Many people struggle with school, and it's easy to think that you’re just not cut out for it. That was the case for Paul E. McMahon, who didn’t do well in his early years of school. However, later in life, he graduated with honors in Mathematics from the University of Scranton in Pennsylvania in 1971. How does someone go from being a struggling student to an honors graduate? The answer lies in learning how to learn. This is something McMahon discovered on his own, and his story offers a valuable lesson for anyone who has ever struggled in the classroom.

Why Some Students Struggle in School

It’s not uncommon for students to have a hard time in school, especially when traditional methods of teaching don’t match their learning style. Many schools use a one-size-fits-all approach: teachers talk, students listen, and then everyone is expected to perform well on tests. But the reality is that people learn in different ways, and if you don’t find the method that works for you, it can be easy to get lost.

For McMahon, his struggles in school stemmed from not knowing how to process the information that was thrown at him in the classroom. He wasn’t alone in this experience—many students feel lost when their teacher moves through material quickly, expecting everyone to understand on the spot. McMahon realized later in life that the problem wasn’t his intelligence or ability; it was that he hadn’t yet figured out how to learn in a way that made sense for him.

Life Lesson: The Importance of Taking Notes

One of the biggest turning points for McMahon came when he figured out a simple but powerful strategy: take notes. It seems basic, but this habit completely transformed his ability to learn. Instead of trying to understand everything in the moment, while the teacher was speaking, McMahon started writing down everything he could. Rather than focusing on understanding right away, he focused on capturing information.

This method worked for him because it allowed him to return to the material later, when he was ready to sit down and really think through it. By reviewing his notes in detail after class, McMahon could process the information at his own pace. He didn’t need to keep up with the teacher’s explanations in real-time, which often left him feeling confused. Instead, he could tackle the material in a way that suited his learning style.

Why Taking Notes Works

Taking notes is more than just scribbling down words; it's an active process that helps reinforce learning. When you take notes, you’re not only recording the information but also engaging with it. Studies have shown that writing things down helps people remember details better, and it forces the brain to process the information in a deeper way.

For McMahon, the act of note-taking was the key to unlocking his potential. It wasn’t just about writing down what the teacher said—it was about creating a system where he could learn on his own terms. He learned to go back and organize his notes, figure out what the teacher’s main points were, and study the material in a structured way that worked for him.

The Problem with Instant Understanding

One of the main issues that many students face is the pressure to understand everything right away. In most classrooms, there’s little time to sit and process information during a lesson. Teachers move quickly, covering a lot of material in a short amount of time. This can leave students feeling overwhelmed, especially if they don’t grasp a concept immediately.

McMahon’s story shows that it’s okay not to understand everything at once. In fact, it’s often better to step back, take notes, and give yourself time to think things through later. Not everyone is able to learn by listening alone, and trying to force yourself to keep up with fast-paced lessons can lead to frustration and self-doubt. McMahon's method of focusing on note-taking instead of instant understanding turned out to be a game-changer.

Turning Notes into a Learning Tool

After class, McMahon spent hours going through his notes. This extra time allowed him to turn what seemed like a mess of information into something meaningful. Instead of trying to absorb everything during the lesson, he took control of his own learning by reviewing and organizing his notes in a way that made sense to him.

This process is a great example of active learning. It’s not enough to just write notes down—you need to go back and make sense of them. This can involve highlighting key points, summarizing ideas in your own words, or even creating charts and diagrams to help visualize the material. McMahon didn’t just rely on his notes as a memory aid; he used them as a tool to figure out what the teacher was trying to convey.

Finding Your Own Learning Style

McMahon’s experience highlights the fact that everyone learns differently. Some people are auditory learners—they do well by listening to lectures and absorbing information as they hear it. Others are visual learners, needing to see things written down or in charts to fully grasp them. And then there are people like McMahon, who benefit from kinesthetics learning—learning through doing, in this case, through the physical act of writing and reviewing notes.

One of the most important lessons we can take from McMahon’s story is the value of discovering what works best for you. If you’re someone who struggles to keep up with fast-paced lectures, it doesn’t mean you’re not smart or capable. It just means you haven’t found the right method yet. Taking notes and reviewing them later might work for you, or maybe you need to try other strategies like flashcards, study groups, or even recording lectures to listen back to later.

Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment

Learning how to learn is a process, and it often involves a lot of trial and error. McMahon didn’t figure out his method right away—it took time for him to realize that note-taking was the key to his success. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to try different approaches until you find one that clicks.

Experimenting with different study techniques can help you discover your strengths and weaknesses as a learner. Maybe you’re someone who learns best by teaching others, or perhaps you need to write things down multiple times to fully grasp them. The important thing is to keep searching until you find what works.

The Long-Term Impact of Effective Learning

Once McMahon developed his note-taking habit, it didn’t just help him get through college. It became a lifelong skill that he used in many different areas of life. Learning how to learn is not just about getting good grades—it’s about becoming a better thinker and problem-solver. Whether you’re in school or out in the working world, knowing how to absorb and understand new information is an essential skill.

The way McMahon approached learning also helped him develop resilience. Instead of giving up when things got hard, he found a way to overcome his challenges. His story reminds us that learning is not always about intelligence or talent—it’s about persistence, finding the right methods, and never giving up on yourself.

Conclusion: Learn How to Learn and Succeed

Paul E. McMahon’s inspiring journey from a struggling student to an honors graduate highlight the power of finding your own way to learn. In his book, "Human Resilience," Paul shares the pivotal moment that transformed his academic life—discovering the importance of note-taking. His story serves as a powerful reminder that success isn’t about understanding everything right away or learning like everyone else, but about developing your own approach.

For anyone striving to improve—whether as a student, professional, or someone eager to grow—the ability to absorb and process information is key. "Human Resilience" offers valuable insights into mastering this essential skill.

Ready to take control of your own learning journey? "Human Resilience" will show you how to unlock your potential by embracing the learning style that works best for you. Get your copy today and start your path to success!