academic validation

Algebra makes me feel stupid. Equations and inequalities, algebra makes me feel stupid. I could have an A in the grade book, but that doesn't mean that I understand. lost in class, barely turned that in on time. Algebra makes me feel stupid. So I drift into my own world. But at least in my world, I'm not alone. Algebra makes me feel stupid, it's not my teacher's fault, but my own. The problem is, I run on academic validation, more so than food or water, so I sink. pretend- and make them think make them think I know what I am doing, but I am on the brink. the brink of failure. Algebra makes me feel stupid. once gifted, now barely scraping by. once impressive what makes me impressive? certainly not my ability to solve complex algebraic expressions. is it my ability to fake it? to only raise my hand when I know the answer? Is it too late? is it too late to know the answers? too late to say I don't understand and ask questions? Algebra makes me feel stupid. once excelling in school, now regular.