Bonus problems make a difference

“Alena, it’s fine. It’s just a bonus problem, it doesn’t matter!”

Often, my extracurricular math classes have online homework where I’m able to see if my answers are correct. If you complete all the problems, there’s usually a bonus where you can increase your score even further. I always try my best to complete them. On the rare occasions that I do get them right, my face breaks into a smile. A lot of the time, people think that my efforts are useless and that getting one more problem right doesn’t change anything. It’s true: one problem probably won’t change anything, but as long as you consistently try to solve a problem, or do anything, really, you’ll get better. 

Of course, progress isn’t linear. It more resembles a roller coaster, where sometimes you feel on top of the world, and sometimes like a downward spiral of frustration. But, remember, roller coasters give you experiences like no other! 

Alena Tran