The Redlands Daily Facts – Jane Roberts
“I just barely passed algebra in the ninth grade. Got a C even with tutoring from my mother, who had taught math in Junior High. I had a better time with geometry in the 10th grade thanks to both an excellent teacher and again to my mother. I then forswore any more of that “terrible math.” I did get a good grade and liked a class in human anatomy as a high school senior. I never took chemistry or biology in high school. In college at San Diego State (1958 to 1962) I took two required general science courses, one in what I would call “descriptive biology,” recognizing different animal species. It was difficult for me to remember all the details. I got a B or C—a C I think. The other course was physical science where we studied the basic laws of physics, astronomy, gravity, Boyle’s law, and the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. At least that is what I remember. I was so afraid of failing that course that I studied like crazy. The tests in that course had all been multiple choice and that is what we expected for the final. But the professor announced to the 100 or so students assembled that someone had stolen a copy of the exam, that therefore it was now an essay test and that when we handed in our tests we were to show our student I.D.s so he could match the class list with those taking the test. Two students got up and walked out. I’m absolutely sure I got the best grade in the class, knew everything by heart, knew how to explain everything. I got an A. I never took any math in college but we did have to pass a proficiency test in order to get our diplomas. Again, I was petrified but somehow with some kind of innate common sense and some memory of a few basic things, I passed.”(more)