Prime Factorization

The great things about taking a math class is that I'm not only relearning math - I'm actually understanding how it applies into the REAL WORLD!!!

A few weeks ago I relearned what Prime Factorization is: the breaking down of a number into smaller and smaller factors until it cannot be broken down any further.

So, for example, the number 12 can be broken down first as 2*6 and then to 2*2*3.

28 breaks down first to 2*14 then to 2*2*7.

And 156 goes something like this: 2*78 to 2*2*39 and finally down to 2*2*3*13.

When numbers are prime, however, take 17, for example, the only other number than can go into it is the number 1.

What I am discovering is that that Prime Factorization has everything to do with relationships!

For example, a Prime Factorization Relationship is something two persons share when personalities and characteristic start breaking down into smaller and smaller factors. It could be as obvious as liking the same Pinterest sites or having the same athletic pastimes.  These relationship are developed faster, maybe, because it's obvious to each other what those factors are.

Or, a Prime Factorization Relationship can be less obvious and more significant when factors that are alike because of like experiences, such as deep feelings for the same Alma Mater for the same reasons or knowing the same individual who has made a difference in both lives.  Because these factors are not always obvious, these relationships take time to discover and develop.

Then there's a type of Prime Factorization Relationship that transcends time or location.  It is when to persons have been broken down to the same small factor that can only be understood through the furnace of affliction, when the fires have given the experience of losing a child to death or losing a spouse to infidelity; or being recipients of mental illness or carriers of the same disease.

And amazing to me is that with all the factorizations that do and can and will go on; that even in the breaking down to even the smallest and most infinitesimal factors, there stand our One Prime Factor - He who can be factored into every equation - even the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He suffered every prime factor so none of us would ever have to suffer anything alone.

Math!

I'm taking Math this semester.

It's just enough Math to make me remember why Math was not anywhere near the top or middle or lower half of my "Favorite Subjects in School" List!

It's just enough Math to help me understand why my third grader sometimes cries and cried because she can't understand how to do a problem.

It's just enough Math to remind my high school sophomore that it's not okay to make fun when others just can't understand Math in the same pre-Calc way he can.

And it's just enough Math to teach me that it totally STINKS when I get a fourth grade Math problem wrong!!

But totally ROCKS when I get it right!

Boo. Yah.

Going Back to School

25+ years ago I was a matriculated, university student.

I knew exactly what my major would be.

I knew when I was going to graduate.

I knew what I would do for the rest of my life.

Then, at the beginning of my second year, during the first week of classes, I had this feeling that I was supposed to drop all my classes, check out of school and work full time.

What?

What about my planning?  What about my scholarship?  What about my dream of getting a college degree?

I did my best to ignore the feeling and into the second week of classes my brain could not and would not comprehend a.n.y.t.h.i.n.g.  As soon as I entered a classroom, I felt as if I were entering a black hole.

Dark. Foggy. Hollow.

I couldn’t fight it any longer.  I dropped all my classes, checked out of school and moved forward with life.

Last August, my husband came home from Church and told me about a program sponsored by BYU-Idaho that would enable me to attain a college degree.

As he spoke and explained what he had learned that day, a feeling came over me that was just as distinctive and palpable as the feeling I had received 25+ years ago to end my schooling.  However, that feeling filled me with light and clarity and depth.  I was filled with the impression that I was ready to pursue my goal to receive a college degree.

I am starting my second semester with the BYU-Idaho Pathway Program.  It has been the most amazing learning experience I have ever encountered!!

Some days I wonder why I am going to school now when it is the craziest, busiest time of my life.  Five teenagers! Three elementary-aged children! and a two year old!!  And that doesn't even begin to skim the surface . . .

But just how I listened to a still, small voice 25+ years ago to stop going to school, I am listening and following that ever encouraging voice that tells me that right now is the right time to go back to school.