How Algebra Saved My Career
I was never good at math. I could stare at a math problem and not have a clue how to solve it. I not only lacked the ability; I also had no self-confidence. In high school, I was failing algebra until my friend, David, stepped to help me because he was very good at math.
David spent countless hours with me, problem by problem, until I began to excel at algebra. I eventually earned A’s for both semesters. In addition, I scored 94% on the state regent exam, and really felt self-assured about math for the first time in my life. This new found ability carried over to my S.A.T. scores which were average, but would have been below average if David hadn’t helped me. Because of my overall grades and my test scores, I was able to earn a modest scholarship to college. My friend’s’ knowledge and patience made all the difference.
I’ve sometimes thought about what probably would have happened without David’s help. I would most definitely failed math and would have done poorly on my S.A.T. tests. Then, I wouldn’t have been able to get into a “good” college, and God only knows how I might have ended up in my life and career. I shudder to even think about it.
But I also had another friend who helped me with math along the way. When I was a freshman in college, I was required to take calculus which was far beyond what I could manage on my own. Fortunately for me, my friend Pat offered to help me. He worked patiently and cheerfully teaching me two semesters of calculus. I got A’s both semesters.
Without Pat’s help I would have failed calculus and would have probably ended up on academic probation or worse. It’s a miracle I passed calculus at all. The whole experience once again boosted my self-confidence in calculus and college.
The self-confidence I gained from David and Pat’s help allowed me to become a math teacher at a Catholic middle school. Back then, I needed a job badly, so I agreed to teach 5th-8th grade math. I was actually an English teacher, but that wasn’t available at the time. Anyway, I was able to get the teacher’s curriculum for all four grades a few weeks before the semester began, so I could review them. When I opened up the 5th grade teacher’s guide, I couldn’t do the first exercise! Nevertheless I had enough self-confidence to determinedly study the content despite my lack of ability. By the time I got to the 8th grade curriculum, that included pre-algebra, I really hit my stride. I found it the easiest grade to teach. Without the help of my “mathletes,” my career would have suffered. I am really grateful for all their help. It made all the difference.
But I also have another friend who dramatically helped me in my career. I once worked at a sheltered workshop where I taught dually diagnosed individuals. These students had both developmental disabilities and a history of mental illness. This situation would have been impossible without the help of Brenda, my co-teacher and friend. Together we helped a number of people leave a state institution and move into group homes in the area. I was able to work at the workshop for almost ten years. Every day, Brenda and I were challenged by constant problems that required skill, compassion and cooperation. Without Brenda, I wouldn’t have been successful at that most rewarding job.
Because of my friends, David, Pat, and Brenda, I have been able to have a better and more productive life that offered purpose and provided self-confidence for me. The old saying “a friend in need is a friend indeed,” certainly applies to my relationships with these three friends who rescued me from what “might have been.”
I hope this newsletter finds you all happy and healthy. See you next week!
(Please remember these are my own ideas, and I’m not atte
Quotes:
“The greatest gift of life is friendship, and I have received it.” Hubert H. Humphrey
“True friendships are like diamonds - bright, beautiful, valuable, and rare.” Jane Taylor
“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Henry Adams
Photo credits: antoine-dautry-05A-kdOH6Hw-unsplash; hannah-busing-Zyx1bK9mqmA-unsplash
https://www.facebook.com/writerjohnfzurn
