Personal Narrative: My First Math Team

Since the beginning of fifth grade, I have been involved in the math team. Before I became involved in the club, I considered math a relatively easy and simple subject. However, my first math team meeting proved me wrong. I remember staring down at a ciphering question and feeling absolutely lost. It embarrassed me that I didn’t immediately know the solution to the question, but at the same time, it thrilled me to face a problem I couldn’t answer. Now, my first math tournament in high school was a disappointment. We won nothing but a certificate of participation. Even though we left without a trophy, the experience was enjoyable. During my junior year, I wanted to place in the top 3 with my team members, so I dedicated time at home to practice.
Usually, I would skip out on a few meetings but that year I made sure to go to every one. I looked up practice tests and ciphering questions online and asked my teachers when I didn't understand something. I just really wanted to do well with my friends at a math tournament for once. At the GSU Math Tournament in our community that year, we placed third in the varsity division.