I needed to see those kids in action. Their love of the competition, the pure joy of working the problem correctly, and the excitement as they conversed with their teammates and new friends were a sight to behold. I was also inspired by their coaches. These adults, I am sure, had other things to do that beautiful Saturday, but they were in Macon with their students. The looks on their faces were the same you would see on a proud parent. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful event. You brought me JOY.
I now challenge myself and you to give JOY to someone else. In the words of Trena Wilkerson, “When we bring joy, we provide powerful opportunities for students to understand mathematical ideas, build their positive mathematical identity, foster their love of learning mathematics, make connections, and see mathematics in the world around them.”