Math

Ah, good old math class!

In 5th grade, four of us were selected to take a test.  Passing the test, we then began to take Pre-Algebra for the rest of the year.  I didn't realize the full implications of this at the time.  Some of them are starting to shape themselves now.

For now, AG, JB, BU and I were two grades ahead of the rest of our class.  No longer would we be taking math with our peers.  Now, we would be venturing to take with those of the grades above us.  Ever since 5th grade.

6th grade Algebra 1 was an experience.  There were ten of us in the class: us four plus six 7th graders.  Although intimidating at first, it was eventually a nice experience.  It was actually the first time I ever met RH, and the fact that we were both in musical was something we could bond over.  7th grade Geometry was the first year in a full classroom.  This was also different, but not completely surprising.  I had taken classes a grade above me the past two years, and I had been in classrooms before.  Although BU was separate from us, we managed to get by.

8th grade was the crazy year, primarily because no one at the middle school was teaching Algebra 2.  We went to the high school first period, and then were bused back to the middle school after first period, only coming in a little bit late for 2nd.  Mrs. S made that year.  She was very accommodating, and taught a very good class.  Not only that, RH, CH, TL and I had our little foursome in the one section of the room.  I would definitely do that year again.

9th grade AG left us.  He went on to bigger and better things via an online math course.  He left FST to become three years ahead.  He's had nothing but success, and I think he has no regrets for his decision, and it was the right decision to make.  I, on the other hand, never would have done that.  Two years ahead is enough.

10th grade I was back in class with RH, and now in class with RG.  And, we had Mr. S for a teacher.  This was a great year, even if most of the material in the class was review from either Algebra 2 or FST.  All in all, it was part of the best year I had for classes.  By far.  It was a great way to end every day.  And then, 11th grade was the same thing, but with new material instead of review.   Different people, but the same feel.  Though the highlight of the year was when Mr. S took us all out to breakfast on the day of the AP Exam at the end of the year.  We all had a great time, and we all got a 5 on the Exam.

This year is going to be different.  I'm taking an online course called Linear Algebra, which is much harder then it sounds.  I can only communicate with my professor by e-mail, phone, or online chat.  AG took the course last year, and said it was much harder than AP Calculus.  I've never taken an online class before.  This should be interesting.

-NM