CREATIVE THINKING: My calculated assessment
Math was never my favorite subject in school. To me, it was a bunch of numbers stacked together in a column that ended with a line of uncertainty. The teacher taught us how to achieve a solution, but it never came easy for me.
Instead of studying flash cards featuring addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, I preferred to write, draw or create. I didn't understand why, but I knew math of any kind would never be my best friend.
Grade after grade, teacher after teacher, the fundamentals of mathematics were drilled into my brain. I learned it in order to get a good grade, but I hated every homework assignment that involved any kind of numbers.
When a teacher would say, "Mark, you forgot to carry the one," I chuckled to myself. I knew where I wanted to carry the one -- very far away!
I yearned for assignments that involved writing, drawing or painting. If paper maché was involved, well, I flew home on cloud nine to begin.
I distinctly remember having to create a 3D replica of Africa. I used newspaper, bottles of Elmer's glue and anything else I could put my hands on to form mountains and valleys. I was so excited that I didn't wait until it was completely dry before I began to paint it -- a decision I later regretted after it molded. Luckily, I had already received my A.
I was much older when I realized we all had right and left sides of our brains. Before that, all I knew was I excelled at most anything that involved imagination, color and creativity. I learned this originated from the right side of my brain. I remember feeling thrilled I wasn't the only one who was hard-wired to create.
Creating things was exciting for me, where trying to find an answer to an Algebra equation wasn't. Sometimes while doing math homework, I would seek out Mother's help. After staring at the problem for a minute or so, she would look at me and say, "They've put a man on the moon since I was in school! I can't help you."
I never understood why I needed to know all these mathematical things anyway. I felt like calculators were invented for housing that information. Why should I clog up my creative mind with that?
What I do understand is the very important jobs involving numbers should fall into the hands of the people who use the left side of their brain. Otherwise, our world would be more messed up than it already is.
Ironically, my first job as a teenager was in the office equipment department at Sears. Before I continue, take a moment to imagine that.
Guess what I sold? Calculators!
With each calculator I rang up and placed in a bag, I told the customer they were making the right decision. "Let the calculator do the work for you," I would say.
At some point I realized it was OK not to enjoy math. I could see my classmates all gravitating to whatever side of their brain was talking to them. Some of my friends could speed through a math test without a single hitch. But give them a paintbrush and they freaked out. It's just the way life is. We all excel at certain things and, when we do, we need to embrace them!
Many times in school I felt like I had to fit into the mold of what was considered normal. When I didn't, I doubted myself. I wasted many of my growing up years trying to "add up" to be like everyone else.
If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell him it's OK to be different -- to forget about which side of your brain you are using and listen to your heart. It will never steer you wrong!
We are all created as unique individuals. Each of us has things we excel at and other things we simply can't do at all. I can create just about anything, but I probably won't remember your name. But, more than likely, I will never forget your face. That's because the side of my brain I use most helps me with visual imagery. One gift is not better than the other; it is just different.
In order to be happy and fulfilled, each of us has to do what excites us. For some people, it is working with numbers and solving equations. For others, it may be studying history or politics. Some people can perform microscopic surgery on patients while others can take a blank canvas and turn it into a masterpiece. Everyone has a role to fill.
My mother always told me I could be whatever I wanted to be -- and I believed her. I just knew it wouldn't involve math or numbers. I really didn't have a choice. My heart, my soul and the right side of my brain begged to me to create!
MORE WITH MARK
Come see Mark and all of his latest designs and new Christmas creations at Christmas Made in the South: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 8; Macon Coliseum, 200 Coliseum Drive.
Send your questions or comments to P.O. Box 4232, Macon, GA 31208 or call 478-757-6877.
This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 7:43 PM with the headline "CREATIVE THINKING: My calculated assessment ."