Beaver_In_A_Fedora

To this day I have inner anxiety attacks over something so simple as a tax form, or doing basic measurements and other basic mathematic calculations. I am 25.

It all started when I was 9 years old, and learning fractions. I didn't get it as fast as the rest of the class so my teacher essentially left me behind. This fucked my entire view of math up, and only got worse when algebra rolled around. After years of struggling, I finally made it to college, and had the same fucking thing happen. Everyone else seemed to blaze through algebra, and I'd ask the professor to break things down and I'd always feel like it was a chore for them to take a bit more time to explain things to me.

My last year of college, I was in my final algebra class with a professor who was brand new to the school. Finally he just clicked with me. After a few conversations about topics I struggled with, he offered to tutor me and in 2 weeks re-teach me algebra starting with elementary school level stuff. I quit my job ( waiting tables no big deal) and spent over 40 hours over the next 2 weeks sitting with him, and having things explained in a way that finally made sense. I still get chills thinking about it, because years of anxiety and depression over not being smart rolled off my shoulders. This teacher made graduating so much more sweet, because I didn't just pass, I understood algebraic equations, fractions, formulas, everything. I tried to pay him for his time, and he refused ( he really understood how broke college students are) and he did it in exchange for me bringing him a subway sandwich every day after class for 2 weeks. I passed the class with a B.

Now, a few years later, I still get anxious over math, but it's not the same. I feel like I conquered it, even though I'm out of practice and I have a teacher to thank for that.

Don't forget what you actually do for kids. Yeah they're assholes, and disrespectful, but there is that kid that just needs a teacher to give a shit and reach out beyond what is required of your job. You easily could affect them for years to come.

I only have 1 question - how would you change the system for teaching math in America? I've heard many mathematicians say it's antiquated and many countries ( specifically India and Asian countries) are doing the process better, with a higher success rate. What would you do differently?

What was it like setting up your older brother for drug possession? Was the prank worth it?