I think I’ll start using this blog more as a personal blog instead of a website where I discuss my favorite geometry problems or my recent Codeforces rating change, although I may do that occasionally when I feel like it.
I’m doing a math volunteering program with my friend to teach middle schoolers mathematics to refresh their fundamentals or teach them unique approaches to material that school doesn’t usually teach. We both have extensive academic competition experience, so we see math more as a creative subject than most people do.
Today, after we’ve taught our session to our only two attendees, I figured that I would plan our future sessions with the Children’s Librarian, the manager of library events, because we were only scheduled for Monday afternoons until today. Unfortunately, one of the assistant libraries notified us that applications were due on the fifteenth of each month to renew the program for each month.
Immediately, I got quite stressed out. I panicked on the car ride back and at home until my parents told me to sit down and write an email to plead for July sessions.
Life isn’t all about doing well on a test or achieving that award in that sports event.
Believe it or not, interpersonal (soft) skills are increasingly becoming imperative to succeeding in the workforce today.
I am astonished by how much I don’t know. Teaching math doesn’t mean anything if you can’t remember to re-apply for the program. Problem sets have a low chance of being delivered if next week’s sessions aren’t planned yet. Worst of all, parents won’t be able to click on that signup link because we haven’t even registered ourselves yet.
Admittedly, I’m an irresponsible person, and I state that as a fact. I lose papers that drowned in my two overflowing folders separately used for humanities and STEM classes. I almost forgot to turn in a payment for next year’s homecoming T-shirt on time, when my envelope was in my bag. Unfortunately, I also forgot to make sure our math sessions will exist before doing any content preparation.
However, the good news is that I’ve recently bought a new planner. It allows me to stay on track with monthly calendars, weekly summaries, and to-do lists. I’m able to write down what I need and want to get done for the day and do them. Deadlines are more approachable with the large-scale calendar format some of the pages provide.
I don’t mean to imply that this planner will fix all my problems, but it will definitely be a useful tool in helping me manage my life better.
I’m glad I made these mistakes today because I’m not an adult yet. I took action, albeit after some prompting, through my speedy email. I’m nowhere as responsible as many young adults out there, but through clubs and volunteering, I’ve realized the true dedication one must put forth to serve others well.
Big mistakes will be prevented in the future if you make small ones now.