Math: the curse that became a blessing by Aspen
Aspenof Arlington's entry into Varsity Tutor's August 2014 scholarship contest
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Math: the curse that became a blessing by Aspen - August 2014 Scholarship Essay
Math, probably 99% of the world hates it and then there’s that crazy 1% of society that thinks it’s the best thing since sliced bread. I was that a part of 99%, a very confident part! I hated math with a burning passion.
My hatred for math didn’t influence my grades until the 6th grade when I was put in honors math, while I hated math I still believed in getting good grades so I still tried my best at it. Honors math with Mrs. Craig just near killed me, emotionally and physically. I just couldn’t get it and my confidence began to recede and I just stopped trying. Consequently, my first report card showed it. I received my first failing grade of my LIFE! My parents were furious with me, and as a matter of fact I was furious with myself.
Luckily I had a teacher that cared about her student’s success and she notified my mom on my struggles in math class. I agreed with my teacher to go to tutoring with her two mornings a week, but more importantly, Mrs. Craig made me promise to ask questions in class when I didn’t understand. That task sounded like the worst idea in the history of ideas, I was a shy little 6th grader and the thought of raising my hand and confessing to the my peers that I didn’t understand something was horrifying; but the thought of failing once again was even more unbearable. I sucked up my pride and did it one Tuesday in 4th period math class. I nervously raised my little hand and asked a question. From that little hand raise on things began to get better, I asked more questions, and received more answers that helped me understand the demon of a subject and get an A in math class! Who would’ve thought!
Literally failing a class helped me get over the crazy fear of not understanding something. No one is perfect, so why act it? I am now part of that crazy 1% of people who think math is great, though at times it may be challenging, embrace the challenges life gives you and ask for help when needed.
