and “making math real”. I cannot wait to see how this program continues to grow!”

Danielle’s journey with the Math Motivators program highlights the powerful role that mentorship and community engagement can play in inspiring students and building their confidence in math. Through her dedication and experience she’s had with students from various schools, Danielle demonstrates that math is not just about numbers—it’s about opening doors to opportunities and possibilities beyond the classroom.