Equilibrium In Calculus And AP Physics Classes

One common thread sewn throughout all my high school classes is balance and equilibrium. The first math equation most children learn is 2+2=4. The simplicity was lost on me until my sophomore year honors chemistry and pre calculus classes. In honors chemistry we learned how equations always move towards their equilibrium; in pre calc we studied sine and cosine equations and how their curves were symmetric indefinitely. With each STEM course, I realized equilibrium was the common denominator uniting them: “=”holds more significance than I previously thought. The significance of balance and equilibrium continued throughout my Calculus and AP Physics classes where I learned Newton’s laws allow for order and balance in the universe. Although Newton discovered these laws and turned them into quantifiable equations, these

I found equilibrium’s effect in social studies with countries’ search to balance power, in economics with the balance of supply and demand, in poetry’s balance of meter, rhythm, and in literature’s balance of character and plot development. The more I thought about my courses, the more I noticed equilibrium and relevancy. Stories like the Epic of Gilgamesh and the Odyssey, both written over 2000 years ago, tackle many of the same internal, societal issues faced today. The existential dread Gilgamesh experiences while contemplating his impending death is universal and has shaped society, religion, and culture. Homer’s avant garde depiction of women as agents of change stuck in a patriarchal society resonates in today’s world of Harvey Weinstein, glass ceilings, and media’s sexism. Humanity has been struggling with these issues for thousands of years, and although some progress has been made, without knowing and understanding the past, we cannot move forward to make necessary