So you want: 1) to study math 2) a degree in math I understand #1. Why #2?
It's a SMART goal? Studying maths is a lifelong commitment, "getting a degree in maths before I die" is achievable. :)
Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
21–30 of 32 posts
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#22Well, I gave up my lifestyle and lived in poverty* to do a degree in maths and hated it - switched to computer science after the first year. Theoretical computer science turns me on way more than pure maths. But it firmly sounds as if you want to do it and you're willing to do it, and at 41, you've had enough life lessons to realise when something's a true goal. Go for it.
* admittedly, it wasn't a big hassle, since I was 18 and had a choice between continuing a half-decent job and going to uni. Uni, as the accepted path for people my age, wasn't exactly a hard choice. ;)
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#23Why a degree?
Because of all topics/areas of study, I've found math to be the most difficult to self-study. I've made some progress on my own, but having a professor/teacher and marked stepping stones in a program is best for me. I'm definitely an autodidact, but I know my limitations.
What is my motivation?
The times my mind is fully engaged and I've been able to make mental leaps are when I'm working on interesting problems.
I have taken a few distance learning math courses at an accredited university and I found myself very engaged and learned a lot. But I found the format lacking: for difficult subjects I am going to need a real connection to encourage me past difficult spots.
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#24short version : If you do it full-time, don't sign up for an undergrad program to get a diploma. Get good advice (from the department) for the courses that you want to take and go for those. Don't be a fool signing up for Measure Theory before you're comfortable with calculus, though. long version : The best reason I can think of NOT to do it is that you'll be doing a few interesting courses compared to the interesti…
Thank you for your story and advice.
I agree about online. I tried it but I know it will be better if I have direct contact with a teacher in a classroom.
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#25hmm... you shouldn't because you have expectations? Do you? You say, "The thing i want to do"... why do you want to do it? What do you expect to get out of it. what is it that you really want? More knowledge? more earning potential? to be around people interested in learning? Analyze what it really is that you want. To have fun?
Fun. And because my life is at least half over and I haven't tried it.
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#26There is enormous satisfaction in doing something you enjoy. I agree that if you have no commitments to others (like kids) there is nothing wrong with pursuing your ambitions by ditching your lifestyle. However I should add that there are some really first-rate distance learning programmes (in particular by Canadian and Australian universities, where the population density is low and there is a high demand for such t…
I have tried this (I am in the US) and the programs I have found with accredited math programs are for teaching math.
I took a look at Open University and they still don't have a full program for US-based students.
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#27hmm... you shouldn't because you have expectations? Do you? You say, "The thing i want to do"... why do you want to do it? What do you expect to get out of it. what is it that you really want? More knowledge? more earning potential? to be around people interested in learning? Analyze what it really is that you want. To have fun?
Fun. And because my life is at least half over and I haven't tried it.
Then go for it. Life is about new experiences and loving every minute.
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#28short version : If you do it full-time, don't sign up for an undergrad program to get a diploma. Get good advice (from the department) for the courses that you want to take and go for those. Don't be a fool signing up for Measure Theory before you're comfortable with calculus, though. long version : The best reason I can think of NOT to do it is that you'll be doing a few interesting courses compared to the interesti…
Thank you for your story and advice. I agree about online. I tried it but I know it will be better if I have direct contact with a teacher in a classroom.
Depends on the uni/college and the tutors/teachers. Often the class sizes are too big for teachers to spend any significant time on learning issues (as compared to specific question issues).
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#29I say go for it, don't let perceived comfort hold you back! Once summer is over, I will be Urban Camping full time and working out of a library building my startup.
Two days out of the week I am dedicating to my self-education (for which I have pursued over the last four years with much fun).
It's an investment, a big one. I only work 40-50 hours a week to maintain a 1k p/month apartment; when I could be putting those 40-50 hours a week to the startup ideas I have, programming projects (building an Erlang backed triple store), self-education (math, rhetoric, logic, etc...), and DIY projects.
In the end, doing those things that I love and enjoy will bring monetary compensation greater than the job I work at. Since I will be Urban Camping it, my lifestyle couldn't really get 'worse'. Only better.
Do it! Do it! It's like jumping off that 30 foot cliff at the lake - scary to make yourself do it, but, push yourself off the edge and it's one hell of a fun ride.
Please keep us updated, I love the fact that I am meeting like minded people here!
Re: Ask HN: I have yet to do the one thing I wish before I die
#30I wish I had got a degree in Math, College will give you structure and force discipline. You can get fit on your own at the gym, but if you go to boot camp its much easier. 1 vote for college!