I enjoy math because I enjoy the puzzle of putting the numbers together to work out a conclusion. From the basics of multiplication, division, addition, and subtraction, to the complexity of graphs and functions, math has always been a subject in which i enjoyed the academic challenge. One of the reasons why I love math so much is because of its consistency. Once you're instructed on how to preform a sequence of operations, the way of determining the answer becomes so easy and logical. It becomes very predictable at times, making it simpler and helps you recognize patterns in the formulas. Basic math is a skill people use every day, you can't escape it. Once you learn it, it becomes a huge part of who you are. Numbers are everywhere. Decimals, percentages, fractions, all of it can be found just by looking around. Math is so essential and crucial for life, so why not enjoy it? Instead of complaining about the complexity of math, I decided to sit down and try to better myself at it. I memorized time tables, formulas, and orders of operations so that I can become more familiar with the numeric art. Math is a form of problem solving. It encourages critical thinking and pushes you to analyze the situations from different perspectives. Breaking it down step by step is not just something you can use for math, but something that can be applied to everyday life. Math has taught me that it's not about how fast you can do it, but how you determine the answer. That is something I can incorporate into my life every day.

1. I am currently pursuing HVAC/R. I'm passionate about it because hands-on work has been predominant in my family for many generations. Growing up, we always had issues in our homes with our appliances and other heavy machinery. Now that I am old enough to professionally learn how to fix and modify these pieces of equipment, I see myself diving into the career pathways of the trade. I would like to learn enough so that when I have my own home, I am able to work on my own equipment without needing the help of any others. 2. My plans after graduating trade school and earning my license is to find a suitable company to work for, whether it be residential or commercial work. I would like to solidify myself in a job that grants me the opportunity to learn and grow even further in my trade. I always strive to better myself with the things I'm good at and also the things that I lack skills in. Once I find myself comfortable in my career, I wish to begin building my family. I would like to be able to pass down my skills and knowledge to my children so that they can step into the world with the knowledge I wish I had when I was in their position. 3. Throughout my life, I have faced many hardships that would easily overpower anyone who was placed in my position. I have gone through an abundance of lows in my life, but I was strong enough to find the highs. The first and most defining challenge that I had to face was losing my mother. Not only did I lose the woman who gave me life, but I lost her at the tender age of 6. From that point on, I had to learn to love and care for others without the guidance of my mother. I came to know mental and emotional strength through the years of grief and sorrow. Time was the only thing that allowed me to heal. With the passing of my mother, I was sent to live with my father. Those years of living with him have also shaped me in many ways. My father was not the best father that he could have been. He was very physical with his anger and knew no patience. Enduring years of his tyranny, he callously kicked me out of his house and asked for myself along with my mother's side of family to cut all communications with him. This shattered my heart and drove me to pits of sadness and disbelief. My godmother, the kind and merciful soul she is, took me into her care and provided for me seeing that my father had no care for me. I have been living with her ever since and she still continues to provide for me to this day. The entire situation took a major mental toll on me, causing me stress and sadness. Fortunately, I was able to overcome my feelings thanks to the support and love from my mother's side of my family.