English or Math

A common question asked in school is, “What subject do you prefer, English or math?” Personally, I think this question is wrong. Several people believe you can only enjoy one of these two subjects. I don’t understand why we must pick, why can’t we like both. Then if you say you like both, people are so quick to assume that you automatically are terrible at one and can only be good at the other. I think I’ve always been very smart, and I’ve always been at the top of my class, which is why I have high standards for myself.  

As a junior in high school, I’d like to believe I am good at both subjects and enjoy both. Obviously, everyone struggles in school, and I'm not saying I’m always perfect in these areas, but I do find myself to easily overcome challenges in these aspects. Ever since elementary school I have excelled in these two subjects. I remember my essays would be used as examples because of the level they were written at. In math, I would always be ahead of everyone, and I would become quite frustrated when my teacher wouldn’t let me answer the questions anymore because I didn’t leave room for the other kids to solve the problems as well. 

This soon became an issue, and I was recommended to transfer to a higher-level school that way I’d be challenged and be able to reach my full potential. At first, I didn’t want to move and leave my friends, but I moved anyways. I ended up transferring to Baird Middle School starting my fifth-grade year. I can honestly say this is one of the best decisions my mom has made for me. Everyone there was held to very high standards, and everyone was smart. It was a very big difference compared to your average elementary/middle school.  

When I began writing this I didn’t intend to go in this direction, but I think I like what I came up with. I think I was able to share an important period in my life that helped shape the person I am today. Going back to the question, “What subject do you prefer, English or math?” I think it should be normalized to enjoy both without being questioned about it. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and let us all remember that just because you may not like something does not mean that no one else does as well.