Much of my life has been developed around the fact that I am good at math. As early as elementary school I was won various awards and received praise for my abilities. I continued this trend all the way through the end of high school. I always stood out as a "math guy." I never did anything in particular to excel at it, I just "got it." As high school came to an end and it was time to pick a major, it seemed to be a no-brainer to me (and I'm sure everyone around me) that I would go into engineering because that's what math guys do.
Now, as I near graduation from the U and look back on my decision, I realize that even though I'm good at math, I don't necessarily enjoy doing it all the time. It's not that I hate it but it's not exactly exhilarating either. I much prefer to learn about ideas and concepts rather than equations. I could have instead picked a major in one of my many other interests that I may have enjoyed more, enabling me to probably graduate sooner with better grades. However, here I am, living the grand narrative of a "math guy." I never even for a second considered anything but an engineering degree. I don't necessarily regret my choice but I do wish I would have at least considered my options more fully.
Very interesting Eric! Math is a universal study and to be 'stuck', for the lack of a better word,in the same story, even if it has its own set of variables, can be depleting. I know for me is wasn't especially great at math in middle school and the start of high school, but I wanted to be, because that was how i wanted to be seen, as 'smart'. So i pushed myself to learn and to study hard and be in those top math courses. Like you I don't know if it has helped in any way to strive for that 'smart' option, but I do think it has a great impact in the way the world runs, especially with the competition of 'who is the smartest' that has corrupted most of the school systems around the world.
ReplyDeleteI find it interesting when you talk about the expectations of what you would do after high school, because I experienced a similar situation. I have always gotten good grades in school, and when it came time for graduation everyone would ask me where I was going to college, not if I was going to college. There was never another option. In our society, if you're smart- you go to college, if you're not so smart- you get a job.
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