I am good at math more from happenstance, than my own personal intelligence or ability.  It was not that I had a desire or a need to become good at math.  More so that I came across an individual who pushed me, and drew out my hidden ability. It all started when I was very young, in 5th and 6th grade.  Prior to that, I was a very typical student, that didn't really like math and now I appreciate it, and actually think it's pretty cool.

Anyway, in 5th and 6th grade I had a great math teacher.  He was tough as nails, challenged me, and actually taught me everything I needed to know in math though most of high school.  This was the key, a teacher, actually interested in teaching, and making sure he got through.  Not giving up, and ensuring everything was understood.  One way he did this was through inflicting pain.  He wore a high school class ring on his hand that he would smack you in the head with if you did not pay attention, or were goofing off.  At the other end of the spectrum, he treated me with respect and praised my work, and quickness to learn.  He used the carrot and the stick.  If you did not pay attention he made you pay, if you did your work correctly, he paid you with praise.  I did not really realize this at the time, but now when I look back, I understand, and subconsciously I know I use the same technique with my very own children.

So the fact is, I had one good math teacher over 12 years, in 5th and 6th grade, that was able to get through, teach me, and carry me through the next 6 years of school.  His name was Mr. Hall.  My school was Our Lady of Mercy in the city of Chicago.  7th and 8th grade were a total breeze, especially since I already knew the mathematics routine and could teach myself even without having a good or dedicated teacher.  High School was the same way, albeit a little harder as time went on, into the Junior and Senior years.  What happened to me in 5th and 6th grade was “I got it”.  Math was a routine.  It was all the same.  At first new concepts in math were seemingly a completely different language, but once you understood the “routine”, the principles, you got it all.  Everything became easy.  Each new topic learned had one triumphant moment, which you knew was there.  A moment where it all came together, where everything began to make sense.  I’m serious.  Once achieved, the specific math topic was mastered.  Not as an absolute expert, but it was understood. The problems became ever so easy. 

Now this is all fine and dandy, but where’s it all fit in my life.  Why was learning math so important to me?  Particularly since I did not go into any specific or scientific field that required it.  Well what it taught me was that nothing is insurmountable.  I can give you a thousand examples in my own life where my learning this lesson paid off big time (in marriage, on the job, with kids….). If you want to you can do it, anything at all.  It’s simply focus and effort.  You do not need to be a rocket scientist to build a rocket, you just need to have focus, and work hard.  I guarantee, you will eventually get that thing in the air!  So, never ever give up, do exactly what you want in life!  Just do it!