This is a very simple response on how math applies to work and home life.
Many years ago when I was in ninth grade at PHS, I registered for General Math rather than Algebra since math had never been my strong suit. After a week or so in class, Mr. Chuck Schumacher talked me into switching over to Algebra. With great reluctance I did change classes but really didn't see how Algebra could ever be of use to me.
After college, marriage and the birth of two sons, I was fortunate to obtain employment with IBM and eventually reached the position of Analyst in the Customer Accounting Department. You guessed it. I worked with numbers every day. While I always had a calculator at my fingertips, I can't imagine being in that position without the skills I learned from Mr. Schumacher. He was such a source of inspiration and encouragement to me, and
I have shared this story with many young people over the years.
Algebra is of great value and I attribute the analytical skills I obtained at PHS to a long and successful career with IBM.
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Young people: please don't take the easy way out like I was tempted to do. Math and Algebra are important and can mean the difference between a ho hum career and one of challenge, excellent benefits and, in my case, quite a bit of travel and rewards.
If Mr. Schumacher reads this letter, he may want a portion of my retirement. I would have to admit he certainly deserves it.
Hats off to a fine school and faculty.
Charlotte Sherman Pyles
Ottertail, MN
