Below you will find an essay describing my previous experiences with math before taking this course.  I have come along way since writing this paper, and I am now looking forward to teaching math to my students.

My Mathematics Autobiography

Math and I used to go hand-in-hand.  I loved math more than anything.  I enjoyed doing it outside of class.  It was one of my favorite subjects throughout junior high.  I even had the same teacher both years.  Mrs. Rome really made learning fun.  I felt so smart in her class, and always tried to participate.  I was also involved in math club which made me feel special compared to the other math students.  However, when I entered high school everything changed.

I had the same teacher for my freshman and sophomore years.  Mr. Erwin was great.  However, the course work became more challenging and it was harder to keep up with others with whom math came naturally.  I spent hours with my dad studying and completing my assignments.  I became frustrated, but never let that show to my teacher or peers.  I still was in honors math and continued to receive As. 

My junior year I entered Honors Pre-Calculus with the dreaded Mrs. Boba.  She had a reputation of being hard and I knew this was not going to be an easy year.  The first semester I struggled with the math, but I did receive a hard-earned B.  The second semester came and I was a new woman.  It seemed like I knew it all.  I was doing well on everything Mrs. Boba handed out.  I thought that I had finally conquered the beast.  However, all good things must come to an end.  I got to a math section that stumped me.  I then left on a school trip for a week, so when I came back I was absolutely lost.  I took a test that I completely failed.  After that my grade could never get back up.  I was doing well on all that followed, but it was too late.  I ended the class with a B.

I realize now that Mrs. Boba did challenge me more than any teacher I have ever had.  I am grateful to her for that.  I realized that I need to work for my grades and not expect them to be handed to me.  Even though I liked my previous teachers more than her, she will always be remembered.  I will never forget that teacher that called on me to go to the board and made me think in real life situations.  Math may not be my most favored subject anymore, but it has helped shaped the person I am today and it will always be a part of me.

*Graphics

Girl with Calculator and Girl at Board graphics from Microsoft Office Clip Art

Male teacher graphic from the website: http://www-oes.stjohns.k12.fl.us/oesstaff.html

Women teacher graphic from The Print Shop Premier Edition 5.0