Chapter 1: My Academic Challenges

Did you ever find yourself disliking a particular subject in school? For many, math can be a source of frustration. However, I also encountered individuals who truly enjoyed it.

Science was never my forte during my school years, and parent-teacher conferences with my science instructors were particularly daunting. Concepts like electrons, protons, neutrons, and the nucleus seemed overwhelming, especially in fifth grade.

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Biology was another subject that left me puzzled during my youth. What about you? Did you ever feel completely stumped by any topic?

Every student has that one challenging subject. For me, it was science. Conversely, I found math to be quite enjoyable. At one point, I had a fear of science and viewed my teachers as if they were magicians, possessing answers to every question. Looking back, I can’t quite grasp why I struggled with science while excelling in math.

Did you participate in science fairs? I remember needing to formulate hypotheses and draw conclusions. Unbeknownst to me, those early experiments would become relevant in real life. Fundamentally, science teaches critical thinking. You can't simply fabricate results in the scientific method—well, at least that’s the ideal. Science clarifies why events occur, like why an apple drops from a tree or why a son mirrors his father’s behavior.

As I matured, I began to recognize that math is a subset of science, which encouraged me to embrace it further. Today, I proudly identify as an amateur astronomer, watching space documentaries and planning to buy a telescope. If you have any recommendations, feel free to share!

The scope of science is vast. While rocket science captures attention, there are also branches like chemistry, biology, and archaeology. I discovered my love for anthropology during college, which opened my eyes to the wonders of the subject. By confronting my weaknesses, I gradually improved. Investing time in studying science helped me better understand various concepts.

Moreover, I’ve developed a genuine appreciation for the subject. I enjoy how science can be applied to various aspects of life. For those seeking improved outcomes, experimentation—essentially trying new approaches—can be quite beneficial.

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With time, perspectives shift. That’s just the nature of life, which can feel like a thrilling rollercoaster ride with its ups, downs, twists, and turns. We owe a debt of gratitude to the engineers who designed those rides, ensuring a relatively safe experience.

My journey toward enjoying science was gradual. Initially drawn to anthropology, I later found myself captivated by astronomy, and eventually delved into physics. Last summer, I immersed myself in Albert Einstein’s “Theory of General Relativity.” That’s what I mean by diving deep into physics. The theory, over a century old, has yet to be disproven. Through perseverance and experimentation, one can conquer weaknesses.

Ultimately, recognizing your strengths is crucial in overcoming weaknesses. What aspects make you resilient, and how can you enhance that resilience? The journey is both a product and a process, and there’s immense value in that ongoing development. If you found this reflection insightful, consider following @wordsbyware, subscribing, commenting, liking, or sharing!