Math Matters by Peyton

Math Matters by Peyton - November 2016 Scholarship Essay

Algebra, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, Calculus: these are all smaller categories that are part of the subject that the majority of students struggle with most-math. If roles were reversed and I was a teacher responsible for teaching students, I would chose to teach math. Basic math is necessary for each and every person to understand in order to get through everyday life. Yes, teaching can be incredibly difficult, but it could also be incredibly rewarding.
Every day students all around the world become confused and perplexed by math assignments; I would like to be a teacher that could help ease some of this confusion. As a child, I had many issues understanding my math classes; luckily, once I was in high school, I had an amazing math teacher who changed my life forever. My teacher, Mrs. Deborah Snook, opened my eyes to a whole new world of numbers and possibilities that I was finally able to comprehend. After starting Mrs. Snook’s classes, I improved my grades dramatically across the board. This new knowledge of basic math skills helped me in every subject.
If I could impact one child in the way that Mrs. Snook impacted me, I would be tremendously proud. I would want my students to be comfortable in the classroom, and constantly asking questions. I would allow my students to make mistakes, because that is how we learn; we make mistakes and figure out how to fix them! As long as a child is willing to put in the effort and has the desire to learn, they will succeed in my class. As for the others, I would never give up on them; I love to motivate people and I truly believe that I could instill it in my students to be eager to learn!
Math can be a very confusing concept to grasp, but everyone must learn somehow, and I would love to be the person to help them. Teaching math would be particularly satisfying to me because I know that my students would be using what I teach them for the rest of their lives. No matter what profession a student decides to pursue, it will require some type of math skills. A day does not go by in people’s lives without math.
Math is mandatory, and it is also difficult, but I would love to be someone who helps children feel comfortable with it. I have the utmost respect for virtuous math teachers, because I know that math has to be one of the hardest subjects to teach, but it is also the most important. I would jump at the chance to teach math; I love to help people, and I am always up for a challenge. Math is confusing, tricky, time-consuming, frustrating, and demanding, but most importantly it is essential, and that is exactly why I would desire to teach it.