Someone help PLEASE?

Question

Well for a long time i've struggled in math. I'm now a freshman in college and i have to take algebra I because i did not pass the freshman placment exam. It's embarrassing i'm not getting any college credit for it. I was crying and talked to my boyfriend who told me he thinks that maybe when i was born my brain didn't fully develop and i might be mentally retarded...that hurt me a lot that he would think that. I never had problems in English or anything like that EVER. I scored almost a 500 in the English which really isn't that good at all...but i scored higher then him. I struggle a lot in school more then most. Maybe i have a learning disability I'm not really sure. But does me struggling really make me "retarded"? I just i don't understand math i look at numbers and just freak. I'm not a good test taker but yet in high school i never "failed" anything. My GPA was a 2.98 which is "ok" :( do you think i could be retarded? Why would my boyfriend say that to me :(?

Answer 1

DUMP THE BOYFRIEND. There are plenty of guys out there who will appreciate you. Be proud of yourself, and stay in college.

Answer 2

First of all your boyfriend maybe not feeling all that great about himself so what better way to boost himself up than to bring you down by being very mean. If you were retarded you would not have been able to even write your question in the first place. Not everyone is a genius in math or what ever the subject is. The developmental classes will help give you the foundational knowledge you need in order to take and pass your classes. Don't be embarrassed by taking developmental classes because at least you are doing something to better yourself. Since you did well with tests in high school you may just be having "college anxiety". College is harder than high school because of the work load and the fact that each professor thinks that their class is the most important. You may just need help getting organized and learn how to take better notes, additionally a study schedule will help also. Talk to someone in the guidance office and they can help you. Keep your chin up and keep working toward your goal of graduating!

Answer 3

First of all, that is bull. I felt the same way in Freshman Algebra. It sucked. Well, I finally realized that it was teaching methods more than anything. I would get so frustrated. Then, I got the right teacher, and things just clicked. And I actually found that I had a talent for much more advanced mathematics. I sailed through quantative methods, and later mathematics classes. Secondly, your boyfriend sounds like a real jerk. Just the fact that he said that tells me that. And no, you are not retarded. Most people don't even retain the information that they learn in those mathematics classes. The key is that you said you never failed anything. As long as you show that you are willing to do the work, you will succeed. I really wish you the best of luck with this. Just keep your head up girl!

Answer 4

Your boyfriend is just mean, try to find a nicer one. You are NOT retarded!!!!!! You wouldn't be in college if you were, I think it's wonderful that you continue your education beyond high school. As far as your math ability is concerned you are not an exception, a lot of people struggle with math, so what? Everybody's brain is different , people have different abilities. Some are good at math, some at something else, I can see that your English is very good, I wonder if your so-called boyfriend can write a decent essay. Don't worry about it, don't be embarrassed. Although math is useful in life, you can do a lot of things that don't require it. I am more concerned about your judgement of character, that of your boyfriend's. Don't let him demean you!. Stand up for yourself! Good luck in college and stop worrying :-)

Answer 5

Grrr, as a special ed teacher it grates me when people act like if you have a hard time with something you must be disabled. Unless you had adaptions like mad in school, you would never have gotten nearly a B average in school with mental retardation. He was a jerk for saying that. Plenty of college students have to take remedial classes, don't fret! Think of all the students who can't even get into college! So you may not be great a certain aspects of math or reading, but think of all your other skills!
I would suggest talking to a school counselor or academic advisor about getting screened for learning disabilities. I found out in college that I had a disability and suddenly college became easier than high school for me. After I found out I had a disability, I took classes on disabilities. Maybe you can take a class or two to understand it a bit better. Deep breaths!

Answer 6

No honey, you are not retarded. I work with people who are mentally disabled and just from what you've typed, I can tell you are not what people are calling "retarded".

You might want to consider getting tested for a learning disability (which IS NOT the same as "being retarded"). It isn't uncommon for someone to go through their entire elementary and high school career with the feeling that they are not up to par academically, only to learn that they've been living with the disability all of their lives. Also people with learning disabilities have learned over time to cope with their disabilities through experience and proper training.

People who have learning disabilities are more than able to learn, it's just that something in the brain doesn't permit them to learn the same way as so-called normal people do. For instance, I've been diagnosed with a learning disability for over 20 years. My main disability is in learning math!!!! But, English is my definite strong point. This is my last year as an English Lit major. But often times those who have been diagnosed as learning disabled have disabilities in one or more areas. BUT DON"T BE DISCOURAGED! This doesn't mean they are any less smart than anyone else. Every single person who has a disability is good at something!

What I would do, is go down to the university you are attending and look up their disabilities services (all public universities are required to have them). Tell about your previous academic career, and ask them if they think you might have a disability. Then ask them if they can give you a test designed to diagnose disabilities. If they can't test you themselves they might suggest someone, like a pyschologist or doctor who can.

You can also contact your high school consellor and they will be able to help you with the same thing. They won't diagnose you, but they can help by giving you some information.

Anyway, if you are diagnosed, then most universities will be willing to work with you and give you some extra help, such as added time to take tests, note takers, tutoring and give you some hints on how to fully cope with the diagnosis. Let me tell you something, these people can be a god-send. For instance I had trouble passing an alegebra class, I even took the same class three times and still couldn't comprehend it. I went through the disabilities services and eventually got that classed waived! I no longer have to worry about taking ANY MATH COURSE.

I cannot not stress this enough, you are not retarded and the one who is calling you this might have issues himself. It sounds like he wants to either control you in some way, or bring your psyche down so he can feel better about himself. You are not retarded so don't listen to him when he says this.
Or maybe in his misguided way, he's trying to help you. Misinformation on his part has hurt you.

Answer 7

No you are not retarded. I do not think you boyfriend believes you are retarded either. he is just extremely insensitive.
It sounds to me that you are suffering from dyscalculia . It is a disability. Obviously you have learned to compensate for this since you graduated from high school with an average GPA. If you do have dyscalculia, you may need extra tutoring to pass the class. I am very glad that you have worked hard and passed high school despite possibly having an undiagnosed disability. I know you will make it through college also,

Answer 8

I agree with the other anwer. You need a new boyfriend. What an insensitive thing for him to say!
A decent boyfriend (in fact, a decent person...) would have encouraged you and/or offered to help you. You are not stupid or mentally retarded. Having trouble in math is not unusual. All of us have our weaknesses and strengths. I can tell you that one of your strengths is perseverance. You say you have struggled in school - GOOD FOR YOU FOR CONTINUING! Education is the key to a bright future. You don't have to be The best, only YOUR best! Math can be conquered. Study with a friend, get a tutor (LOTS of college students get tutored in classes they struggle in), and keep your chin up! You can do this! Keep up your confidence because believing you CAN DO IT is 1/2 the battle.
PS. I think your boyfriend's comments are showing you that he may have an under-developed mind! :)

Answer 9

There is real research that indicates that guys do better in math and girls in English (was my major). It has to do with the side of the brain. I've also heard that girls that grew up with fathers also are able to do better in math. Girls are better communicators and guys are at data. There are always exceptions. I agree, with another poster, that it is about the right teacher. Everyone, learns differently, and some teachers have no patience for those who don't learn as they expect. If certain facts are explained or phrased differently I can easily understand. I often use some kind of association in my learning. It helps me break things down until I can fully understand something.

As for your "bf", show him how smart you are and rid yourself of his negativity. What a hurtful comment that is! You sound great to me. You may need additional help with a subject, but in no way does that make it impossible for you to learn.

Answer 10

No, you could NOT be retarded.

College Algebra is a little harder than High School Algebra II. If you need a help, talk with your advisor who may able to send the math tutor for you. Or ask any friend(s) may will to aid you.

Answer 11

No you're not retarded. Maybe in math but not in any other area, apparently. Not everyone can be good at everything. You're better at language-type things than your (crappy) boyfriend and he's better at math than you. If you were retarded, you would have found out a long time ago.