My multi-dimensional identity

At the top of my home page, I share that I am a mathematical statistician, a Middle East peace bridge builder, an interfaith bridge builder, a high baritone, an actor, and a Toastmaster. In my first blog, I share what the above means to me plus more there is to me, just as there is much that is unique in each and every one of us.

I am a Washington-based statistician. I have a Bachelor’s in Statistics from the University of Michigan, a Master’s in Applied Statistics from the George Washington University, and a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). What makes me a mathematical statistician is that I am a generalist who enjoys developing new methods while still being an applied statistician.

I especially enjoy tutoring people who are scared of math. My first hour is always free where I learn about the multi-dimensional identities of my clients, then tailor all of my math and stat examples to them. They learn that math and stat is not at all painful and can actually be quite fun! I enjoy working with students who failed their midterm and teaching them all the material in half a semester. They are typically fine if they merely pass the course, but I do my best to help them earn a “B”. This changes the way they looks at math and stat for the rest of their lives.

I approach Middle East peace and interfaith bridge building the same way. Instead of focusing on where we differ, I focus on points of connection and build upon what is meaningful to all of us. I established this website primarily to promote bridge building, yet am using it to share the other parts of my multi-dimensional identity as well. I tend to describe my aspirations in the language of the Other in order to build connection. I also use humor to indicate that I take my advocacy for tolerance and inclusion seriously, but I never take myself seriously. (smile)

What I do is not who I am. In terms of my vocation and avocation, I have described it above. Mathematical statistics and bridge building is what I do. Who am I? A singer-songwriter and an actor. I have written four wedding songs, including my own! I recently wrote a song where I sing, play keyboard, and sign in American Sign Language, all at the same time! Even more recently, I wrote my first comic rap song where I dress in a hoodie. Loads of fun! I bring music and even acting to work and bridge building. Music brings people together like nothing else. Bollywood melodrama presses points at a business meeting, generating more passion (shh) than I actually feel to earn wins at the worksite! (smile)

As you can see from this first post, I am brevity-challenged, I am left-handed, a free spirit, a foodie, and a wannabe travel agent.

I am a native of the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Give me a cuisine, a price point, and a location, and I will find you the perfect restaurant. It would be great to be a freelance concierge post-retirement!

Similarly, I am good at recommending vacation spots, preferably off the beaten path, where I give you suggestions as to what you can do after you arrive. Name a country, a price point, and what you enjoy doing; I’ve got you covered. A couple on my recommendation flew to Montréal and Québec City for their honeymoon. They stayed at the Chateau Frontenac and had a simply wonderful time. I have references.

As a Toastmaster, I have been trained in effective communication and leadership. I am less brevity-challenged orally than in writing. This is very helpful at work meetings! When it comes to leadership, I offer a few aphorisms:

1. Managers monitor tasks to achieve a mission.

2. Leaders inspire people to achieve a vision.

3. If you monitor tasks but do not wear an appropriate title, then you are likely overstepping your bounds and will be disciplined.

4. If you communicate well, serve your team well, and inspire others to take action, but never wanted to be the “big boss”, it’s too late. You are already a leader, because a leader wears no title as none is necessary. We can all lead.

I will stop here. Feel free to send me any constructive comments on anything you read. I will do my best to respond when I can.