From: Gabriel Barna
Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2021 10:48 AM
Subject: OHS Math64 impact on my life
Hello All,
I have enjoyed all these threads down Memory Lane. Personally, I do
not remember details, but I still am grateful for the impact Mr.
Russell had on my life. His philosophy of ?math is simple, if you know
it there is no reason you should not get 100% on your math test? and
?you know you are ready for the math test if you can go to a movie the
night before the test? resonated with me. I believe that the wisdom in
his statements put me on the track to a rewarding technical career.
Obviously, I had major challenges in my 35 years at Texas
Instruments, but his belief behind the simplicity and beauty of math
was - in some sense - a guiding light that propelled me forward. His
memory will be with me always, enforced by the fact that I still use
his name as one of my passwords.
To complete this circle, after retirement I spent a decade as a
volunteer tutoring high school math to underprivileged adults and
kids. I firmly believe - from my own experience - that a solid
foundation in math is the key to a good career. It was a good way to
pay-forward the benefits I have earned.
Incidentally, the years since my retirement in 2007 have also been
spent traveling the world and taking photographs; a hobby I have
seriously pursued since my days in the dark-room in the Otto Mass
Chemistry building at McGill. We have take trips from Norway to
Patagonia, and from African safaris to trips in the far east. I
lugged 35 lbs. of photo gear on these trips.
The link to the best ~1200 photos
are all set-ups, and can be seen on my site
Looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Gabe