I knew I would hate the math emporium before I even stepped foot on Tech’s campus. Scratch that. I was pretty much born hating math. I can’t really help it; my brain just isn’t a “math brain.” I much prefer critical thinking, reading and writing. Regardless of what type of brain I have, I have to take math. There are just some things in life you must do.
So, on the day I had math orientation, I waited outside Burruss Hall for the Blacksburg Transit to take me to the math emporium. Since that first day, I have become extremely familiar and comfortable with taking public transportation…possibly the only benefit I have received from going to the emporium.
Since I am an Accounting and Information Systems major, I am required to take two semesters of math. The course is Calculus with Matrices. Great, I have only taken PreCalculus…and that was during my junior year of high school.
I have to admit, it’s pretty overwhelming that I am responsible for teaching myself a course I have absolutely no prior experience learning. I know I have many options to get help; I’m just much more accustomed to having a teacher lecture me and write example problems on the board. Instead of my teacher, I get a red Solo cup to place on top of my computer if I need help. Should one of the tutors see my red cup, I’ll get the quick help I need in order to get through my lesson.
Let me add that I am not against the concept of math. In fact, I actually enjoyed my AP Statistics and Algebra courses in high school. It is important to note that I had great teachers for both of these courses, and much of the work involved memorizing formulas and plugging numbers into those formulas. Maybe Calculus seems like that to some, but for me, it is much more ambiguous and complicated.
I have been getting more used to pacing myself and going through the lessons, (which take way longer than you think they will) but there are a few things I think I’ll have difficulties getting used to. For example, the emporium itself is never very well lit. It seems kind of dark, which definitely does not help my already depressed mood at having to be there. Also, there is a perpetual buzzing noise coming from the dim lights. The noise is not very quiet either, and I now understand why people bring ear buds with them.
I do not completely hate the time I spend at the emporium. For one, it is usually very quiet. The peacefulness of the emporium is an escape from studying in my dorm room, as my roommate prefers to do homework with the TV on. I also enjoy the big desk area I get to spread all my items out. This is obviously only a benefit to those whose study areas are confined to a small desk that sits underneath their lofted beds.
The emporium is not necessarily in a bad location, either. Kroger is a few steps away, which is great because a half-gallon of milk only lasts a short amount of time split between two morning cereal eaters. Last but not least, Starbucks is right across the street. I know any college student requires caffeine as part of their daily diet, and at this point in my life, I think I have become immune to caffeine. Starbucks is one of my favorite places to go, and I actually can spend quite a bit of time studying and using up the free WiFi.
Note that I have ended this blog focused on my hatred of the emporium on a positive thought. It’s very important that you notice the positive thoughts I associate with the emporium actually have little to do with the emporium at all. So, I’ll continue to give it a chance simply because I have to, but I can’t guarantee that any positive thoughts will be associated with those 537 Mac computers for quite some time.