against math forever
Start writing a post

I'm Taking A Stand Against Math Classes... Here's Why You Should Too

Is it really worth my time?

33
I'm Taking A Stand Against Math Classes... Here's Why You Should Too

Math is not my thing. It has never been — no matter what type of math, the teacher, or level of difficulty, I have never liked it. Even when I understand it, (which is rare), I don't like it. However, I have now taken it for 14 years and counting. I have suffered through statistics, pre-algebra, algebra, algebra 2, trigonometry, and everything in between. Even this year, as a college freshman with a double major in journalism and sociology- both humanities and English-based subjects- I still am in a math class.

However, shortly into this semester, I noticed that many of my friends and peers who are currently in more science/math based majors are not required to take an English class. When talking with freshman and math major Peyton Brown, she claimed she has yet to even write a paper this academic school year. However, I regularly attend my math class three days a week and have now taken three exams. If math is not applicable to my major, shouldn't I be able to avoid taking a it, just as she does English?

Now I am not saying that there are not very valuable lessons and skills that can be gained from math. However, I know now, as I have for years, that math is not what I want to do in my future. And although I do believe that the core principals of math can be, and is, very useful if not vital to daily life, I simply will not use the majority of math I have learned in my life or desired career. Math classes should instead teach the math required to file taxes, loans, car payments, insurance, etc.- topics that students gain more value from and are more applicable to their futures, which would, therefore, create a stronger desire within students to learn. There is a very large difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and requiring students to take classes they do not want to not only puts them in a frustrating position, but takes their time away from classes that can better help them grow, learn, and develop both as an individual and scholar.

It is because of this that I believe we should even the playing field- if math majors are not required to take English, English majors should not be required to take math. I strongly believe that while there should be a core level of education on every subject, we should give greater freedom to students to choose when they wish to stop taking a subject. Because if you're anything like me, you knew by high school that math was simply not something you wanted to pursue.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

61600
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

40123
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

961055
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

205593
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments