An Open Letter to my Students

Dear Beloved Students,


I am writing this letter not to ask for something you could not do. I am not writing this letter to ask you to remember me and to give me a piece of space in your memory. I am writing this letter to remind everyone of the only thing I want you to learn from our class.

I know you find Mathematics so intangible and unrelated with what you are doing now. I know some find it the most difficult subject and unimportant since you wouldn't use the lessons directly on a regular basis. I know it gives you hard times and, sometimes, tears on your eyes. But, we have no choice but to take it. We have no choice not because it is part of your curriculum and you should pass this subject to proceed to another level. We have no choice because, aside from it teaches us to solve for the values of some variables, it also exposes us to what life might bring into our lives. Moreover, it gives us hope and positivity, if you could only notice it.

Mathematics teaches us life lessons. It prepares us to face the real world we would be living in after graduation. It disciplines us to become a better person. All topics in Mathematics, if I may say that, gives us opportunity not just to learn how to solve for some variables or to look for the solution sets, but also a chance to at least expose ourselves with some uncommonly common life problems we would face in the future. I am not joking. Although Mathematics is intangible and unreal, it views some realistic situations in the real world. Mathematics shows us how to solve problems. It enables us to solve our problems. Remember, there are lots of solutions to come up with that would lead us to one final answer. This means there are lots of ways to solve your problems so long as you arrive at the right answer and the path you would take is logical. Mathematics requires logical mind and analytic thinking ability. If you have neither, that is OK. Mathematics will help you develop these two skills you would be needing in solving the problems you would face.

As your teacher, I don't care whether you get low grades in Mathematics as long as you really learn. Grades are just mere numbers. They do not tell what kind of person you are or what kind of life you would be living for the rest of your life after graduation. They do not direct the path you would be taking. You should bear in mind that Mathematics is not just about numbers. It is about developing the right attitude and a positive outlook in life. Mathematics develops your attitude, which will determine who you are. Yes, it is about having the right attitude on every situation.

It saddens me to know that, just recently, some of you cheated. What would cheating bring about your life? Lies? You wouldn't get any good thing in cheating. Rather, it would lead you into condemnation. I don't know why you have to commit such a great mistake.

My beloved ones, if Mathematics pressures you too much, you could ask for my help. I am not just your teacher, remember? Moreover, I am your friend. I want to help you develop the right attitudes towards life through Mathematics. I don't want you to develop the wrong outlook in life because of this subject. If you did, that would break my heart. It really will! If you find Mathematics a difficult subject, you are deceived. Mathematics is not difficult. I want to help you find Mathematics not a difficult subject, rather it is fun. If you cannot comprehend our lessons, tell me. We can always repeat the discussion or I can provide more examples and more exercises (as how we are doing during our meetings) if it is necessary.

Days are gone so fast. Semester is about to end. Sooner we will be taking our last talks and our last conversations inside our classroom. When this moment comes, I want you to remember that indeed Mathematics helps you become a better you. I love you and I want to help you develop positive attitude towards life.


With Great Love,

Sir JM Casis