We all feared a subject when we went to college; some feared English, science, or even an art class. We do whatever it takes to not take those classes, even if it was a requirement to get our degree. For some reason, we believe that we can accomplish getting our degree without having to take the required classes needed. Sometimes, we think saving the worst for last is a great idea, and from my own experience when I was in college, I realized this was not a great idea. Math has to be the thing I hate the most, next to cranberry juice that is.

As a child, I was not fortunate enough to get very good math teachers. I had teachers that would not help me, as they should at least. Sometimes, I would sit at my desk, confused by a math assignment. I would give whatever signals I could to the teachers, so they could help me out. But they would just stare at me and go back to whatever they were doing on their desk. When I would work up the courage to ask for help, they would help other students in the class and say they will get back to me but they never did. From here, my fear of mathematics grew.

As soon as I went to college, I worried about having to take a math course. When I first got my degree, I was expecting to run into a math class that I had to take because it was a requirement, but I never did. I got my degree and then decided to try getting another degree. After trying a few more times to find out what I loved, I ended up moving to FL with my mother and nephew. I ended signing up to a college in Tarpon. I decided I was going to study ASL (American Sign Language), I was told I had to take some math courses. When I was told that I had a knot in my throat the size of a watermelon. I debated about continuing college but after I thought about it, but I said to myself, “Life is a risk.”

I ended up taking a math class with a great teacher, who, I could tell, cared about her students. I was afraid to ask for help, but sometimes she would see me struggling and she would help me with any question I had for her. Sadly, as I was getting more comfortable with her, it was too late. I ended having a D as a final grade. I felt down about it for a while but she ended up telling me that I did not give up. She told me that I did not drop out and she was proud that I would show up to her tutoring sessions. This gave me great motivation to keep going so I ended taking her class a second time.

The next semester came; I was in her class the second time, and I told myself that I was going to pass her class. I was going to do whatever I could to not have to take her class the third time. Whenever I needed help with homework or getting ready for a test, I would often meet up with her and other tutors so I could grow my skills in math. No matter what, I would abuse the resources I had to make sure I got good grades in my math class. I had a B after a few quizzes and for my final exam; I managed to get a passing grade. I can tell you, I was the happiest man in the state of Florida that day I found out I passed the class.

If I decide to continue school further, I would have to take more math classes. I have the fear, still to this day. But, I am ready to stress out, pull my hair, and spend nights without sleep to figure one math problem if I have too. I thank my math teacher a lot for helping and I will take her math classes if I decide to continue my education.