BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Numbers make sense to me

By Vanessa Nunley, age 11 | February 1, 2014

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Vanessa Nunley, a fifth grader at Bunker Hill Elementary, is glad she picked the math contest over the soccer game. She won.

Ever since the third grade, I’ve had a passion for math. All the numbers, patterns and letters make sense to me. I’ve also always loved learning and new challenges. Many of my math teachers have understood the pace I learn at and have helped me further advance in mathematics.

One day I came home from Mathnasium and told my mom that there was an upcoming event for a trimathlon on my birthday. Mathnasium is a place where kids can go to get help or ahead in math. A trimathlon is like a triathlon, but for math. My mom told me I also had a soccer game and that I had to choose between the two. I ended up choosing the trimathlon because it sounded fun and was a new challenge.

When I first arrived, I was a little nervous, but I overcame my fear. There were three tests. The first test was counting by numbers and fractions. The second test was about making equations true with some numbers that were on the page. The third test was all mental math. I think I did really well on the skip counting because I was able to finish the worksheet. The second test was probably the hardest for me because I couldn’t find numbers to fit the equations. When all of the tests were done being graded, we started the awards. “In fourth place….” Not me. “In third place….” Also not me. “In second place….” Still not me. “And in first place we have Vanessa Nunley.” I was so happy. This was surprising and exciting. I got a gift card, medal and Rubik’s cube.

I guess it’s true what they say, “mathical” (magical) things do happen on your birthday. As far as life after the contest and Mathnasium goes, I am still planning to get ahead in math. Also at Mathnasium, they teach at your pace and are kind even if you don’t get it on your first couple of tries. A few years ago I would have said no to going, but now math is one of my favorite subjects. I’m looking forward to the many opportunities that can come from a strong math foundation.

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