Brown University does not have a core curriculum.

English majors aren’t forced into taking math and science classes that won’t do them any good in their futures. Biology lovers aren’t required to have two semesters worth of a foreign language.

It all works out.

I was wait-listed for Brown University and chose to give up my spot to attend Ole Miss. I knew Ole Miss was where I wanted to be with our gorgeous campus, school of journalism and southern hospitality.

But on days like today, I wonder if I made a mistake. I know I did no such thing; I love Ole Miss with a passion.

Math… not so much.

Today, I’m taking my college algebra midterm, and I am petrified. Well, first of all, I’m a perfectionist, so I hate to make less than an A on anything, but secondly, I loathe mathematics with a passion that competes with my perfectionism.

Last night, I lay in my bed studying and working on math problems, hoping that I would suddenly just know it all. I worked the first practice exam and came out with 60 percent. I about died right there.

Forcing myself to go back through the problems and retake another practice test was almost worse than learning that I only know how to work 60 percent of the problems on the night before my midterm.

I sucked it up and got back to work.

I finally ended the night with 90 percent on the practice exam after hours of intense and brutal studying.

Now, I’m not a fan of science either, but I can handle that. Algebra, on the other hand, fills me with pain. The moment I start a problem, I get a headache. The first time my calculator messes up, I have a meltdown.

The worst part is that I’m not incapable at all. I made A’s in all of my high school math classes including calculus, even though I hated every second of it. I resented it.

I came to resent all forms of math.

I understand the necessity of taking those classes in high school, but I cannot come to terms with the idea that as college students, we aren’t able to make our own decision on whether a class will benefit us in the future or not

Brown’s “open curriculum” allows students to develop their own core classes, and in the end, all students end up with a well-rounded liberal art education. They’ve had success for years with their approach, yet they are basically the only college that follows it.

I know there is no way that Ole Miss will drop all their requirements and give students free reign, but I think there is something to be said for academic freedom.

I, as a journalism student, feel like I am wasting my time in college algebra, biology and geology. I know that I need more than just journalism classes; I’m taking psychology, theatre and French classes. I think that would be considered well-rounded by most.

So, as I get ready to take my college algebra midterm, I can’t help but wonder what it’d be like if I were at Brown.

I wouldn’t have the same amazing friends, experiences or classes that I have now at Ole Miss.

I guess I can battle four more weeks of math so I never have to deal with it again, but if anybody is looking to make money tutoring, you know where to find me.