I became a mathematics teacher because I think that mathematics teaches us more than just formulas and operations, I believe that it also teaches us important lessons about life. Mathematics teaches problem solving, critical thinking, and, most importantly, perseverance. It teaches people how to face difficult problems and overcome them. As a mathematics teacher, I get to share the background knowledge that allows students to solve problems, but the real magic occurs after my instruction is finished. The real magic of mathematics is when students take the information that they've been provided and use it as a stepping stone to become more confident problem solvers, more abstract thinkers, and more persistent students.