I took the toughest class of my life in my 3rd year of college. It was an engineering class called Electronics II. Yes, this was THE hardest class ever for me, even considering advanced classes I’d taken in high school, as well as other classes I took as an undergraduate engineering student.
Because I’d always found grade school relatively easy, this class added a lot of stress to my life. This was the first class that I was concerned that I might fail. If I wanted to graduate within 4 years, I literally had to pass this class, as I’d already withdrawn from two classes before and consequentially tightened my timeline.
With the options I had and my desire to graduate on time, I felt I had no choice but to persevere through the class, and see what happened.
I’ll save the rest of the story for you to watch in my video below, but I’ll say that I passed the class. It was the hardest earned C that I’d ever get. I also was pushed in that class in ways that I think helped me for the rest of college and for my life overall.
Why a tough math class could be good for you
If you’re finding math difficult right now, I know it’s probably very stressful for you. However, continuing on with determination could be the best choice that you can make. Here’s why:
If you find the math difficult, that means you’re learning something – I heard neurobiologist and podcaster Andrew Huberman say that the feeling of being challenged is a key indicator that your brain is in learning mode. After all, if you find something easy, are you really learning anything? Think about it.
Difficult math presents an opportunity to learn how to study – I had to learn this as well. Just because you find other math classes or other subjects easy to understand doesn’t mean you know how to study. Matter of fact, many individuals go through grade school without ever studying. I believe studying is an art that all of us can – and should – learn. I also believe that each of us has to find out what kind of studying methods work best for us.
Difficult math will teach you how to ask questions – I always tell my students that all of us learn by asking questions, and that if you don’t ask questions, you are severely limiting your ability to learn. Get over any fear and/or embarrassment you feel around asking questions. Also, learn to pinpoint exactly what you don’t understand about a math topic, because the better you do that, the better your teacher, professor or math tutor can assist you in your exact area of need.
I know that being challenged is not always fun. However, if you can change your perspective and see it as an opportunity, you may find that challenging math classes are some of the most enriching experiences you could ever have.
