This equation, which we had been working on earlier that day, suddenly seemed so much more interesting in the context of the soapy massage. I realized that math was all around us, even in the most unexpected places.
As we began the lesson, Mrs. Johnson started writing equations on the board, but I couldn’t help but notice that she was using a soap dispenser instead of her usual marker. I thought to myself, “This is weird.” But I tried to focus on the lesson, thinking that maybe she was just trying to make the class more engaging. Soapy Massage 11 04 01 India Summer My Math Teacher
As it turned out, Mrs. Johnson had a secret: she was a certified massage therapist, and she had been looking for ways to help her students relax and focus in class. She had read about the benefits of massage for stress relief and had decided to try it out on India, who had been struggling with anxiety and tension in her shoulders. This equation, which we had been working on
As we left the classroom, I turned to India and asked her about the experience. “Hey, India, how did that feel?” I asked, trying to sound nonchalant. Johnson started writing equations on the board, but
India smiled and said, “It was amazing! I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. And I have to admit, it was kind of cool to see Mrs. Johnson in a different light.”
From that day on, I looked at math in a whole new light. Who knew that soap, massage, and math could be so intertwined? It was a lesson I would never forget, and one that would stay with me for the rest of my life.