Robert Nutzman

Laurie Paxton/Math 1010

M-R 8:00-8:50
Final Reflection for Math 1010
In my final reflection for Math 1010 I have decided to focus on my understanding and
appreciation for mathematics. I will give a brief description of my thoughts and assumptions of
this course. I will briefly describe how those have changed and how I will approach math
differently in the future.
My original assumption of this class was fairly bleak. Having never been a particularly
good math student I was concerned going into this semester. (This partly has to do with a bad
math experience I had with Intermediate Algebra in the past). I had attempted to complete my
Math 1010 requirement during the Fall Semester of 2015. After holding a high B going into the
course final I was unsuccessful on passing the only gathering 55 out of the 60 points required to
move onto the next level. This was one of the most defeating moments I have suffered in my
scholastic career. To be a mere five points short after the late nights and long hours put into
something, that for me at least, is a hoop to jump through. I say this in the sense that I have no
intentions in pursuing a career that revolves even the slightest around advanced mathematics. I
understand that the course title is Intermediate Algebra but for someone who has consistently
been bewildered by certain concepts; it seems advanced.
Intermediate Algebra for me has been a difficult class. I dont always understand the
material, even with extensive time put into the homework. I imagine that it will be this way for
me throughout my math studies until I graduate.

There were a few particular concepts that I struggled with greatly. One being quadratics
and a second being graphing with a non-statistical emphasis. These two concepts are just a
couple of sections that we studied that I dont see where I will use in my everyday life.
I have had a hard time understanding what the point was in learning this material from
my earliest experiences with mathematics. I do understand a little more about where math can
come into play in everyday life. That was made abundantly clear with the Zero Gravity
Project so I will not dispute the need for some people to know this material. However, for the
individual who has no intentions or aspiration in perusing any sort of career in the field of
mathematics, I do not understand why this material must be learned. It seems to me at least,
this is just another roadblock that I must hurtle in order to acquire a piece of paper to better my
life and the life of my family. It would be withholding if I didnt say it often times feels
unnecessary.
All of this being said, I do not wish to take anything away from any of my instructors
who have put in the long hours that a teacher must. My wife is a teacher, and this gives me an
understanding of the struggles that accompany the profession. I know that all of the instructors
that I have had are fantastic people, and that math is something they enjoy doing. I suppose this
is what everyone looks for in their life, myself included.
Lastly I would like to say that my instructor this semester; Laurie Paxton, is a fantastic
educator. This is my third time taking a course taught by her and I can honestly say that she is
the best math teacher that I have had at your school. It is clear to see by her willingness to stay
late and come in early that the student is at the center of what drives her. Having taken several
math classes at Salt Lake Community College it is easy for me to say that she should be the

standard your instructors strive for. This is not to say all of your instructors are not meeting
standards, but there is a serious gap between the top of the talent tree and everyone else.