Comment by analog31

My relationship with math had two sides. In college, I majored in math and physics, plus I was also learning electronics and programming on my own. So I was immersed in the uses of math.

But you kind of get to a point after a couple years or so where you've learned enough math to handle the physics coursework -- including being able to pick up new math topics quickly as needed. And that's also the point, like 3rd year, where math really begins to come alive as an end unto itself. I loved the abstract stuff and the beauty of proofs, and it was as much of an escape from reality as a way to engage with it.