Based on the form of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried
I didn’t get it. And I wouldn’t get it until years later. What is the point of long division? When will I ever have to use logarithms? Who cares what the hypotenuse of a triangle is? Knowing math makes you seem smart, lets you have more opportunities later on in life. My sister gets it; I mean, we were born in the same family, so why hasn’t the math button “clicked” for me? Math is another language, literally. It almost seems as if those who know it are bilingual if they are “fluent” enough. Being fluent in any language opens the door to so many more opportunities, so what is to become of me as an “illiterate” English teacher?
But I’m going to be an English teacher, so why do I care? Well, math is a multitude of things, even though I want deny the fact that it will affect my everyday life. Math is technology. Math is job security. Math is, well, the future. Math is our children’s future. If you aren’t good at it, then what will become of you? Obsolete? Discontinued?
Practice is supposed to make you better at it. I’ve tried that. I’ve asked questions, I’ve done my homework, I’ve tried. Maybe I’m overexaggerating, maybe I have nothing to worry about. So I’m not good at math. So what? I’ll learn Spanish instead.
Using Google Docs in the classroom
15 years ago
First things first... I really like all the math references you used and the way you appealed to your fellow classmates who may also not be huge math fans. Did you ever end up actually learning Spanish? Since this, have you taken any math courses that have made you adapt more to the concept? I absolutely agree with you with all the things math is. Often times, we wonder why we must take math in school but I think you say it perfectly when you state just what math really is and what it is used for.
ReplyDeleteMegan, you are so cute! I like your style of writing here. You asked questions to the reader which made me reflect on my experiences with math too. I hated math as well! It stinks that math and technology, as well, are becoming ever more important in our futures. But I don't see English becoming unimportant anytime soon though. Languages are so crutial and pivotal also, tell those dumb math people that!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate to this!! I feel the same way about math and everything else you talked about. I really like your style of writing and like that you modeled it after "The Things They Carried" because I LOVE that book!!!! Very well done!
ReplyDeleteWe are definitely both in the same boat. I've struggled with math since high school, and it still just doesn't make any sense! Your writing here was very personal, I liked the first person you decided to used, it gave the piece personality.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the sense your story gave me of actually going through your problem with you. I can't really say that I can relate because I used to be an engineering major. I do certainly see where it could seem hopeless. Thank you for your insight and sharing, and keep your chin up maybe because you are not so good at math that will just make you that much more of a phenomenal english teacher.
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing! I can't do Math either, but I can do simple Math to keep my checkbook in line. That's about it. I like how you were inspired by the format in The Things They Carried. That's really cool. And by the way, when you become an English teacher, just make friends with the Math teachers. ;)
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