Eye Of The Tiger in Current Events

I left my physics class today feeling defeated again. I spent 5 hours today studying the material that I missed. I started the class feeling confident because he started teaching something I accidentally learned ahead of time. Then it came to doing the math for the questions, this is where we started to use trigonometry. I haven’t done that since high school.

For each question, I have to draw out what is happening. Then I have to list all of the variables available and needed. Then I have to find a formula that will give me my answers and then solve the equation. It’s simple but it is not easy. These formulas have to be configured with algebra. Many calculations and conversions have to happen along the way also. I have to figure what I need, then how to get there. Our answers can vary because I have to make a lot of decisions along the way regarding directions and frames of reference. This is a math heavy course and I am barely novice. My self-esteem takes a hit because everybody else is fresh out of high school and this appears to be a walk in the park for them. Here I am, the dunce.

We were given a practice sheet and one hand-in assignment that is due next class, next Wednesday. Next Wednesday we start preparing for our first test next Monday. He wanted us to work on that practice sheet for the last hour and a half so that we could ask for help. I prefer to troubleshoot on my own, the answers are available. However, I couldn’t even do that. I could not get one single answer right. Actually, I couldn’t even get one answer started. The assignment is just one question with two parts. That’s it.

I don’t have anything riding on this course. I am waiting for chemistry next semester and this was just supposed to be playtime. It’s stressing me out and making me feel sick to my stomach, actually. Every fibre of my being wants me to drop it. I’m not ready to give up just yet. I have a lot of time before Wednesday, which is our next class, to study.

I will use Khan Academy to do a crash course on trigonmoetry, and practice my algebra. I reached out to the math tutor and I will be seeing her next Wednesday before class. I just need dedication and discipline. If it still isn’t working out then… I’ll cross that bridge when I get there.