Did you hate and/or fail algebra in HS or college only to go back to college later as an adult and succeed?

Question

I have a "devolopmental" algebra class coming up as a pre-req for basic physics and math for emementary education. I am slightly nervous about it because I didn't do well at algebra in HS. The memory of my high school experience is a little vague, but I am pretty sure it was more laziness on my part than lack of ability to learn. (I was 'diagnosed' as a "gifted" child at the age of 8- once I hit middle school I started rebelling against the teachers and relatives who had high expectations of me by being an underacheiver.) Fast forward to age 27, (last year) and I finally decided I wanted to go to college. (The decision is MINE now- Let's just say I was a willful child and teen. Whatever was expected of me I usually made it a point to do the exact opposite. Luckily I grew up and started respecting authority!) Anyhow, have those of you with even a remotely similar situation found that as an adult the desire to learn caused you to easily tackle subjects that you couldn't in HS?

Haha the so called gifted chick can't even spell elementary!

Answer 1

I'm right there with ya...

Here's what I discovered when I nervously attended my college Algebra class--relearning is faster than learning. It seemed so much easier conquering the principles as an adult.

Also--just watch the other idiots in the class REALLY struggle because they were born without a "gift." Yeah, it's mean, but very motivational!! I was the only student who got an A in my college Algebra class! Hahahahaaaaa!

Answer 2

I was not a very good math student in high school. I try to blame it on moving around a lot (5 different schools for 7th to 12th grades), but I think I might have been just uninterested (lazy).
Anyway, I was slightly distressed to learn of all the math I needed to get my degree. To my pleasant surprise, I did quite well in math classes in college. Whether due to maturity or purpose, I passed every math class with a B or better. Math also helped in chemistry and physics classes. I ended up graduating with a 3.5 GPA. The only problem I have with math now is that I have to teach "willful" children the importance of math. Go figure! lol

This all happened after spending time in the Air Force. By the time I started college, I was married with one child and another one coming. Don't worry. It sounds like you are on the right track. Good luck.

Answer 3

I did the same thing, I was and still am very intelligent and because of the hormonal teens ruined my chances to go to college. Actually I didn't choose to go. BUT I am know in my last semester of pre rec's to enter the nursing program at a local college. I have found that I am still a good student and am completely enjoying myself. I aced algebra! I am now onto anatomy. I will be taking classes well after I graduate because I enjoy the brain stimulation. It makes me feel good and gets me off the couch and out from in front of the tv. Good luck, you will do well because you are choosing to be there and have a goal in mind. Hats off to you for going back to school!

Answer 4

Actually yes....the only class I struggled with in HS was algebra and nearly failed (my only D ever!) but went to back to college (about 3 or 4 years after HS) and took a mathematics course that several of my peers struggled with but I made it out with an A and was exempt from the final because of my average!

Answer 5

Your situation sounds like my own story. I tested as a gifted student, but barely passed some of my classes because of homework anxiety and clueless parents. I was much more motivated in college than i was in high school.

You'll do fine if you want the degree badly enough.

Answer 6

I actually liked math more when I was in high school. The teachers just seemed to be better there than when I was in college. Either that or I just didn't care that much, I'm not really a math person.