Algebra I Can Do!

I didn’t pay my way through college to experience financial hardships (oh, the naivety!).  I wanted to be prepared for life. A degree was supposed to help me succeed, but for the moment, reality didn’t match the promises.

 In my quest for a job, a company approached me. The CEO (Anthony Chan) was a mathematical genius and heralded as a philosopher in numerous subjects. He was aware of my education and passion for writing, so he offered me a position within his company.

Woah! So much excitement… until he revealed the job requirements and pay. I would diligently work to produce math books under his supervision.  Payment would only be received if the product sold. It was an internship, but I quietly listened, while he divulged details about the project.

The books were to be titled “Algebra I Can Do!” They were designed to teach algebra to children beginning in kindergarten through six grade, so the students wouldn’t struggle with mathematics in high school and college.

We shook hands, and I spoke with Ashley about the opportunity. She convinced me to move forward for the sake of hope and calming our nerves. I signed the contract with a foolproof plan…complete the books quickly, so the company could make a lot of sales.

I wrote like a madman, learned graphic design and attended every meeting! The distraction and hope somewhat settled my anxieties, but the project was replacing the entertainment that had overshadowed Christ…who was now in the back seat.

 Months passed while I continued to write. The term “struggling artist” had never felt so real. And within that reality, the anxieties of adulthood/life returned stronger than before I soothed them with entertainment.

“I have been thinking--If HEAVEN is not true, what do I lose? --nothing! But what if it is, and I didn't get ready, then I would lose everything. What do you think?”

Anthony Chan