Logically Thinking: Mathematics, The bane of my childhood existence

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To be fair, not my entire childhood. You see, I was doing well enough in basic math until around seventh grade. That was when the world around me crumbled. In that crucial school year, we had a teacher who lacked the patience to help us slower math students master the fundamentals. He praised the students who were quick to understand fractions, decimals, percents, and all the algebraic formulas. This, while being critical and disparaging to those who could not keep up the pace.

After that experience, I had had enough of that teacher and of math. I hated it. However, as time went on, I learned to appreciate that math was not the problem.

The teacher was.

Now, I am not a brainiac by any stretch. And when it comes down to math, the calculator is a friend of mine. Still, basic math skills play out in so many aspects of everyday life. Most people are not aware of how often they use math each day.  

Do you wake up to a clock alarm? Well then, you have woken up with math. Need to be somewhere by 9am? You are calculating with math. Something as simple as reading a clock and managing your schedule can be mathematical tasks. The concept of time, calculating how long to sleep and when to bathe, getting out the door and all that in-between, requires math. Figuring out how long you have until an appointment involves subtraction. Do you have fitness or financial goals? Calculating calories or paying bills and managing finances all involve levels of math.

Yes, we are using math all the time!

Then too, remember what the “M” in STEM refers to? It stands for mathematics.

So, we know math is a vital part of the core areas of learning and problem solving. And the essential nature of math also makes it important to the future of our workforce, serving as the foundation for so many career paths.

We should see math as a logical approach to analyzing and solving complex problems and issues.

How so?

Consider the world of data science, where math is the backbone of everything from analyzing consumer behavior all the way to predicting climate trends. Statistical modeling, probability theory, and algorithms are core tools in this field, and without a strong mathematical foundation, these tools would not function.

Data scientists use math to understand raw numbers and find helpful information that leads to new and innovative ideas, better products, and solutions to problems everywhere.

In engineering, math is the silent architect behind every structure, machine, and system we depend on. Civil engineers rely on geometry, calculus, and trigonometry to design safe bridges and buildings. Mechanical engineers calculate stress loads, material tolerances, and energy efficiency using applied mathematics. In aerospace engineering, advanced math predicts flight trajectories and ensures that spacecraft can withstand the harsh realities of space travel. Without math, engineering would be nothing more than guesswork.

Then we have artificial intelligence and machine learning. Here, math knowledge is not only crucial but also the language these systems speak. Linear algebra powers neural networks, calculus optimizes algorithms, and probability helps machines “learn” from data. As AI becomes more integrated into everything from healthcare to entertainment, those with strong math skills will be at the forefront of shaping the technologies that define our future.

In the end, math is more than a subject we endure in school. We can see it as a foundational STEM skill that underpins the modern workforce. Whether solving complex problems, driving innovation, or building the tools of tomorrow, mathematics empowers individuals to use critical thinking skills, work with more precision, and adapt to new challenges.

So, logically thinking - those who embrace math now will be better prepared for a future where numbers, patterns, and equations are not just part of the job, they are the job.

The question is, how will you think about it?

About the Author

Marc has been a Newsletter Content Contributor with Pink Space Theory since March 2023. Based in Northern California, he enjoys using his creativity to craft engaging STEAM articles that educate and inspire the families we serve. With a passion for storytelling and a keen interest in STEAM education, Marc helps make complex concepts accessible and exciting for young learners.