A recent article popped up on my FB feed, the other day: http://www.sciencealert.com/the-same-genes-appear-to-influence-maths-and-language-ability-study-shows
Maths was my worst subject; English, Art and Physics were my best.
In high school I wanted to do a mix of art and science subjects. I was told by the principle (emphatically) that they did not mesh and I was not allowed to pick subjects from both streams. I prepared a debate to argue my position. Look at Einstein and da Vinci for example.
“After a certain high level of technical skill is achieved, science and art tend to coalesce in aesthetics, plasticity, and form. The greatest scientists are artists as well.” – Albert Einstein
The argument failed. I enrolled for the science stream. – better job prospects – leaving English to cater for expressing my imagination. I wanted to be an astrophysicist, or an astronaut. the science was intriguing and the beauty of the stars beckoned. My maths failed me.
It is only now, thirty years later, that I have thrown off that old fashioned dogma and embraced my art and writing – as well as my love for science. Together they are beautiful. (Perhaps this is yet another reason why I love steampunk?)
There are so many role models – Dr Brian May (muscian and astrophysicist), Prof Brian Cox (muscian/physicist) and Mayim Bialik (actor, neurologist) – just to name a few.
Embrace all of your passions and don’t let anyone confine you to a box.