This is an educational "SA slice of life" thread, a reminder that someone's DD/DS gets the stinky end of the bell curve - and there is hope. Plenty of lurkers will benefit from Wonderfulmom's shared experience.
Her thread has already benefited my family. The very same week that Wonderfulmom started this thread, I had received a frustrated text from my son who is a Plebe at USNA. He was complaining that his high school math program hadn't prepared him for Calc., since the highest math offered at our school was Pre-Calc. He told me he had just made a 57 on a test...the second lowest grade in the class...lower than classmates who didn't even seem to pay attention in class because they had taken Calculus in high school. He was also struggling in Chemistry (but not at the very bottom like in Calc.) It was tough on a guy who had only made one B in high school. He was used to succeeding without putting too much effort into schoolwork.
I advised him to take advantage of any extra instruction programs they offered, and encouraged him that, one day, someone would explain it in a way that would "click" and it would become much easier once it made sense. On November 13th, I came across this thread, and sent it to him...like Wonderfulmom did to her son. He joked, "that was totally you who started that thread." I assured him that it wasn't, that it was in the Coast Guard forum.
He said it was good to read. I think it helped to see the other posters who had struggled and persevered.
Anyway, while I spent my time praying for him, he made Calculus his focus, got extra instruction, completed every homework problem, etc... It started making sense to him. During our phone call with him on Thanksgiving Break, he gave us the happy news that on his last Calc. test, he had made a 94...the highest grade in the class. I was so happy for him and pleased that he didn't give up when something was hard.
I realize that my good news doesn't help out your son's situation, Wonderfulmom. But, I wanted you to know that your thread, and your vulnerability, had helped my son. I also believe that once the Calc. clicks for your son, even if it's in the Spring semester, that he will conquer it if he perseveres. Just love him and pray for him. That's our calling as moms. Sometimes, we think of it as all we can do for them, when it's really the most powerful thing we can do for them.
Have a Merry Christmas with your family.