During my undergraduate
college years my friends told me they
thought of me as a bit differerent. After all,
they did not know anyone who majored in mathematics
and minored in English poetry. Looking back, though,
I see that my interests in mathematics, poetry
and art gives me some unique perspectives about
challenges in my life and helping others with
their challenges.
My first and very satisfying
career was as a secondary mathematics
teacher. As a teacher I learned a great deal about
communication that I bring to my work with healthcare
professionals. Listening to clients describing
their challenges is as important as describing
a solution.
After leaving teaching
I wanted to pursue a path that would put to use
my skills with data and communication while helping
improve the lives of others, which is the root
of teaching. (Some of my students, I am sure,
would not describe my efforts to teach them mathematics
as improving their lives.) This led to starting
my consulting business. My first jobs were helping
manufacturers with their production problems and
design problems. This direction was quite satisfying.
Soon I started networking
with healthcare professionals and decided that
my skills with quality improvement could be effectively
put to use with them. I started by volunteering
with a local hospice group. Soon I started working
with healthcare groups as clients and also with
nonprofit agencies specializing in alcohol and
drug prevention services. I have found all my
work in healthcare very satisfying.
By the way, if you love public
speaking as much as I do you might be interested
in becoming a member of one of your local Toastmasters
Inc. groups. I have been a member for over four
years.
