“I saw the nascent desire among many of my students who wanted to learn more than what regular math textbooks offered to them. I saw their drive and they wanted to explore wide, and various fields of mathematics and related fields. I channeled their ambitions in a competitive format to demonstrate what they can do and to gain an immediate feedback for their efforts.  Their efforts had excitingly positive results.  I knew from the start that the competitions were rather narrowly focused endeavor and my long-term vision for them had much wider scope and hoped for a greater impact on their future endeavor regardless of their chosen professional fields. However, we can reminisce the times when we just enjoyed the camaraderie and the mathematical life. I will borrow and paraphrase Mary Hopkin’s song: 

 

“Once upon a time there was a math team

Where we used to raise a pencil or two 

Remember how we laughed away the hours 

And think of all the great things we would do 

Those were the days my friend 

We thought they'd never end 

We'd sing and dance forever and a day 

We'd live the life we choose 

We'd compete and never lose 

For we were young and sure to have our way. 

Those were the days, oh yes those were the days…” 

Now Just look at Wentzville Mathlete Alumni photos and you will understand the state of our mind. ”

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