Letters from former students

Dear Jacob,

I'm writing to keep you updated on what I am doing with my passion for math, like you asked back when I graduated. Right now, I'm working at a non-profit that does modelling work for public policy workers. It's a little dry, but I really love being able to make a difference with math! The really cool thing about the job is that it's all about trying to translate real world issues into numbers, just like the problems in your class. I introduced my coworker to Fermi problems the other day and now we're giving them to each other for fun. Pop quiz: how many barbers in London? 

Anyways, I wanted to thank you for always believing in me and trying to show how math can be useful in unexpected ways. It's really served me well, and I hope you're still teaching and working hard to sell tired teenagers on the beauty of trig functions. Your class was a pleasure to be part of, and so grateful to have been part of it.

Siempre,

Alyssa

Dear Mr. Richardson,

I'm writing to you because I told you that I would, and I always keep my promises. Back when I was your student, I asked you when I would need to know this math you were teaching and you told me that I wouldn't. That part was right, at least. But then you told me that "thinking mathematically" was going to be really important, even if it didn't seem like it. I hate to let you down, but I don't do much thinking mathematically these days. The only time I do is when I'm playing games with my daughter (I know, right! She's 6!) and I break out Nim to keep her occupied. It's not the most interesting thing in the world, but it's great for little kids. Honestly, I didn't learn much in your class. I don't really know why I thought it was a good idea to write to you. I'm not trying to be mean, I guess I'm just... processing. 

You always talked about how math was beautiful, and I never really saw it that way. Math's just not for me, it never has been. I appreciate that you were trying to get a room full of bored kids to focus on algebra, but it always felt sort of disingenuous, like you were trying to trick us into having fun. I guess I hope that I'm wrong and you really believed in this stuff. Maybe you've gotten worn out and grumpy by now like every other math teacher :)

Write me back if you want, I can't imagine why you would.

Sam Geltsinger