Jaime Escalante, a famous math teacher from the Los Angeles area, has inspired many students through his years of teaching AP Calculus. The movie, Stand and Deliver, was based on his story.
In 1995, I had the opportunity to hear him speak at McPherson College.
I still have my notes.
And what he had to say still applies today.
To be successful...
1. One must follow this simple formula.
Determination
+ Discipline
+ Hard work
The Way to Success
Do you have the determination, the discipline, and the hard work to help you be successful in math next year?
2. One must have the ganas...the desire, the willingness to sacrifice.
Are you willing to sacrifice something you like to do...say video games, talking on the phone...to do your homework so you can succeed in Algebra next year?
3. Don't be afraid to make mistakes...instead learn from them!
Will you pay attention to the mistakes you make so you can learn from them and move forward?
4. Education is the ticket to success.
What are your plans for your education? Do you see yourself going to a vo-tech school? Juco? A four year college or university? Is a masters out there somewhere for you?
5. You must give 100%.
Get in the habit of giving 100% in everything you do...whether it's your math homework, cleaning the bathroom at home, practicing your band instrument, helping out a friend, etc. People will notice. And when people notice that you will 100% in whatever you do, opportunities will come your way.
Do you give 100% or just enough to get by?
6. Practice is the key to success.
Everyone must start somewhere. You only get better at something when you practice. Math problems always look easy when the teacher does it. Why? They have had LOTS of practice! Homework is there to help you practice and to ultimately be successful!
When will you practice? Right after school? After sports? First thing in the morning?
7. The more you ask, the more you learn.
If you've had a little sibling, you know what I'm talking about. They ask questions all the time! How does this work? What will happen if...? Where is this? Why? Why? Why? Why?????? For some reason when we grow up, some of us stop asking questions. Keep the curiosity going. You will be amazed at what you can learn?
Do you ask questions in class?
8. You can't be afraid of numbers.
What numbers give you the heebie-jeebies? Why?
You will be using numbers every day for the rest of your life. And life doesn't dole out nice, neat, whole numbers. Fractions are a part of everyday living.
9. Know your options. You have two choices in every situation. You can move forward or you can give up. Mr. Escalante's advice is to never, ever choose the second option. Never give up.
Have you ever said, "I can't do this?" If so, you've chosen option 2. Take up the challenge next year to not say the word, "can't" to keep the road open so you can keep moving!
10. Remember that school is preparing you for life.
Learn from your teachers. Not only the subject matter they are teaching, but those life lessons that are woven into every lesson.
Responsibility
Working with others
Communication
Respecting Others
Positive Attitudes
Interjecting Fun
Helping Others
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