This?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Proof

So I started my first day of 'classes.' That is to say, seeing that I was going to be in trouble with physics if I didn't shore up my non-existent math skills first, I opted to finally hit the math hard. And rather than pay any money (and dedicate what looked like way too much time in class), I took the semester off from RCC and instead am getting the knowledge right from the source: Ralph Kopperman.

That's right - my dad invented math. Well, he might as well have, since he seems to practically exist inside of it. And it was kind of a tough decision, since I've had problems working with my father in this way before, but there really isn't any other approach that makes sense, so I have to man up (or man down, in this case) and just do it.

And you know? Once I made the decision, I have to say today was very enjoyable. What usually happens when I'm working over problems on my own is that I get a pulsing pressure over my left temple, and I simply freak out and can't think. But when there's someone in the room who knows what they're doing - even if they don't help me - I telepathically pick up on their confidence and solve the stuff (more often than not) calmly and with ease.

If nothing else, it means I can finally take a part of my father's legacy that I've always avoided out of fear, ignorance or boredom - his knowledge.

But still... that calculus is going to be a bitch. I just know it.

D.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well you definitely went to the "source" on this one...

Could be interesting and beneficial on more than one level as well...

Christine said...

Just remember - if it does get weird working on that with someone who's so close to you, there are other calculus professors in Tappan who would be quite willing to help (which may be weirder, but then again, may be less weird due to lack of mutual emotional history).

Dave Kopperman said...

Did I mention that this is free? 'Cause free is good.

D.

Anonymous said...

yeah.. this sounds very deep and freudian...

Dave Kopperman said...

Only if you're a Freudian. It's kind of Jungian, to me.