Living Proof

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 algebraL. Douglas, The road less traveled?A. Henrich, Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for itS. Klee, I don't know what I'm saying-Using language as a model for embracing mathematical struggleM. Pons, A complex conundrumJ. Quinn, An accidental mathematicianL. Thompson, Nowhere to go but upL. Taalman, Hitting the wallJ. Jensen-Vallin, To algebra or not to algebraA. Prieto-Langarica, The unnecessary struggle of self-mandated isolationA. Alvarado, The struggle of qualifying examsWho are these people? Do I even belong: J. Urschel, I am a black mathematicianA. Kent, Cold, austere, or queerR. Wilson, A view of mathematics from behind the veilA. Hodge, When you are told you can't: Do just the oppositeJ. Bowen, Look for the helpersT. Chartier, Good, but not on the teamA. Petters, Othering and such climatic joy killersC. Price, Black, female...biggerA. Silverberg, Moving beyond affirmative action for menR. Weir, Struggling with the messaging of mathematicsP. Harris, The harassment is realD. Cole, Sustaining through mathematicsCan I really do this? How do I muster through?: R. Allen, Good things come to those who showerR. Blankenship, Winning by impressionD. Neel, A walk in the park isn't always a walk in the parkA. Ruiz, Just don't bomb the GREN. Scoville, Sometimes when your hopes have all been shatteredH. Soto, The compassion is life-changingT. Tao, A close call-How a near failure propelled me to succeedD. Taylor, Oh my darlin' ClementineE. D. Lawrence, A dream almost deferredWhat do I do now? What happens next?: V Piercey, Mathematics, beauty, and creativity-How I learned to stop worrying and love mathematicsC. Adams, Five dollarsC. von Renesse, Am I ``good enough''?J. Gallian, My journey from slippery rock to DuluthD. Klyve, Failure by numbersR. Vallin, How I learned to research like the Incredible Hulk (or I'm always angry)K. Millett, Anxiety attacked me, but I survivedC. Eubanks-Turner, It's like a jungle sometimes, it makes me wonder how I keep from going underF. Su, Should I quit mathematics?.

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