X is for XOXO, How I Fell in Love with Maths

Believe it or not, I initially hated maths in school. Yes, me, the person who has nearly written a whole blog series on maths and who likes to sit a GCSE maths paper each year for fun. Maths use to be the most dreaded subject on my timetable as no matter how hard I tried, I never understood it and was always made to feel stupid by my teacher. The frustration of staring at a problem without a clue how to solve it was unbearable.

However, everything changed me in Year 11 when I got a new maths teacher. Suddenly, maths transformed from an enemy into an exciting challenge. My new teacher explained concepts in a way that I understood and could relate to. Their passion and clear explanations made the subject come alive. I didn’t just start liking maths; I loved it.

This newfound love for maths carried me through college and into my first year of university. There is nothing more satisfying than doing a whole page of working out to come to an answer. Maths is like a puzzle where every piece fits perfectly into place. I love that it’s everywhere—in nature, in art, in technology. It challenges you and tests your resilience, pushing you to think critically and creatively.

I know a lot of people dislike maths, often because answers are either right or wrong. But that’s exactly what I love about it. There’s a definitive answer, and getting there gives you an immediate sense of accomplishment. It’s clear-cut and logical, a contrast to the ambiguity that often surrounds us.

In my role now, it makes me sad when I work with a child or young person and they tell me how much they dislike a subject that can be so creative. If you’ve been reading my previous blogs, you’ll know how important this subject is. So with the dawn of a new government, this could be our chance to get maths on the map and make the changes to the national curriculum that we need. We have the opportunity to help everyone find a love for this subject.

Maths is more than just numbers and equations; it’s a way of thinking and solving problems. It’s a universal language that describes the world around us. So, let’s embrace the challenge and beauty of maths and inspire others to do the same. Who knows, with the right teacher and approach, anyone can fall in love with maths just like I did.