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The author sounds burnt out and bitter. I get that he tried really hard and didn't quite make it as far as he wanted, but this reads like he's holding onto a l
by 33a 3y ago
The author sounds burnt out and bitter. I get that he tried really hard and didn't quite make it as far as he wanted, but this reads like he's holding onto a lot of resentment for no good reason.
My experience with doing competitive math and programming stuff was generally quite enjoyable even though I never did the best or made it to an ivy league school. I'd still encourage any kid who's at all interested to try them out. Solving puzzles is fun! Who cares if learning number theory is "useless". So are video games, football and chess.
- sailorganymede 3y agoI think the problem the author is referring to is it stopped being about Math and much more about impressing random strangers for the chance to gain an opportunity. My experience is similar to you - I too really enjoyed my time doing these activities but once everything I ever enjoyed started becoming brownie points for my college applications, the competition started becoming "Grind X tasks and Y patterns so you can make the grade! Cause if you don't solve this in 14 minutes, then that kid will and he'll get your position!"