I belong in a section wherein my classmates are Math and Science majors. We are 50 in a class. It is during our major subjects that we split up.
MY father is a business administration degree holder; my mom, commerce major in accountancy; and my brother, dreamt of engineering. That's why I thought, mathematics is indeed in our family's line.
I "used to be" very good in Math since Kindergarten until High School. I topped it throughout my elementary and high school years for 11 years, except when we took Geometry during our 3rd year. Since then i lack the confidence. Maybe that incident is one reason that brought me to pursue education majoring in mathematics. Yet until now, that low self-esteem still succumbs me.
I read the article
In Search of a Better Teacher Formula shared by Ms.Kim and it struck me. I used to believe that 'Math wizardry' is really generic. Until this one time, it was a month ago, that our math supervising teacher told us a personal real life story of her and one of her former student way back. During that time, she realized that the ability of being more than an average mathematician could also be acquired, because in her story, that former student of hers has not shown mathematical skills during his primary, or i guess secondary years. And in fact, according from her, that student could hardly solved math problems. But then, suddenly that student took up Education program as well. And when it was time to apply for a major field, she was amazed that that student was there, and more than that, he passed the qualifying exam. In addition to that, according from our professor, that former student of hers, was one of the best during his time. And that now, he is in abroad, successful in his chosen field.
My conclusion then is: there may definitely be a so-called "Math gene and wizardry" yet it may also be acquired and enhanced with
4P's --
practice,
passion,
patience, and
perseverance.