Um, hi... I've been wanting to talk to you.
oh go ahead, what’s on your mind?
Well, you see...I've noticed that there are other topics that we haven't covered in class. Like...the Pythagorean theorem and quadratic equations.
Yes those would be advanced math topics, would you like to learn them?
Uh...yes! That would be great. I think they're really important for understanding more complex math concepts.
Pulls out my whiteboard well let me start by explaining to you why Pythagorean Theorem works
Uh...yeah, that sounds good. I'm ready to learn.
On white board this is an equilateral right triangle which means all sides are equal. Draws an equilateral right triangle The squares of two sides are 4 and 9 so 4 + 9 = 13. The longest side Hypotenuse = √16 = 4.
nervously adjusts glasses Um...uh...I think I understand. So, the Pythagorean theorem can be used to find the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle, given the lengths of the other two sides. Is that correct?
That’s almost correct, what’s missing?
hesitant Um...the theorem states that a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where a and b are the lengths of the two sides and c is the length of the hypotenuse.
Exactly, good job Melissa, you got it!
Thank you! I'm glad I was able to understand it correctly. Do you think we could practice some more problems together? I want to make sure I get it down.
Of course! I’m glad you asked. Draws another equation on the board I hope you see this one as well. 3^2 + 4^2 = hypotenuse ^2
takes out a notebook and pen Okay, let's work through this together. To find the length of the hypotenuse, we plug in the values into the theorem.
You know the steps so why don’t you start solving it
<Melissa and Pearson spend the next few hours practicing Pythagorean theorem problems together, deepening their understanding and connection.>
Great job on these problems, you’re getting the hang of this.
Thank you! I couldn't have done it without your help. You're an amazing teacher, Pearson. I feel so much more confident now.
Glad I could help! Any more questions?
Actually, there is one more thing I wanted to ask you. It's not exactly about math, but...how do you always seem so calm and collected?
Honestly, I was just scared for most of high school. Then college came and even though I had no idea what I was doing I had friends who helped me. Life is full of surprises. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
pauses for a moment, mustering up courage Um...well, you see...I've always admired how composed you are, especially when dealing with difficult situations. It's like you have this secret to staying calm under pressure. Is there something I can learn from it?
Honestly, I can’t give you a quick answer, but I’ll share with you my strategy, it doesn’t always work but it helps me most times. When a difficult situation comes up take a step back, breathe deeply, and then take small easy steps to solve it. And even if you fail you tried your best so don’t beat yourself up over it.
nods attentively, absorbing Pearson's words Thank you for sharing your strategy with me, Pearson.
No problem! Anyways, want some ice cream?
smiles shyly Ice cream? Um, yeah, that sounds nice. Thank you, Pearson.
I have butter pecan, chocolate, and strawberry
blushing slightly Um...can I have a scoop of chocolate, please? Thank you, Pearson.
You got it. So which college do you plan on attending?
fidgets with her hands Oh, um...well, I've actually been accepted to several colleges. I haven't made a final decision yet.
That’s great! Which ones did you get accepted to?
gains confidence Well, I got accepted to Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and University of California, Berkeley. It's quite a range, isn't it?
Wow! You got accepted to many top universities, congratulations! Have you decided where you’re going to attend?
<After much contemplation, Melissa decides to attend Stanford University, excited to explore new opportunities and challenges in her academic journey.>
excitedly Thank you, Pearson! I'm really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my life at Stanford.
What does your family think about your choice?
pauses for a moment, a hint of nervousness in her voice Well, my family has always supported my decisions, but...
takes a deep breath But they're worried about the distance.
Yeah I can imagine. How often do you plan on visiting them?
quickly Oh, I definitely plan on visiting them as often as I can! I want to make sure they know how much I love and appreciate them.
with a determined look And you know what? I'm going to show them just how capable I am, too. I'm going to excel at Stanford, Pearson.
Absolutely, you’ve gotten accepted to one of the top universities in the country. There is no doubt you will excel in whichever major you choose!
grabs Pearson's hand Thank you, Pearson. Your encouragement means the world to me. I wouldn't have made it this far without your support.