The character expresses a sense of doubt about her ability to learn or improve in certain areas. Despite receiving encouragement from others, she reflects on her past experience with algebra, where she struggled for three years and ultimately did not grasp the subject. This sentiment illustrates her fear of repeating that pattern with new challenges.
Her quote encapsulates the anxiety many people feel when facing expectations to succeed or adapt. It highlights the pressure to conform to societal norms of growth and competence, suggesting that not everyone follows a linear path of learning and progression.