• Question: What was the most challenging thing you faced in aspects of school to get where you are now?

    Asked by west520comb on 4 Nov 2024.
    • Photo: Martin McMahon

      Martin McMahon answered on 4 Nov 2024:

      There are two things really, Maths and homework. At A’level I studied Pure Maths and this was definitely the most challenging subject for me in the whole of my school journey. Next was homework since I had reading difficulties when I was younger, and this presented a number of challenges. In the 1980s there wasn’t the same level of support available for this as there is today, so if you struggle, I’d strongly encourage you to ask for help, and do not be shy to do so.

    • Photo: Emilia Arguello

      Emilia Arguello answered on 4 Nov 2024:

      I mostly struggled with the non-scientific subjects, such as history or literature. It was never easy for me to conceptualize this sort of more vast, abstract information in an academic setting where homework and exams were expected. Teaching was a bit more “straightforward” when I was in school and relied less on technology than it does today. For instance, “video essays” on YouTube about x or y books or about x or y historical events weren’t yet such a big thing, but I know nowadays resources like that can be very helpful for helping students learn in their own time or outside the classroom.

    • Photo: Mimi Asogwa

      Mimi Asogwa answered on 13 Nov 2024:

      I was extremely shy in school and this continued all the way to University. It was so bad that I struggled to participate in team events and presentations. This in turn affected my confidence, self esteem and grades in certain subjects. Also, I didn’t have many friends. It wasn’t a nice thing, so I decided to take steps to overcome this.
      I approached one of my lecturers in Uni and discussed this we she advised I attend more public events, volunteer to supervise experiments in the lab and present at seminars and conferences. These all helped and slowly I became more outspoken and confident.

      I have to say don’t be afraid to take about your problems/weaknesses because when you do, there is always wide range of support available.

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