I Was Told There Would Be No Math
“The good Christian should beware of mathematicians. The danger already exists that mathematicians have made a covenant with the devil to darken the spirit and confine man in the bonds of Hell.” — Augustine of Hippo
In light of recent spiritual/mystical “coincidences” noted by me on this blog, I have to point out that it is absolutely bizarre that in my search for a snarky quote about math, I find the perfect one, and it’s from a Roman Catholic Saint!
So, I’m taking Statistics this semester, and only Statistics. I have a very strong hatred for math, mostly because I just don’t understand it. Isn’t that why we have computers anyway?! This is a required course. Well, not exactly. I could have chosen a different math course but I will need Stats down the road in pursuit of my PsyD so I figured I better take it now.
I tried Stats once before, when I “attended” college right after high school. Not so much. I vividly remember staring at what the instructor was writing on the board as if it were Sanskrit. I had no clue. I’m hoping this time around will be a little better. I’m guessing that the mere fact that I won’t be hungover every day this time around will make a profound difference on my ability to learn the material. If I’m wrong about that, I may just start drinking heavily.
So, I am approaching this class with a cautious optimism. I felt the same way about Speech last semester and did just fine. I even enjoyed it. Maybe it’s possible that I’ll enjoy Statistics? That seems a little far-fetched. Maybe it’s possible that I can PASS Statistics.
I purchased the ridiculously expensive required graphing calculator and my anxiety level rose just looking at it.
I'm In Serious Trouble
So many buttons. A ginormous screen. A USB plug-in. Yes, it plugs into the computer. I’m assuming I will be uploading my calculations and graphs to my instructor. Crap, that means no cheating.
Thanks for stopping by!
Enjoyed your blog about math. I too struggle with math. Glad I’m not an engineer. Blessings!
Yikes! I thought “prob and stats” was not a bad class–but I didn’t have to use one of those scary looking graphing calculators. In fact, they didn’t even have them back then, thank goodness. Because being techno-challenged, I probably would have had problems.
I am thinking you maybe should have taken a “refresher” type math class first. Just to remember all the axis’s (sp??) and such. Do you have your book yet?
I love Math!!! Don’t hate me please. I guess that since I’m a very logical person it has always made sense to me. I mean if u follow the steps u should always get it, right? Right?? OK, I’ll leave now b4 I’m mauled or something.
I had to take the same Algebra class two times to many. The saving grace the second time around was related to chocolate rewards. I got so smart I needed new jeans.
Ick. That picture just makes me wanna cry. I hate math with a PASSION…it’s my own personal hell. It’s made me cry ever since the 5th grade. Still makes me cry to this day…lol. I hate math. Can I say it again? Thanks – I hate math.
I will say LOTS of prayers for you, I give you credit for trying, in fact, I’d even give you an A+ just for signing up for the course…lol. Don’t you hate it when teachers say, “Everyone in this class is starting out with an A+, it’s how hard you study that will keep you there or not.”
I mean, math & I just don’t mesh well. At all. I feel your pain, lady…if ya need help, Steve’s really good at it! lol Isn’t Steph pretty good too?
Good luck…you go girl!
-Jaim
You should check out dyscalculia. “Math dyslexia”. Google it!
It’s all online, even the book…..YIKES
I have other friends who said almost the same thing. No, you won’t be mauled, but you may be called upon for HELP!! Or, I could just give you my password and have you take the class for me.
Actually, so far, much better than I expected. Got a 90% on my first quiz!
I’m afraid…what if a picture of me pops up when I do?!
Thanks, I’ll check it out.