by Emma Kelley

I am maybe weirdly passionate about my math class. I’m one of only 14 Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP) students in the school. IMP is a program that most students (and several administrators) don’t know exists.

I went into IMP because I had never enjoyed math and wanted to try something different. It was easily the best decision eighth grade me made. For a while I doubted my decision, I was afraid I had taken a class that was too easy or too looked down upon. Honestly, not enough students even know IMP exists to look down upon it.

Now, I could not be more confident in my choice. After being with the same class of 14 for going on three years there is a nice sense of familiarity. It does not hurt that I have not done a math worksheet in three years, and that last spring we went on a field trip to Fenway Park.

But my favorite thing about my weird math class is that everyone else is pretty into it too. A few weeks ago, we gave a presentation about IMP to a group of freshmen. Another student gave an impassioned spiel about how much IMP has helped her and how much she values that class. It made me realize how important this class is.

IMP has lived near the chopping block the past few years, and I really want it to stay around. IMP is a math class that moves beyond worksheets and lectures that are boring by default and creates a community centered around group work and problem solving. Honestly it is just the best, and I urge all freshmen to consider it. And hey, this year we’re getting sweatshirts.

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