Love of Learning Motivates Old Mill Senior

Ray Schram always had an aptitude for mathematics. But there was one day in an 11th grade calculus class when it all seemed to come together. The teacher presented a seemingly impossible problem, but Schram worked it out. 

“It was an awe-inspiring moment," he said. "It was almost like a tear rolled down my face. That’s how powerfully it struck me.”

It was also then that Schram realized he wanted to use math in the future, both at college and in his career. 

The Old Mill senior and Crownsville resident will graduate on June 4, then head to the University of Maryland to join the college’s Integrated Life Sciences program. 

“It’s a great program because it doesn’t just deal with biology by itself,” he said. “It’s also about how it integrates with mathematics, how it integrates with chemistry, and even public policy. To me, that is the ideal way of learning.”

According to a note from Old Mill High’s guidance department, Schram was an exemplary high school student, showing “tremendous depth, sense of purpose and drive.” Indeed, his academic interests extend beyond just math. During an interview with Patch last week, Schram adroitly moved from discussing mathematics to Latin language and Greek philosophers.  

He challenged himself in high school with 22 Advanced Placement classes, while also taking part in extracurricular programs including the math club and mock trial teams. He also has taken time to tutor other students in math and statistics. 

“To me it’s a wonderful experience, tutoring,” he said. “When you’re familiar with something, you just sort of know how to do it. But when you go to someone who doesn’t have any idea, you then have to make that knowledge explicit. You have to ask yourself ‘how do I know this?’”

With his high school career winding down, Schram said he is excited for the next step in his life.

“I just feel like my life is going to get better and better,” he said. “Every day is a source of optimism for me.”

See also: 

• Old Mill Graduate Heads to College a Year Early
• Old Mill Senior Sets Example for Her Family