Students, Unprepared for Life

Written By Michael Wense

A few days ago, retired tech journalist Walt Mossberg shared on Twitter his thoughts on the relative importance of statistical and financial literacy over more advanced subjects like calculus and trigonometry. (The brief thread, which can be read here, is worth a look.)

In high school, I was always more interested in English, and while I enjoyed—as much as a student can enjoy—math classes like algebra, geometry, and even trigonometry, I have to agree that more time spent on real world mathematics probably would have been more helpful. Looking back, I enjoyed solving problems and equations almost like I enjoy solving puzzles today. They were challenges, and fun in their own way.

Getting a better understanding of the math related to something like finances would have saved me from some pretty questionable money decisions after graduating, though.

Michael Wense
A St. Louis native, Michael Wense is a writer, editor, technology goon, and kitchen connoisseur. When he’s not hunting down misplaced modifiers or common misspellings, he’s tinkering with a short story or obsessively collecting recipes. Sometimes he’ll just sit and watch cooking shows on Netflix for hours. Like a zombie. When it comes to fiction, he prefers potent pieces with a cutting emotional edge. Novels are good, but the punch of a perfect short story will bring him to his knees.
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