This semester, I am reading the book, Mathematics for Human Flourishing by Francis Su as part of the BCAMT (British Columbia Association of Mathematics) book club. This quote is something that stuck with me as I read the first three chapters:

"At every opportunity we need to counter the idea that math is memorization, and replace it with the idea that math is exploration. A math memorizer doesn't know how to react in unfamiliar situations, but a math explorer can flexibly adapt to changing conditions, because she has learned to ask questions that will prepare her for many scenarios" (page 26).

And this,

"... every single one of us is, whether we realize it or not, a teacher of math. We all communicate attitudes about mathematics through what we say to others, and our words have indelible effects. You can communicate negativity: "I was never any good at math." "That subject is for boys." "Don't hang out with her–she's a nerd." "Son, I'm not a math person and you probably have my genes." "Why would you take another math class?" Or you can commmunicate positivity: "Math is an exploratory adventure." "You can improve your math skills, just like I can improve my free throws." "Math is a power to see hidden patterns." "Everyone has promise in mathematics" (page 9).