Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Problems by Subject
- Environmental Psychology
- Software Engineering; Computer Science
- Archaeology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics; X-ray Astronomy Research
- Mathematics
- Physics; Astronaut Crew Training Instructor
- Business Data Processing
- Software Engineering; Real Estate Investment
- Quality Engineering
- Health Science
- Nursing Education
- Electrical Engineering; Space Systems
- Oil and Gas Accounting
- Business Administration Higher Education
- Aerospace Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Dietetics—Foodservice Management and Nutrition
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering, retired
- Software Engineering
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Mechanical Engineering
- HMO Pharmacy Practice and Management
- Ophthalmology
- Electrical Engineering
- Fish Pathology
- Computer Science and Computer Graphics
- Mathematics and Computing
- Electrical Engineering
- Astronomy
- Author
- Mathematics
- Reflections on WAM
- Solutions
Aerospace Engineering
- Frontmatter
- Preface
- Contents
- Problems by Subject
- Environmental Psychology
- Software Engineering; Computer Science
- Archaeology
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Civil Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Physics; X-ray Astronomy Research
- Mathematics
- Physics; Astronaut Crew Training Instructor
- Business Data Processing
- Software Engineering; Real Estate Investment
- Quality Engineering
- Health Science
- Nursing Education
- Electrical Engineering; Space Systems
- Oil and Gas Accounting
- Business Administration Higher Education
- Aerospace Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Dietetics—Foodservice Management and Nutrition
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering, retired
- Software Engineering
- Immunology and Microbiology
- Mechanical Engineering
- HMO Pharmacy Practice and Management
- Ophthalmology
- Electrical Engineering
- Fish Pathology
- Computer Science and Computer Graphics
- Mathematics and Computing
- Electrical Engineering
- Astronomy
- Author
- Mathematics
- Reflections on WAM
- Solutions
Summary
When I came to the United States fifteen years ago, I knew very little English. In fact, the only complete sentence I could say was “my name is ….” Due to political reasons, I was forced to leave my country, Vietnam, before I completed junior high school. However, after enrolling in high school in America, I realized that it would take a miracle for me to earn a high school diploma. The difficulties were compounded by the fact that I didn't know the language and I had to assimilate a completely new culture in a fast pace. Because of the English handicap, math was the only thing that kept me in school, since it was taught in the universal language of numbers. Even though I struggled with word problems, I continued taking up to three math classes per semester to compensate for other classes. My first biology class was an unforgettabe experience; most of my biology reports were prepared partly in English and partly in my language. I waved my hands to make conversation with other students during laboratory hours.
After graduation from high school as an honor student, I went to college to fullfill my parents' wishes. The extra math I had taken in high school allowed me to skip three semeters of college-level calculus. However, language difficulties continued to exert greater pressure on me as I advanced toward a college degree.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- She Does Math!Real-Life Problems from Women on the Job, pp. 68 - 72Publisher: Mathematical Association of AmericaPrint publication year: 1995