I couldn’t agree more. Yes, it’s not “politically correct,” but it’s right. Although I wouldn’t always knock community college grads. A lot of hard-working people have had to put themselves through school while keeping a job, and it could be a stepping-stone to greater heights. OK, yeah, it’s often just a waste of time, too.

Maybe the schools won’t even exist much longer, seeing how they and the economy are going. Maybe that’s not a bad thing. More people will have to take their own initiative. It could be a blessing in disguise.

At any rate, it seems like you are on the right path if you have been googling around to improve your math skills. Thanks for your comments, and power to you!

This never has happened because through grade school all my math teachers always complained about the school administration, bad wages, enforcing the pointless DRESS CODE, and would often say “but you don’t need to know that, so we will just skip it…” For so long I have felt guilt, blaming my parents’ genes even, for my lack of skills in math..

If I could go back in time, I would…and I would choose a school district that did NOT have superintendents without Ph.Ds, weren’t the gold-digging wives of doctors, board members weren’t bankers/random business owners, and the principals weren’t community college material.. Excuse my language, but grade school really did screw me over, and many of my peers. Had I been exposed to a good education that made me apt in math, i dont think i would be studying foreign affairs, i would likely be studying aerospace engineering… REFORM THE EDUCATION SYSTEM! IT’S SCREWING OVER OUR GENERATION…

Good question. But I’d need some specifics. What level are you at? Where did you first have problems with math? Addition, fractions, etc? Are you good with some things and not others? (I was good at geometry, and basically felt like I sucked at all other math.) Is there ANYTHING about math that turns you on? Math and art? Math and poetry? Music?

Also, the fact that your dad is awesome at math can be helpful and intimidating at the same time. Remember that you don’t have to compete with anyone but yourself. Even if your dad is super-nice about helping you, it would be hard to not be at least a little intimidated by a “crazy smart mathematician.”

The problem could be emotional a lot more than intellectual. Most people’s math problems are.

Also, what resources are you using for your virtual education?

Write back and fill me in with some details. You can do it in an e-mail (click the contact link on this page) if you don’t want it published in a comment.

All the best,

Brian

Professor Homunculus sez:

I agree to some degree, but remember, there is a vast area between the “basics” and “higher” mathematics. There is probably nothing in algebra or geometry that most people could not make some use of during their lives. If for nothing else, the fact that both teach you thinking skills, and proofs.

But even more important is learning details of something more of the basics. For a good example, take a look at this post:

http://mathcurmudgeon.blogspot.....jo-is.html

It’s just not my thing. I got a B- this year. Wow, I’m in huge trouble now.. I won’t see the light of day this summer..

Each person has their own talent that may be in anything, even if this talent isnt in math, it will always be in your heart forever. This incredible talent makes you who you are and what you are capable of.

Professor Homunculus sez:

Jordan, I basically agree with you, too. I’d say that some people have an inborn tendency to be able to excel at one thing or another, though, not a talent. If they nurture that tendency, it’s easier for them to develop that talent than other people.

But those without the natural tendency can overcome anyone with it, if they invest more effort, and better methods. We see constant evidence of this in sports, music, academics, the arts, etc.

The basketball player Muggsy Bogues jumps to mind (pardon the pun). He is 5′3, yet beat out thousands of talented 6 and 7-footers to get to the NBA.

Also, think of Vincent van Gogh. Did you ever see his first drawings? You’d think that kid could never, ever learn to draw.

I know that nature plays a part, but I think nurture is the way to bet.