The Reality of University Mathematics: Passion Requires Hard Work

From straight As to 72% in university math. My journey through the grind of higher education at Stellenbosch.

Just because I am an aspiring quant does not mean I am a genius. I discovered my love for mathematics about two years ago through computer science, which helped me visualize problems clearly. I was solid at math in school, scoring 100% on papers after hard work.

I was provisionally accepted for BCom Mathematical Sciences at Stellenbosch University. However, university mathematics is very different. Geometry did not click and my trig was not sharp enough, leading to a 72% in my term 2 exams. That is tough for someone who lives and breathes quant finance.

Passion alone is not enough. Believing in yourself matters, but you still need to grind. Hard work pays off, and this term I locked in, completing every past paper possible. Some are more talented, but the path is open to those who put in the work.