One of the hardest math classes at Fort Worth Country Day is BC Calculus. The majority of students who take this class are seniors. However, freshman, Matthew Lobo has risen to the challenge and is currently in one of the two BC Calculus classes this year. 

Being a freshman in a class with this level of difficulty meant Lobo really had to work at getting ahead.

“I did some math over the summer last year,” Lobo said. “But math is something I’m pretty passionate about.”

Also, while in middle school, Lobo took some high-level math classes. He took Algebra 1 in 6th grade, Geometry in 7th grade, and Algebra 2 in 8th grade. 

Ainsley Hilliard ‘20, one of the seniors in Lobo’s class, has been in honors-level math courses all throughout high school. “Calculus is a really hard concept to wrap your head around and kind of construct, and BC Calculus moves at a faster pace than other classes,” Hilliard said.

When asked about his experience, his response was concise, to say the least.

“I definitely learn a lot but I find that it is challenging.”

Although Matthew is the only freshman in this course, he is not the only younger student in his class. Along with the seniors, there are also a good number of juniors. Because Lobo has been in higher math classes for years, he is used to being in classes with older students.

“Last year, I had Joaquin Castro-Balbi who’s now a sophomore in my class [BC Calculus], and I am also friends with some juniors who also take BC Calculus, but this is the first year to have a freshman in my class,” Hilliard said.

In an interview with his teacher Mrs. Luedtke, she was asked what it is like having Lobo in her BC Calculus class.

“During class he’s pretty quiet, which is understandable being a freshman amongst some upperclassmen, but he works diligently,” Luedtke said. “He comes in and asks for help, typically really clarifying questions. He usually gets the topic when we learn it or when he’s working on his homework on his own. He’s a really bright kid; he seems to understand Calculus really well,” Luedtke said. 

Mrs. Luedtke also said that later in high school, Lobo will most likely take Multivariable Calculus, AP Statistics, and an MSON class his senior year.

Although Lobo is very passionate about math, he does not know if math will play a part in his college career or when he gets a job. 

“I don’t know what I want to do in college and out of college; I haven’t really thought about that yet,” Lobo said.