Eliminating the Denominator: Fear.

When I was younger, both math and spiders instilled the same kind of fear in me. I instinctively

doubted my answers, which, unfortunately, reflected in my consistently poor grades, hovering

around the D range with a 60% average. It was a 1v1 with me and math.

Then, something shifted around the ninth grade. My marks suddenly shot up – dare I say,

exponentially – much to my teacher’s surprise. What changed? It's hard to pinpoint exactly,

especially since I realised that the lack of numbers in a math equation was far more terrifying. The

curiosity of solving for 'x' and 'y’, and the mystery of how on earth Pi came into the picture, sparked

something in my head. The thought that there was always a correct answer and a way to make sure

it was right, made me wonder what I was so afraid of.

Slowly, tentatively, I started to approach problems not as obstacles, but as puzzles waiting to be

solved. I began to look for the 'a' and ‘b', intrigued by how they connected with the known numbers.

The mystery of theorems, once a bizarre language, started to feel like a secret waiting to be

unlocked. Each small victory, each problem I managed to untangle, chipped away at that ingrained

fear. It wasn't an overnight transformation, more like a gradual thawing of a long winter.

Eventually, this discovery of a new passion turned into a consistent workout I can’t miss– a journey

of both dreading and eagerly anticipating the discovery of incredible answers, finally leading to the

satisfying phrase, "hence proved."

Now in 11th grade, the fear of math that I once felt like an unsolvable equation has finally dissipated. The

equations that once seemed like hieroglyphics started to look like fun challenges, with the process of

drawing a box around the answer being a pot of gold after the rainbow. It was no longer a dreaded

lecture, but a captivating treasure hunt where I could explore the logic and grasp the beauty of a well-

placed derivative.

Hence proved, mathematics is the friend you make in kindergarten, who stays with you for the

entirety of your roller-coaster life. Don’t be afraid of math!