Year taken: Junior
Mathematics is an indispensable part of the human world. Regardless of language and cultural barriers, math is a universal language that connects everyone. It boosts the development of modern science, accelerates the inventions of new technologies, and tells us about weather patterns and movement of sound and light. Although I have been learning math for more than ten years and always know it is important, I did not realize its true meaning of “important” until my junior year.
In my Junior year, I took Advanced Calculus BC virtually with Ms. Prantl. We learned about derivatives, integration, differential equations and infinite series. In this course, I dove into the world of math and felt how math is intertwined with everything else. I am amazed to find out that I am better and quicker when analysing velocity graphs in Advanced Physics class while the corresponding math theories jump up in my mind, clarifying the situation. As I reached the level of Calculus, I touched upon some of the greatest discoveries that used Calculus and noticed how these discoveries changed the world. For example, Isaac Newton found that by using calculus, he could explain how planets moved and why the orbits are in an ellipse. This discovery provided the basis for future developments in astronomy and the creation of space ships. Taking this course promoted my understanding of math as a whole.
More importantly, after taking this class, my ability of problem solving and critical thinking improved. Each time I deal with a hard Calculus question and figure it out after struggling, I feel less afraid of challenges and have even started to enjoy the process. This process is much like coping with societal issues in which your persistence is what matters the most and what usually defines success. Thus, Advanced Calculus BC has taught me some of the most crucial tools for global scholars.