[Stargazed.]

I have taken the same math course for the past five years (grade 7-12). I'm now in my first year of college and I'm taking the same course (pre-algebra). Why, you ask? Because I do terrible without a calculator. And in order for me to make progress and go further in math courses, I need to do exams without calculators. I still count on my fingers, I get simple arithmitic wrong, and I get confused so, so easily about things that are really simple for other people. It's so frustrating but you can overcome this. I don't know WHY you or I or anyone else has this problem but I know that it can be overcame. I guess what I do is use the resources available. Instructors, plenty of pre-tests, calculators, tutors, etc. Eventually, you won't have to worry about this because you'll be able to use calculators everywhere outside of school. I'm sorry if I wasn't of much help. I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone.