College Algebra is thought to be one of the hardest subjects for university students. Well, I just wish that everyone had the opportunity to have a teacher like I did. The first day of class she told us that she was due to retire, but she has not yet done so because of the success her students have had after taking her class. I believe that she knew she was an excellent teacher. Everyone in her class started with an 'A' and from there on points were to be deducted. Of course I knew that even if she wouldn't have said that, you start the class with the first grade you earn. I knew she had something behind her statement so I just opened up mentally and let her teach me. I am a terrible math student but form some reason she made it seem so simple. Her way of breaking down complicated problems into basic components made the class easier. By the second week of class we felt that she really cared, her enthusiasm traveled through the room making the majority of the students realize that is was not that tough and that we all could succeed and reproduce quality work. She had a funny system now that I think of it; when she asked us a question if we gave the right answer then she would cheer and give us candy. Now thinking of it we were somewhat like her pets in training, she gave us treats for positive reinforcement. Aside from being treated like an animal in training, her system somehow worked. That semester all the students passed the class and most of us got A's. She has been by far the best university teacher I have ever had and that I still care to keep in touch with.
-- Patty Jemail, Florida Atlantic University