I’m Not a Math Person
How often do we hear someone say, “I’m just not a math person”? It’s a common saying, but it means a lot—especially for marginalized communities. This mindset often starts in childhood and becomes a barrier affecting how we see ourselves, our potential, and our futures. Transforming math narratives requires us to name the barriers and focus on the change we make!
I just read an article on The74 titled “Math Scores Matter More for Adult Earnings Than Reading, Health Factors.” The analysis was eye-opening. Here’s a key takeaway:
“Improving math scores by 0.5 standard deviation for children up to age 12 is associated with larger increases in earnings by age 30 than other equivalent improvements. For example, a half standard deviation increase in preschool math scores raises earnings by 2.5 percent, while a half standard deviation increase in middle childhood raises earnings by 3.5 percent. Notably, girls see a greater increase in adulthood earnings from an improvement in math scores than boys—more than three-quarters of a percentage point at every life stage.”
This shows how getting better at math when you’re young can lead to making more money as an adult. It’s especially true for girls, proving how important it is for everyone to have a fair shot at learning math well.
Fears Rooted in Childhood
Many of us didn’t start out being scared of math—it’s something we picked up when we were younger. Maybe a teacher made us feel small, we bombed a test, or we started believing, “I’m just not good at this.” Those feelings don’t magically disappear when we grow up. They stick with us and can turn into invisible walls, especially when helping the next generation.
These fears can hold us back from supporting kids with math as adults. We’re scared we’ll mess it up or pass on our struggles, so we avoid the topic altogether. But ignoring the fear doesn’t solve anything—it just makes the problem bigger. The truth is, by facing those fears and working through them, we heal our past and help create a new, empowering story for the kids we care about.
How Do We Empower Marginalized Communities Through Math?
1. Make Math Real and Useful Math is everywhere—whether it’s creating a budget, running a small business, or designing something cool. Imagine teaching kids fractions by helping them figure out recipes for their family’s food truck or using math to plan a project that improves their neighborhood. When math feels connected to real life, it’s way more exciting.
2. Show Math’s Power for Success Getting better at math isn’t just about school—it opens doors to better-paying jobs in fields like science, tech, and business. Programs that link math to real career paths—especially for girls and underrepresented groups—can make a big difference in their futures.
3. Build Safe Spaces to Learn For many kids from marginalized backgrounds, classrooms don’t always feel like safe or welcoming places. Creating spaces where kids feel respected and understood can help them let go of their fears and start to see math differently.
4. Bust the “Natural Talent” Myth The idea that some people are just “good at math” is wrong—and harmful. Math is a skill anyone can learn with practice, patience, and the right support. When we stop treating math as a talent contest and start normalizing struggle, we make it possible for everyone to succeed.
5. Support Families and Communities Families and caregivers don’t have to be math experts to help. They just need resources and encouragement. Offering workshops, community programs, and tools can empower families to get involved and make math a shared journey.
Healing and Transforming Together
Changing the math story isn’t just about one person—it’s about all of us. It’s about looking at our fears and beliefs since childhood and deciding not to pass those down. When we face those challenges, we create space for confidence, growth, and opportunities we never thought possible.
Math can do more than improve test scores—it can open doors, create equity, and transform communities. But it starts with rewriting the narrative. Math isn’t just for the “smart kids” or a select few. It’s for everyone.
So, here’s the big question: How can math help us build a more equitable, better future? Let’s start asking—and finding the answers.
#MathEquity #GrowthMindset #HealingBarriers #STEM #educators #mathfears
Elly Blanco-Rowe
Educational Consultant
Let’s rewrite the narrative around math together—because the future deserves more problem-solvers, dreamers, and change makers.