The Class, The Professor, and The Enigma

Upon entering the classroom for the first time, he notices only 13 other students present. His professor, it turns out, is a former PhD student of the highly respected mathematician, Terence Tao. With no clear expectations, the student takes his seat. The professor writes on the board using a shorthand that baffles the student, and astonishingly, he does so without uttering a word or referring to any textbook. Everything seems to flow directly from the professor's mind, making him both an enigmatic and eccentric figure.

The Unforgiving Curve and The Unusual Office Hours

As the course progresses at a relentless pace, the class delves into metric spaces, and the number of students dwindles to just eight. Feeling anxious about this development, the student decides to persevere.

Soon enough, the first homework assignment arrives. Despite his best efforts, he scores only 60%. Disheartened, he checks the class average and discovers it sits at 40%, which offers him a slight comfort. However, he can't shake the feeling that he's struggling to keep up. Unbeknownst to him, this score will be the highest he achieves all semester. Fortunately, there is an unusual safety net: students who attend office hours regularly are guaranteed a 60% on their homework.

The professor's office is a sight to behold, adorned with a grand whiteboard filled with a colorful array of equations, graphs, and theories. When the student approaches with questions, the professor encourages him to explore ideas between 'the harmonic series' and 'the partials.' As they interact, their conversations shift from mathematics to delightful discussions about culture, cuisine, and old sayings.

From Geometry to Algebra and Back Again: 4000 Years of Papers by Jack Rusher delves into the historical evolution of mathematical concepts, providing a rich backdrop for our student's journey.

Shocking Exam Results and Surprising Assurances

As exams approach, the student's confidence plummets. Despite feeling he performed adequately, he is shocked to receive a mere 20%. Seeking feedback from the professor, he learns that he had the right ideas but failed to articulate them correctly, with no partial credit awarded.

In a video call with the professor, the student contemplates dropping the course, expressing that even acing the remaining tests wouldn't secure him a passing grade. The professor, however, calmly reassures him not to withdraw, revealing that he intends to award 'A's to half the class and 'B's to the rest.

Cultural Exchanges, Friendships, and A Twist in the Tale

With newfound assurance, the student embraces his unique circumstances. The peculiarities of the professor that once frustrated him now become fascinating. He begins to enjoy the class more, often engaging in cultural exchanges with the professor, who whimsically discusses mathematics through proverbs: "Consider mathematics like a cockroach..."

As frustration transforms into amusement, camaraderie blossoms among classmates, including a remarkably bright 15-year-old who maintains a 98% average in the class.

As the course nears its conclusion, the student presents the professor with a local beverage as a farewell gift. Eagerly, the professor asks, "Is it beer?!" His disappointment is palpable when he learns it isn't. Ultimately, despite the ups and downs, the student secures an 'A' in the course.