Not all valuable experiences are pleasant ones. I found this out fist hand when I began learning mathematics. Like just about everyone, I had to learn numbers and math when I was younger and I hated it immensely! I had lots of trouble with multiplication and division problems, but I am so glad numerous people took time to try to teach me and help me understand better. I am so thankful because numbers and math relate to everything! Ironically, even with how much trouble I had with math, I ended up choosing a career in aviation which relies on many mathematical calculations keep things safe. A short example is a pilot mis-calculating his fuel onboard the aircraft, and the airplane runs out of fuel in flight, though this is not usually a deadly situation, as the airplane can mostly likely glide to a safe landing; However, if the pilot, being a mediocre mathematician, also mis-calculated the weight and balance data, this would make the aircraft unstable and most-likely result in a crash. So again, I am very grateful for learning math because someday, somebody’s life may depend on my mathematical skills! And even though I still don’t like math, I have learned to live with it.

In conclusion, I have had innumerable educational experiences when I was a child, some important, some not. But either way, they have had an invaluable effect on my life and helped me to grow as a person. The people that helped me most were my parents and teachers. Through their actions, I have been inspired to make sure I pass on everything I know to my children. Education is the key to success. In addition to my experiences playing guitar, flying in airplanes, and struggling with math, one of the most important things I have found is I should never stop having new experiences, and always keep learning!