Living Proof

Wow! This is a powerful book that addresses a long-standing elephant in the mathematics room. Many people learning math ask ``Why is math so hard for me while everyone else understands it?'' and ``Am I good enough to succeed in math?'' In answering these questions the book shares personal stories from many now-accomplished mathematicians affirming that ``You are not alone; math is hard for everyone'' and ``Yes; you are good enough.'' Along the way the book addresses other issues such as biases and prejudices that mathematicians encounter, and it provides inspiration and emotional support for mathematicians ranging from the experienced professor to the struggling mathematics student."" - Michael Dorff, MAA President ""This book is a remarkable collection of personal reflections on what it means to be, and to become, a mathematician. Each story reveals a unique and refreshing understanding of the barriers erected by our cultural focus on ``math is hard.'' Indeed, mathematics is hard, and so are many other things-as Stephen Kennedy points out in his cogent introduction. This collection of essays offers inspiration to students of mathematics and to mathematicians at every career stage."" - Jill Pipher, AMS President

Allison K. Henrich, Seattle University, WA. Emille D. Lawrence, University of San Francisco, CA. Matthew A. Pons, North Central College, Naperville, IL. David G. Taylor, Roanoke College, Salem, VA.

Mathematics just suddenly feels hard!: D. Haunsperger, In the deep end in algebra L. Douglas, The road less traveled? A. Henrich, Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it S. Klee, I don't know what I'm saying-Using language as a model for embracing mathematical struggle M. Pons, A complex conundrum J. Quinn, An accidental mathematician L. Thompson, Nowhere to go but up L. Taalman, Hitting the wall J. Jensen-Vallin, To algebra or not to algebra A. Prieto-Langarica, The unnecessary struggle of self-mandated isolation A. Alvarado, The struggle of qualifying exams Who are these people? Do I even belong: J. Urschel, I am a black mathematician A. Kent, Cold, austere, or queer R. Wilson, A view of mathematics from behind the veil A. Hodge, When you are told you can't: Do just the opposite J. Bowen, Look for the helpers T. Chartier, Good, but not on the team A. Petters, Othering and such climatic joy killers C. Price, Black, female...bigger A. Silverberg, Moving beyond affirmative action for men R. Weir, Struggling with the messaging of mathematics P. Harris, The harassment is real D. Cole, Sustaining through mathematics Can I really do this? How do I muster through?: R. Allen, Good things come to those who shower R. Blankenship, Winning by impression D. Neel, A walk in the park isn't always a walk in the park A. Ruiz, Just don't bomb the GRE N. Scoville, Sometimes when your hopes have all been shattered H. Soto, The compassion is life-changing T. Tao, A close call-How a near failure propelled me to succeed D. Taylor, Oh my darlin' Clementine E. D. Lawrence, A dream almost deferred What do I do now? What happens next?: V Piercey, Mathematics, beauty, and creativity-How I learned to stop worrying and love mathematics C. Adams, Five dollars C. von Renesse, Am I ``good enough''? J. Gallian, My journey from slippery rock to Duluth D. Klyve, Failure by numbers R. Vallin, How I learned to research like the Incredible Hulk (or I'm always angry) K. Millett, Anxiety attacked me, but I survived C. Eubanks-Turner, It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going under F. Su, Should I quit mathematics?.