Certainly, circumstances are unique to each individual, whether we are talking about instructors or students. The ironic part is that I will be turning 25 next week. When I am teaching a course, I am usually one of the youngest persons in the classroom. I think the problem is that most of my students just see my class as a barrier to a new job. Even when I reiterate how the reasoning behind calculations is important when determining dosages for medications or interest and penalty rates on a payment plan, students have no desire to learn something "new" that they initially struggle with. A few have also complained that my passion for math is annoying when I say a certain theorem is beautiful because it is so powerful and yet succinct. They are quite proud of the fact that they have gotten to where they are without math. They also don't like to be wrong after working on a problem for a while. I guess these are all aspects of human nature, but if they don't change their views or at least consider a different perspective, then I think it will be hard for them to focus on passing my course. I would also gladly appreciate any advice regarding how to inspire adult students who dislike math and may have trouble learning basic arithmetic. If I can awaken their curiosity for math to the point where they want to learn some of it on their own, then I think our classes will be much more rewarding.