story by Claire Miller
Vidya Ramdas-Wilson has been passionate about mathematics since childhood. But as she got older, she realized teaching was the path she wanted to take.
“The more I explored the world of education, the more I recognized the unique opportunity to combine my passion for mathematics with my desire to help others understand and appreciate it,” she said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to know that I can make a difference in how students experience and engage with the subject that has shaped so much of my life.”
Ramdas-Wilson enrolled in the Department of Middle and Secondary Education’s mathematics education program and has enjoyed learning more about how to be an effective educator.
She’s also grateful to be attending the same university where her husband earned his degree.
“It has given us a unique bond and has allowed me to feel connected to his journey while embarking on my own,” she said. “Beyond that, Georgia State's commitment to diversity and its strong academic reputation in education made it an ideal place for me to pursue my degree.”
In her coursework, Ramdas-Wilson learned more about evidence-based teaching practices and how to connect with students when teaching mathematics – something she’s seen Assistant Professor Nickolaus Ortiz model in his classes.
“In Dr. Ortiz’s weekly videos, he always starts off with a song. As someone who loves music, it made the lessons feel more engaging and personal,” she said. “It showed me the power of incorporating something you’re passionate about into your teaching. Music has such a unique way of connecting people, and Dr. Ortiz’s approach made learning feel more lively and relatable.”
On April 1, Ramdas-Wilson was recognized for her outstanding achievements in the mathematics education program at the College of Education & Human Development’s Honors Day Ceremony.
She received the Outstanding M.Ed. Student Award in Mathematics Education, which is given to a student for their academic achievement, teaching expertise, community service and commitment to excellence.
Earning this award means a lot to Ramdas-Wilson, who hopes her hard work serves as an example to her three children.
“This award is a reminder of the hard work and dedication that goes into pursuing your goals, and I hope it can motivate and inspire my children to follow their own passions, no matter the challenges they face,” she said. “It's not just a personal achievement – it's something I hope will show them the importance of perseverance and the value of education, while also reinforcing the idea that anything is possible with determination and a little faith in yourself.”