I had the same experience with math and physics. High school / college was mostly rote memorization, and it wasn't until much later that I heard a perspective t

I had the same experience with math and physics. High school / college was mostly rote memorization, and it wasn't until much later that I heard a perspective that showed me the shape of of the concepts. It's too late for me to dive into them now, because also in college I had a friend that showed me what computers are capable of, and I've been down that rabbithole ever since. It's a good argument for being a proactive mentor. You never know when it might click for someone.