Algebra whiz Cynthia Irani says the ‘work is worth it’Two Miami-Dade County students — including Cynthia Irani, 13, a student at W.R. Thomas Middle School in West Kendall — rose to a math challenge in a big way.
Both Cynthia and Sofia Julia-Nomicos of Doral Academy High School were among the top 10 Florida mathematics students announced June 2 following a twoweek statewide “Algebra Nation Challenge.”
Both took top prizes of iPad minis by ranking as highest among 20 Miami-Dade student winners in the competition, celebrating by treating classmates to a pizza party courtesy of Algebra Nation, the academic sponsor. (Statewide, Algebra Nation awarded 100 pizza parties, 10 iPad minis, and five cruises for teachers).
The two-week math contest incentivizes students to prepare for an upcoming Algebra 1 EOC by working out algebra problems through Algebra Nation’s online Test Yourself! Practice tool that simulates an End-of-Course (EOC) testing environment.
“Algebra is a lot of work, but it’s worth the effort,” Cynthia said. “Even though you may not enjoy it at the time, you know that it’s going to help you in the future.”
It’s that attitude that led Griesel Mesa, math teacher for 13 years at W.R. Thomas to say that Cynthia is “really amazing. She’s always been a well-rounded and dedicated student in her studies.”
Daughter of Meherzad and Estela Irani, Cynthia, who comes from a family with three brothers and a sister, believes that girls do work harder than boys in early mathematics classes.
“It’s not so much about ability, but it’s true that girls seem to put in a little extra effort to learn at this stage in life,” she remarked with a sage-like maturity.
“I was really unaware I had won any kind of distinction,” she said, modestly adding that “I once thought I’d like to go to Harvard and study law, but now, I think I might like to study medicine and become a doctor.”
Algebra Nation, a free, online testing program, is a collaborative effort between the University of Florida and Study Edge. UF professors and master teachers dissected material tested on the End-of-Course exam to align Algebra Nation with the latest state standards.
Students, parents, and teachers can access Algebra Nation’s free resources 24/7 through computers, iPhones, iPads, and Android phones.
For information, visit www.AlgebraNation.com.
