Science for Dummys

Most people don't really "get" math. I can relate because I didn't understand it either. When I was in high school, I thought only accountants really need to know math. I graduated high school only taking two courses of math, Intro to Algebra and Algebra 1. I didn't see a need to understand it, just get through the problems in order to be done with it. It didn't make sense to me at all. I could show my work and work a problem but I didn't see a reason to make sense of a + b = c. Math terminology still eludes me..variables, integers, whole numbers, whatever.

I simply thought that I didn't NEED math to go and earn a living. My Dad owned a tile and carpet store and I went to work for him. I discovered quickly that I could calculate square footage in my head faster than I could use a calculator...Mainly because I was too lazy to sit down and punch figures into a calculator. I came up with my own way of multiplying because I never really understood the way I was taught to multiply fractions. My way was much easier and it was always right, no scribbling or pounding numbers into a calculator. Squaring anything was easy. It just made sense to me.

While going to school in the Navy I had to quickly learn a bunch of math and physics. I was thirty two years old and had not really worked a math problem since 1982. I was fortunate to be friends with a kid named Jason Ramey. That kid was only 18 and he basically tutored me through my first 30 days of school. That 30 days probably had the biggest affect on my life than any other. At one point in school, I suddenly had an epiphany..everything can be explained with math. WHAT?? I just suddenly understood.

A whole other world opened up to me. Understanding electronics..computers, televisions and basic engineering. I still lack the logic process to do serious programming but I understand the principles of that now too. Combine that skill set with my Art classes and it gives me an advantage over millions of people. I've become pretty damned good at making things happen.

I have a friend who has slowly progressed through attaining his Architectural degree from the University of Houston. He's asked for help and every time I've participated and showed him how to get through a class..he's got an "A" in those classes. I never did his work for him, just helped steer him through so he understood it too. He's in his last two courses now and I feel like I've earned the degree WITH him. I couldn't afford the classes myself but I learned as much as he has just by coaching him through.

I'm not an Architect but I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express last night..lol Do they give honorary degrees to poor people? I doubt it!