1. Math is not scary. “The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics.” – Paul Halmos.
It’s okay to struggle and feel challenged. Math is just a language for describing patterns in the world. With practice and patience, it will make sense, and you’ll soon see how it fits into everything else around you. Embrace it as a tool rather than something to fear.


2. Curiosity will take you places. Remain interested in the world. “Curiosity is the wick in the candle of learning.” – William Arthur Ward.
Stay curious. Curiosity leads you to explore, learn, and discover new things, whether it’s about science, history, people, or art. The world is filled with endless opportunities for those who remain curious. Don’t settle for knowing just what’s in front of you—seek out answers to your questions.


3. Plans are not your life. Plans will change. Be prepared to adapt and overcome. “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” – Robert Burns.
No matter how well you plan, life has its own agenda. Be flexible. Your path will change in ways you can’t predict, and that’s okay. It’s about how you adapt to those changes and keep moving forward, learning and growing as you go.


4. It’s your job to relate and find connections with people, not theirs. “You can never understand one language until you understand at least two.” – Geoffrey Willans.
People are complicated, and not everyone will immediately understand you. But it’s on you to take the effort to understand them, to find common ground and connect. Building empathy will help you bridge gaps and form meaningful relationships.


5. Hard work will beat talent every time. There will always be people who are more talented. Be the hardest working. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke.
Talent is important, but dedication and persistence are even more valuable. If you work hard enough, you’ll surpass those who rely solely on their natural abilities. Never underestimate the power of putting in the work every day.


6. Everyone is fighting a battle only they know about. Be kind. “Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” – J.M. Barrie.
Everyone carries their own struggles, even if you can’t see them. The battles may be internal, personal, or unseen by others. You never know what someone is going through, so always choose kindness.


7. The only good fight is the one for optimism. “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman.
Life is full of challenges, but optimism is a fight worth fighting. It’s easy to succumb to negativity, but if you hold on to hope and keep a positive mindset, you’ll always find ways to move forward—even when it feels like things are at their toughest.


8. Perfect is the enemy of ‘better’. “Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.” – Vince Lombardi.
Striving for perfection can paralyze you, preventing progress. Instead, focus on improvement. Better is always within reach, and each step you take towards it is a victory. Perfection is elusive—embrace progress instead.


9. Comfort leads to mediocrity. “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is where true growth happens. When you stay comfortable, you risk stagnation. Push yourself to try new things, challenge your limits, and aim for the unknown. Mediocrity thrives in the comfort zone—excellence is found when you dare to grow.


10. The world is your oyster. Sometimes it’s a Petri-dish. “The world is your oyster. It’s up to you to find the pearls.” – Chris Gardner.
The world is full of opportunities, waiting for you to discover and seize them. But remember, sometimes it feels more like a Petri-dish—where things grow and evolve under careful observation and experimentation. Keep an open mind, and remember, the key to success is knowing when to explore and when to nurture.