How a math teacher changed my life
The story of how my extra-curricular math teacher helped me break my limiting beliefs about who I was and what I was capable of achieving in life.
Hello there beautiful people! My name is Ash Lamb, and this is The Visual Growth Letter. An illustrated newsletter about life and creativity.
Once upon a time, in a world where numbers seemed to be my relentless enemies, I was convinced that I would forever be terrible at math.
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Through primary and secondary school, my belief held true as I failed math exams time and time again. It seemed like an unchangeable fate until an unexpected encounter changed the course of my academic journey.
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It was a regular day when I met him, a college math student a few years older than me.
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He offered a lifeline, an opportunity to conquer my math fears and pass those dreaded exams.
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Initially, I dismissed the idea. After all, what could be worse than sacrificing my precious afternoons of video games with friends?
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However, my tutor's unwavering determination refused to let me slip away.
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He pushed me to take the lessons, knowing deep down that I had the potential to succeed.
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Reluctantly, I took up the challenge, attending a couple of sessions each week. But my commitment wasn't there, so I failed to give it my all during those first six months.
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Then, on another grey afternoon, as I rushed to leave the class and indulge in my little bubble of silly virtual adventures, Carlos, my teacher, asked me to wait a minute.
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He looked me right in the eye, and with unwavering conviction, he delivered an ultimatum.
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Either I dedicated myself to passing the exams, or he would pass on his knowledge to another student in need of help.
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Initially, I felt slightly offended, questioning his audacity. But as I walked my way home, his words stick with me like never before.
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He wasn't merely teaching me math; he was imparting a crucial life lesson. This was about conquering the limiting beliefs that held me back.
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Did I truly care about passing those exams?
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In all honesty, not really.
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My aspirations lay in becoming a creative entrepreneur.
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But deep within, I was excited to prove to myself that I could excel in an area I had always struggled with.
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And... the challenge commenced!
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Our lessons multiplied from two one-hour sessions per week to four intense three-hour sessions.
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I didn't miss a single day, sacrificing gaming sessions with my friends as I delved into the world of numbers.
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The change within me was tangible; I was no longer the person I used to be. I had embraced an ambitious goal, committing myself fully for the first time in my life. We even met on weekends, studying advanced math in late-night cafes.
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Within just six months, everything had radically changed.
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From being an embodiment of scholar failure, I became one of the best students in class.
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The transformation astonished everyone around me—my parents, my peers, and even my teachers. I still remember the day I realized I was among the three students who had passed a significant exam, while the rest had all failed.
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My brilliant teacher taught me a priceless lesson: oftentimes, we believe we lack talent or ability when all we truly need is commitment and consistency over time.
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He showed me the huge difference between a teacher and a genuine mentor.
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Exceptional mentors are a rarity, and if you're fortunate enough to find one, treasure every moment you spend with him or her.
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Oh, I WISH I had a mentor with his attitude at this time in my life.
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I learned that our goals usually demand far more effort and time than we initially estimate.
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Before embarking on this transformative journey, I believed that a mere couple of hours each week would be enough to improve. In reality, I had to immerse myself entirely, going all in.
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We, humans, are terrible at making accurate estimations.
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Now, whenever a limiting belief stops me from moving forward in life, I recall those countless nights spent studying alongside my mentor.
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The memory of those times inspires me and reminds me that everything is attainable when you wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to a cause.
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Society has brainwashed us to believe that we can only excel in areas we are naturally passionate about.
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However, my experience shattered that illusion.
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The key to achieving greatness extends far beyond just "liking" something. It lies in approaching every task with passion and acting with determination and purpose. (Hence I’m currently learning front-end engineering)
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Whenever I remember my 16-year-old self, the one who aced math exams even though school wasn't really my thing, it hits me how much potential we all have.
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Seriously, we can accomplish anything we set our minds to, as long as we're willing to go for it and stick with it.
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Go after your goals, crush those self-doubts, and find mentors who inspire the heck out of you.
Thank you so much for reading!
I truly appreciate your readership and support. Without you, this project wouldn't be the same. :)
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What is something that you resisted doing but ended up really liking?
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Great love and respect,
Ash Lamb