The Triumph of Perseverence

From fear to appreciation: Deogratius Albert Bwimbo writes about his mathematical journey and his love-hate relationship with the subject.

Illustration by Sara Eskandari

In mathematics, the art of asking questions is more valuable than solving problems    –  Georg Cantor

As a young boy, I must admit that I was never a fan of mathematics. I found it to be such a daunting subject that I could not grasp it no matter how much I tried. My grades were nothing to write home about, and I often dreaded the thought of having to attend my math classes. However, as I grew older, I realized that I could not escape from mathematics. It was an essential part of my academic life, and I had to find a way to overcome my fear of it.

I began by trying to figure out the implications and applications of the things we learned in class. I found that when I could understand the practical uses of the concepts, I was more motivated to learn them. I started to see the beauty in the subject and the many ways it could be applied to solve real-world problems.

As I progressed in my education, I enrolled in a diploma in applied statistics. It was during this time that I had a breakthrough in my understanding of mathematics. I learned that mathematics was not just about numbers and formulas but it was a language used to describe the world around us. It was a tool used to solve complex problems and make informed decisions.

I found that the more I applied the concepts I learned to real-life situations, the more I understood them. I started to see the beauty in mathematics and the many ways it could be used to make the world a better place. I became more confident in my abilities, and my grades improved significantly.

My newfound love for mathematics led me to pursue a bachelor’s degree of science in economics, population, and development. It has been a challenging journey, but I have enjoyed every step of the way. I have learned how to apply mathematical concepts to analyze population data, understand economic trends, and make informed decisions that will impact people’s lives positively.

Illustration by Liani Malherbe

My experience while learning mathematics has taught me that perseverance and hard work pay off. It has taught me that anyone can learn mathematics if they are willing to put in the effort. Mathematics is not a subject that can be learned overnight. It requires time, dedication, and practice. However, with the right mindset and approach, it can be an enjoyable and rewarding subject.

In conclusion, my experience while learning mathematics has been a journey of self-discovery. I have come to realize that mathematics is not just a subject but a tool used to describe the world around us. I have learned that by understanding the practical applications of mathematical concepts, I can better appreciate the subject and excel in it. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn mathematics, and I look forward to using it to make a positive impact on the world.

DEOGRATIUS ALBERT BWIMBO

Bachelor of Science in Economics, Population and Development.

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